Peugeot slinks in with 207 GTi

PEUGEOT launched its big new 207 hatch Down Under in March and now, just as it did last month with the range-topping 207 CC coupe-cabrio, has quietly slipped the GTi hot-hatch version of the 207 family into showrooms without the fanfare of a national media launch.

The three-door 207 GTi is available in five-speed manual-only guise now and, as previously revealed, costs $33,490.

Equipped with an even hotter Turbo High Pressure (THP) version of the 1.6-litre direct-injection long-stroke turbocharged petrol engine that was co-developed with BMW for its new Mini – a direct rival for the new 207 – the 207 GTi delivers a range-topping 128kW at 6000rpm and 240Nm of torque from 1600rpm.

That’s only 2kW shy of the outgoing 206 GTi 180 flagship and the same torque figure (at an extra 200rpm) offered by the 207 GT three-door, which is priced $2000 lower at $31,490, and the flagship 207 CC turbo, which costs $39,990.

However, both the GT and CC models deliver considerably less power (110kW at 5800rpm), while the naturally-aspirated 207 CC 1.6 (88kW/160Nm) costs $1500 more at $34,990.

Maximum torque occurs at up to 4500rpm but, as has now become common for many turbocharged models, the GTi also offers an “overboost” function that temporarily delivers 260Nm of peak torque. Of course, keeping all this in check is the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Claimed performance figures include 0-100km/h acceleration in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 220km/h, while combined average fuel consumption is stated at 7.2L/100km and CO2 exhaust emissions are given at 171g/km.

The GTi employs a sports-tuned version of the 207’s MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension, plus shorter final drive gearing. It has a kerb weight of 1325kg and a braked towing capacity of 1080kg.

All engines are Euro 4 emissions-compliant and the 207 has achieved a solid five-star Euro NCAP crash test safety rating, but the four-seater GTi also debuts Peugeot’s new Steering Stability System (SSP) - essentially an interface between the 207’s electric steering and traction/stability control systems to help maintain grip.

SSP proportions braking force to the wheels with the most grip and (in concert with standard ABS, EBD and EBA) is claimed to reduce braking distances by between four and 10 per cent. The speed-sensitive power steering system delivers a turning circle of 10.6 metres.

Other standard safety features include twin front and front side airbags, twin full-length side curtain airbags, four three-point seatbelts, pretensioning, force-limiting and height-adjustable front seatbelts, and a tyre pressure monitor.

Setting the GTi apart from lesser 207 variants are Bridgestone Potenza 205/45-section R17W tyres on new 17-inch nine-spoke “Pitlane” alloy wheels, a spoiler and trapezoid twin chrome exhaust outlet at the rear, “satin black” B-pillar trim and satin chrome door mirrors.

Inside are four bucket-style sports seats trimmed in dark Alcantara fake-suede with a matching 3D mesh, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, carbon-look console treatment, carbon-look instruments and drilled aluminium pedals.

Standard 207 GTi equipment comprises remote central locking, cruise control with speed limiter, one-touch power windows, power/heated wing mirrors, rear parking sensors, a height/reach adjustable steering wheel, an anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, a six-speaker in-dash five-CD sound system with steering wheel controls, dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear foglights, a 60/40-split folding rear seat and automatic elliptical headlights with static directional lighting and wipers.

A panoramic sunroof and metallic paint are optional extras.

2007 Peugeot 207 pricing:
XR 3-door	$19,990
XR 5-door	$21,490
XT 5-door	$24,990
XT 5-door (a)	$27,190
XT HDi 5-door	$27,990
XE 5-door (a)	$32,490
GT 3-door	$31,490
GTi 3-door	$33,490
CC 1.6	$34,990
CC 1.6T	$39,990

Read more:

Paris sends the Peugeot 207 with love

207 GT spices up Pug offerings

Read GoAuto's drive impressions of the Peugeot 207 GT

Pug flips 207’s wig

Peugeot's 207 numbers stack up!

BMW and PSA add 1.4 engine to partnership