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Peugeot 207 GT THP 150 3-door road test report

GT THP 150 3-door

Launched at the end of 2006, the Peugeot 207 GT is for those who want a little speed and excitement from their supermini, but either don’t need, or would rather not pay for, a fire-breathing GTi. But is the GT a decent compromise, or neither one thing nor the other?

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the Peugeot 207 GT THP 150 3-door

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TOM SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

With the 175bhp GTi above it in the 207 range, the 150bhp GT is the warm version. However, one test drive is enough to let you know that the 1.6-litre 16v turbocharged GT is several degrees hotter than ‘warm’. With a 0-62mph time of 8.1 secs and a 131mph top speed it’s certainly no slouch, but the figures say little about how well the car performs on the road. A very generous 180lb/ft of torque is available from as low as 1,400rpm, and so a squeeze of throttle results in instant, gratifying acceleration. Without being fussy about which gear it’s in, the GT has the grunt to thrust you out of corners really swiftly, and it’s genuinely terrific fun.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 5 stars

Aiding and abetting this athleticism are strong brakes, a responsive electronic power steering system and a surprising absence of torque steer and inside front wheel spin while cornering. The GT also features supportive front seats, grippy tyres and compliant suspension which keeps the body nicely under control – even at high speed on a bumpy, rural B road. Put simply, it’s a joy to drive and certainly lives up to the reputation forged by that most iconic of 1980s hot hatches, the 205GTi. With a more positive five-speed gearchange action the GT would be close to faultless from the driver’s perspective.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 4 stars

The 207 GT uses basically the same Peugeot/BMW-developed engine as found in MINIs, so there shouldn’t be any particular reliability issues there. Various other major mechanical items, eg. the gearbox, are used across the Peugeot range, so everything’s pretty well tried and tested. Smaller Peugeot’s used to feel a bit lightweight and flimsy, with cheap interior plastics, but this has been addressed on the 207 which uses good quality materials and so feels more robust with good fit and finish throughout. A 3yr/60,000m warranty is competitive with other European manufacturers.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 4 stars

An Electronic Stability Program is fitted as standard, and this includes ABS, electronic brake force distribution emergency brake assist as well as traction and stability controls. All 207s have two impact absorption structures, a design borrowed directly from the larger 407 model, while six airbags come as standard, along with directional headlamps and tyre pressure sensors. All this adds up to an impressive five Euro NCAP stars for adult occupant protection, four stars for child occupant protection and three for pedestrian protection. Central locking, an immobiliser and a Thatcham Class 1 alarm system are also standard.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 4 stars

There's ample head, shoulder and knee room for everyone on board, although larger adults could find themselves a bit cramped for legroom in the rear, although its better in this respect than, say, a MINI. Drivers with big feet might also find that the space around the pedals isn’t overly generous, but there’s no shortage of oddment stowage inside with plenty of handy spaces for phones and keys etc.. There’s a reasonable 310 litres of bootspace available under the parcel shelf, extending to 1,195 litres when the 60/40 split/fold rear seats are laid flat. And if you need that bit extra, those rear seats can be removed altogether.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

A combined mpg figure of 40.3 isn’t too bad for a 150bhp warm hatch, but the GT isn’t outstanding in this respect. As already mentioned, this model is well-equipped and so also comes with auto lights and wipers, folding electric mirrors, climate control, a half leather interior and a ‘panoramic’ glass roof. So, despite a slightly higher purchase price than some of its rivals, the GT represents good value. In my opinion the 207’s Achilles heel is its oversized and ugly black plastic front air intake, but you can’t see that when you’re driving it, and driving it can be wonderful fun.

Submitted: 17/11/2008 11:16:08

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