|
Peugeot is rightly proud of the new engine powering its latest pocket rocket – the 207 GT THP. The new turbo-charged 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine produces 150 bhp and because of its new technology using high pressure fuel injectors, (rather like the latest diesel engines), the performance is available at quite low engine revs.
This gives terrific fuel economy of a claimed average 40 mpg (7 litres per 100 kms), instant response when maximum acceleration is required without having to wait for the engine speed to build , and a relatively light weight. Peugeot says the new THP engine (Turbo High Pressure) provides the kind of power comparable to an older 2 litre normally aspirated engine.
The 16-valve twin overhead camshaft, variable valve timing power plant is the result of a joint venture with Germany luxury car maker BMW, and is used in the new Mini, which is also just appearing on dealer forecourts. When the new Mini was launched last month, BMW was claiming that the engine shared with Peugeot was actually built by it at its Hams Hall plant in the British Midlands.
Operatives bristle
Peugeot operatives bristle when confronted with this claim, saying that the engine is built at its own plant in Douvrin, France, and the engineering activity at Hams Hall is more akin to prising open the wooden boxes that the engines arrive in than anything to do with mathematics and physics.
This new engine is only just starting to hit markets. There will be a 175 bhp version later, powering the 207 GTi among others. There will be a 120 bhp engine too, and 1.4 litre motor.
Gem of an engine
Whatever the truth about its origins – and who really cares - the engine is a gem. Unfortunately, the car itself doesn’t overwhelm with its appearance. Like its more downmarket brethren launched earlier this year, the 207 shape looks more or less like the old one, and is another example of the fear manufacturers have of messing with the design of a successful car. While the competition like Fiat and even Toyota moves on to more futuristic, attractive designs, Peugeot may live to regret its lack of styling adventure with the 207 series.
Inside the GT THP, the dashboard looked attractive with high quality materials and good looking instruments. The version I drove had leather seats, chrome everywhere and aluminium pedals, plus a huge glass roof. A quick glance at the gear lever showed there were only 5 gears, when any self respecting attempt to pretend a car has premium pretensions means 6 gears, at least. As someone who thinks that 5 gears just about do it all, and the 6th just means more work for not much gain, I didn’t mark the car down for that.
Pricey
Another glance at the specification sheet though did spur negative thoughts. This little three door car, admittedly with the promise of terrific performance and handling, and with all toys like satellite navigation, metallic paint, upmarket stereo and “fragrance diffuser”, cost a mighty £17,465/€25,900.
On the road, the car was fabulous to drive, with a responsive engine and lightening quick electric power steering. The car felt like it was glued to the road and just went where it was pointed. The gear change was adequate. I never cried out for the sixth one, just for a bit more fluency and aplomb in the way it changed.
On to more mundane matters; the car has only 3 doors, but there was plenty of room in the back. (I’m trying to hold back my prejudices against the futility of only 3 doors). The base version, which starts at £14,345-€21,300, includes the full gamut of ESP including ABS, EBFD, and ASR aids to safety. The car has the maximum 5 stars for safety.
Tough competition
The idea of a souped up version of a basic Supermini always seemed a bit futile to me. Who would want a pricey, go-fast version of a small Peugeot, when for the same money, you could buy a comparably equipped Mini, or a not so well-specified BMW 1-series or an Audi A3?
The suspicion is that this might be a hubris ridden project to ”show that we can do it”, rather than any serious plan to sell cars that the market demands.
|
