| LIFE'S A BEACH |  | | | SUMMER WASHOUT | | | | VIEW FROM THE HILL | | | | WHEELS | | |
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Estate of mind
Peugeot's 207 SW Sport is a small estate car with a bit of spirit and some clever features.
There are 10 models in the range with five petrol and five diesel variations.
The Hdi 90 model tested was called the Sport for its equipment level (the middle of three specs) rather than a propensity toward any overtly lively antics.
With just 90bhp it could hardly be otherwise, but in usual oil-burner fashion the free-revving French diesel pulled well in its relatively narrow torque band.
In common with other modern Peugeots the SW has a good quality build about it, with decent materials and plastics used in the cabin, doors clunking shut nicely and fittings having a satisfying feel.
The Peugeot dials were again a delight, with their silver rims, white faces and red figures and needles, though the glovebox was surprisingly small and not very practical. But I liked the small nod to luxury of the leather-trimmed wheel and gearknob. Visibility was good forwards and the largish rear window, coupled with good door mirrors, helped at the back too.
Another pleasure was the Peugeot alarm chime which soothingly reminds you to buckle up or take your keys with you, rather than the aggressive bellow frequently heard in other cars.
The front semi-bucket seats (standard on this model) are comfortable and give good support, and the optional Comfort pack with dual-zone climate control and automatic lights and wipers is good value at just £400. I'd certainly specify it over the £350 black metallic paint option - I don't much care for black.
Though it's not a powerful car, the SW is still fun to drive and can be tucked into bends with its firmish suspension, low profile tyres and standard 16-inch alloy wheels giving confident handling.
Although slightly woolly' the gearbox is quick, and always found the correct gate easily. The steering is a fair compromise between feel and weight and should suit most drivers.
I particularly liked the simple, one-lever folding rear seat system which quickly converts the five-seater with 428 litres of boot space into an estate with 1,433 litres.
The diesel scores well in economy terms. Cruising at 70mph costs a relaxing 2,300rpm and I achieved a very respectable 53mpg from short commuting. Official combined figure is 61.3mpg. Maximum speed is 113mph with 60mph arriving in a deceptive 13.3 seconds. It feels quicker.
Other features of the SW are the full-length glass roof with electric sunblind and an opening tailgate window.
Standard on all cars are electric heated door mirrors, trip computer, curtain airbags, front fog lights and aluminium roof rails.
Adjustable height front seats and a reach and rake adjustable steering wheel make sure it's easy to find a comfortable driving position.
Prices range from £11,340 for the 1.4 VTi to £14,740 for the 1.6 HDi 110 Outdoor.
12:00pm Tuesday 25th March 2008
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