Peugeot 207 Oxygo first drive

Tuesday, 01 November 2011 09:00

This uses less fuel than my petrol mower!

I used to have a real problem with what we call ‘eco cars’. They were all dreadfully slow, and the only people that ever drove them were over the age of 70. I have lost count the amount of times that I have been stuck behind an eco-friendly car, because it had a top speed of about ‘slow’, and the overtaking ability of a traction engine.

Ok, I know that we have to save the planet, and my children keep telling me that I need to burn sticks not Gas on the BBQ, and that if I continue to use cars that guzzle fuel, all the polar bears will melt away. No matter what I seem to do lately - there is always somebody ready to tell me off for not doing enough for the planet.

Well, you will be glad to read that I have been doing my bit this month - in the form of a Peugeot 207 Oxygo+. This car is what all the eco warriors want us all to drive around in, and to be honest that makes me sad, very sad, but there is a little glimmer of light here because, this little Peugeot is not slow, and it’s not fast either, but it is actually rather good.

First impressions: Everything about this car is to do with saving fuel – from its aerodynamic shaped body to it’s energy saving tyres and it’s unique ‘Aero’ wheel rims, and for those of you who live in London it’s also exempt from the London Congestion charging. It’s not bad looking either, although if you put this up against some of the other eco cars, then this little 207 is starting to look a little dated.

On the road: it’s rather good. It sticks to the road quite well, despite having Eco tyres fitted. Road noise is a bit on the loud side, but I can forgive it for this, due to it probably being stripped down to the bare essentials for the sake of the planet.

Engine: The 92hp 1.6-litre diesel engine pulls really well in any gear, and it’s performance is much better than some I could mention. To be honest, for a car that’s been sold as something that can save the planet, it has a very reasonable top speed of 115mph, and 0-60 is dealt with in an earth shattering 13.1sec. Fuel figures? Well this is where the 207 plays it’s trump card - 74.3mpg combined - and CO2 emissions of 99g/km. This little 207 does not drink fuel - its sips it! I used it all over town for a week, and I still had half a tank of fuel left when it came to handing it back. That’s amazing!

Inside & out: What can I say, it looks ok. The seats are a little too soft, but the space inside is rather good. It also has central locking, USB with Bluetooth, electric windows, ESP, ABS with EBA. Not bad then for a car that starts at just £12,645.

Would I buy one?
Peugeot build good quality small cars at a price that most of us can afford. So, if I was after a little eco warrior to ferry my family around in, then this would have to be on my shopping list.

Planet saved - end of!!

Peugeot 207 Oxygo+ 1.6 HDi 92

Price: £14,695
Top speed: 115mph
0-62mph: 13.1sec
Economy: 74.3mpg (combined) emissions g/km (99)
Engine: 1.6 Diesel FAP
Power: 92 (bhp) @ 4000rpm
Gearbox: Manual
Max Torque: 215Nm @ 1750rpm
My Rating: Who said eco cars were rubbish? By Anthony Yates

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