The first impression you get as you walk towards the new Peugeot 107 is: “Hmm, funky-looking little thing. Hang on, weren’t we just told during the press presentation that it’s a five-door, so then where are the … oh, there they are.”
The two rear doors are so far back over the rear tyres, it’s hard to believe they are, in fact, doors and not some gadget the French have invented to access the boot from the side of the vehicle.
The 107, while being a very small car, certainly doesn’t lack personality and presence and, during the recent launch, we were only really left wondering about that most important of Ps: performance.
Yes, it’s powered by a one-litre engine, but it’s also a very light vehicle, so motoring scribes expected it to show a little enthusiasm. That it did, proving that this unassuming kitten definitely has claws.
It’s zippy in the way one would need it to be when trundling up a hill, but there’s only so much you can expect from such a small engine. It’s not a good idea to do too much overtaking in this car because that would be like having your cake, eating it and wanting more.
The Peugeot 107 was developed in a three-way partnership between Toyota, Citroën and Peugeot so what you effectively have is a car with a Toyota engine and Peugeot styling. The partnership seems to have paid off because, as far as small cars go, the 107 represents a very impressive package.
Peugeot developed the 107 to compete in the B segment, which accounts for 42% of South Africa’s car market. The company realised that it is a fiercely competitive segment and set about creating a car that would be simple, modern and original.
The 107 range is priced from R89 900 to R105 900. There is only one engine on offer with three different trim packages, but it’s the standard specifications that are most impressive. ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, cornering stability control, two standard airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners and a full-sized spare wheel are standard across the range. The flagship model benefits from side airbags, electric front windows and a rev counter, among other features.
The drive is comfortable enough for a small car and its agility makes you feel that it really does want to go out of its way to impress you. The 107 pushes out 50kW of power and 93Nm of torque, which gives it a claimed zero to 100kph of 14,2 seconds and a top speed of 157kph.
Peugeot claims that, on a combined cycle, the 107 will average about five litres per 100km and, if that is an accurate representation of its consumption, then it will definitely make people consider the 107.
Interior features are understandably basic and a little plasticky. The seats were quite comfortable and features such as aircon and power- steering go a long way to making this little car even more appealing.
Overall, I would have to say that the 107 is a solid little car and, while we don’t want to put undue emphasis on its feline nature, it will undoubtedly be setting the cat among the pigeons.
Now, if Peugeot could sort out its customer service, it would surely have a winner on its hands.