There is a fair choice of engines including both diesel and petrol so whatever level of Peugeot 207 SW performance you are after there is an engine to suit.

Petrol engines

The Peugeot 207 SW is offered with a 1.4-litre engine in 75- and 95bhp guises, both with a five-speed manual gearbox. For the 120bhp 1.6-litre VTi petrol engine, Peugeot only gives the choice between five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearboxes. The manual manages 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds compared to the auto’s more sluggish 12.8 seconds. If you want or need an automatic gearbox, this is the only option for you in the 207 SW range. The 1.6 VTi is smooth, quiet and eager in operation.

Diesel engines

The two 1.6-litre turbodiesel engines used in the Peugeot 207 SW are developments of the earlier 90- and 110 HDi diesels offered when the SW was launched in 2007. Three years later Peugeot then offers the 1.6 turbodiesel in its latest 92- and 112bhp forms.

The less powerful diesel comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the 112 gets a six-speeder, but the 92 offers lower emissions of 110g/km to the 114g/km of the more potent 1.6 diesel. The 1.6 92 HDi needs 13.3 seconds for 0-62mph, while the 112 version only requires 11.3 seconds. For those who carry heavier loads often, the 112 diesel is the better bet, though both are refined when cruising.

Parkers recommends

For most needs, the 1.6 92 HDi diesel engine will be more than up to the job in the 207 SW and it comes with fine economy and low emissions to get our vote.

The 207 SW is easy and comfortable to drive, rather then exciting. Around town the steering is light and visibility is good, so it’s easy to park, manoeuvre and nip-in-and-out of traffic. On more twisting roads the lack of feel in the steering and poor gear change mean it’s not especially involving, but it’s composed nonetheless.

The diesel models are best on the motorway, where they are less frantic than the 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrols and much better suited to long distance cruising.

Ride comfort is generally good on all surfaces, even with a full compliment of passengers and luggage, though the diesels are more firmly sprung.