ESTATE DEPARTMENT

Peugeot has shown itself to be a strong advocate of the estate car concept and the 207 SW continues the line. Steve Walker reports

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The VTi branding on these petrol units refers to their implementation of variable valve timing. This is an advanced version of the technology which allows the engine management computer to automatically adjust not only the timing of the exhaust and inlet valves but also the lift of the inlet valves. Basically, it can configure the combustion process according to the demands being placed on the engine by the driver with the aim of minimising fuel consumption and emissions without causing a tail off in performance when you give the throttle a good prodding. All 207 models get a five speed manual gearbox.

The 207 SW is based on the standard 207 five-door hatchback but it's 119mm longer and 38mm taller. Inside, the larger body gives you extra luggage space to the tune of 55 litres. That means there's a total of 325 litres available which can be increased to 1,410 litres if you fold the rear seats down. The seating drops down very simply to create a flat load floor which helps when sliding items inside. There's additional headroom in the rear as well and the impression of a whole lot more thanks to the full length Cielo panoramic sun roof.

If you're familiar with the way the 407 SW and the old 307 SW look, you could almost give your retinas a rest and avoid eye contact with the 207 SW completely. Peugeot's designers have taken a Russian doll approach with their estate range with each model simply a slightly shrunken version of the last.

Not that this is a bad thing, if you like the marque's current frontal styling treatment which is apparently based on the cheesy grin of an adolescent with serious orthodontic issues. At least the latest models have a fresher look with additional side vents flanking the oversize front grille. There are also LED light clusters at the rear. The estate bit is neatly integrated with the standard 207 shape with the roofline sloping down at the back and a diagonal swage line that meets the side window line to create a notch effect. The thick pillars around the flanks at the rear of the car don't help visibility.

For the 207SW, there are two trim levels on offer - S and Sport - but buyers can also shoose the Outdoor with its 4x4 styling accessories . The 207 SW is one of only a few supermini-based estates that are still available on the UK market. Most mainstream manufacturers have put their faith in supermini-based MPVs to cater for the needs of family buyers wanting a small practical car and the 207 SW will need to convince these people that its sleeker shape and sharper driving experience are preferable to the greater flexibility of these rivals.

Buyers can expect some pleasantly thrifty fuel economy figures from the 207 SW's range of modern engines. Predictably, the best combined cycle figures come from the diesels which both pepper the 60mpg mark. Go for the petrol options and the 1.4 VTi should manage in the region of 45mpg with the more powerful 1.6 only fractionally thirstier. Emissions are similarly eco-friendly with the more powerful diesel utilising Peugeot's FAP particulate filter to meet the latest European regulations.

If your family commitments necessitate a small car with extra space and practicality but you also like a car that's reasonably good to drive, the 207 SW makes sense. The estate shape is definitely easier on the eye than the amorphous blobs that most small people carriers resemble and if Peugeot's distinctive styling does it for you, why not? The engine range is perfect for the job and you should get some enjoyment from your time at the wheel.

Many manufacturers have abandoned the small estate over recent years in favour of the extra versatility afforded by supermini MPVs. Peugeot remains convinced of the concept's merits, although at least part of this faith probably stems from the firm's own lack of a convincing small MPV platform. The 207 SW takes the five-door 207 supermini and produces extra load space through an extended hindquarters as well as increased headroom for rear seat passengers and a greater feeling of airiness in the cabin thanks to a full length glass roof. The design is well integrated and the SW definitely gives something extra over the hatch but is it enough to make this vehicle preferable to an MPV in the eyes of families?