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The Peugeot 207 Urban entry level model has a lot to recommend it. Steve Ghosley explains...

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The Urban is offered in both 3-door and 5-door hatchback forms, the clever design ensuring that the 5-door loses none of the sporting style that is built into the car. There's a choice of either a 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 1.4-litre HDi diesel unit. The petrol model is an 8-valve engine producing 75bhp whereas the diesel offering is a second generation common rail high-pressure direct injection powerplant producing 70bhp. The diesel model completes the 0-62mph sprint in 14.8 seconds and goes on to a maximum speed of 104mph. The 1.4-litre petrol-powered model reaches 62mph in 15.7 seconds and has a similar top speed of 106mph. It's in the economy and environmental arenas that the diesel model has the beating of its petrol sibling. On the combined cycle, the 1.4-litre petrol averages 44.1mpg, against the diesel's impressive 64.2 and there is a similar difference with the CO2 emissions figures of 147g/km for the petrol model and 117g/km for the diesel.

On the road is where the 207 really shows its mettle, especially in petrol form. Surprisingly, the 1.4 petrol is probably the best unit in the range. It revs easily and really sings when driven hard. The steering, ride and handling are superb on both cars and they are great fun to drive especially on twisty, hilly roads, the petrol model just shading the diesel on agility through the bends.

Sitting inside the 207 Urban, you can immediately sense that this car is far removed from the 206 in terms of its quality and elegance. The elegant centre panel houses all the usual heating, ventilating and audio switches and the binnacle behind the steering wheel features three circular dials, mirroring those usually seen on a motorcycle. The overall effect is very pleasing and gives the impression of a very up-market product. The front seats are very comfortable and appear to give good support. In the rear, as with most vehicles in this sector, the available space is rather limited to the size of the passenger and driver seated in the front. With the front seats fully extended backwards, the space in the back can be a bit restricted.

And the equipment levels - are they really class-leading? It depends how you look at it. The Urban model does come surprisingly well kitted out with features that include power steering, remote control central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows with one touch operation for the driver, stereo radio and CD player, driver and passenger seat height adjustment as well as 60/40 split folding rear seats. A sophisticated braking system is also standard on this car featuring ABS with EBFD (electronic brakeforce distribution) and EBA (electronic braking assistance) ensuring the 207 stops quickly and in a control manner. Other rivals can match this tally at affordable prices but arguably, the quality of the Peugeot's trim is better.

The Peugeot 206 was a tough act to follow yet the 207 proved up to the job. It is beautifully styled and extremely well put together. The doors shut with a reassuring "clunk" just like a Mercedes-Benz or BMW. Even with this entry level model you feel cosseted in a classy car. The Peugeot 207 Urban could prove to be the surprise package of the range.