Long-Term Test: Peugeot 207 THP 150: June report

By: John Simister

12 Jun 07

Peugeot 207 THP 150

Mileage since last report: 2,946
Total mileage: 6,560
This month's fuel economy: 35.3mpg
This month's costs: Nil
Faults: Fascia buzz louder than ever
Thumbs up: Effortlessly torquey performance, loads of grip, excellent sat nav, particularly attractive shade of blue, the fact it doesn't look as fast as it is
Thumbs down: Ride is too unyielding, electric power steering can feel artificial, gearchange is spingy across the gate, speakers have nasty bass resonances, no flick-wipe

IN THIS FEATURE

After the GTi, my THP 150 felt almost refined. It felt almost as fast as the GTi, too, but I suspect that's because its engine has loosened up more.

So, why does Peugeot make its sporty cars' suspension so stiff nowadays?

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The Corsa VXR proves that it's unnecessary, as does the Ford Fiesta ST. Does Peugeot think that someone who likes fun-to-drive cars doesn't care about the ride? If so, it has a very one-dimensional view of its buyers. It's all very well making a car which feels like it would be more at home on a racetrack, but the reality is the roads we're lumbered with. And the cars need suspension calibrated accordingly.

Head for the hills to see the 207 at its best

Sportiness needn't mean stiff as a board. The right sort of suppleness enables you to go a lot more swiftly; just ask the suspension gurus at Lotus or Jaguar, or anyone who really understands vehicle dynamics. And that's what Peugeot used to do so well. Just try a 306 Rallye or GTi-6, or of course a 205 GTi, to see exactly what I mean.

All of which leaves me in a quandary. The plan is for the 4Car 207 GT THP 150 to be replaced by a 207 GTi in the next couple months. I wonder if I can get it supplied with softer springs? I think it would be transformed.