KEY POINTS:
French carmaker Peugeot has delivered some pretty hot hatchbacks over the years, including the 205GTi in the 1980s and later models the 309GTi and 306GTi.
The four-speed 205GTi is the benchmark - used models still bring reasonable prices. The later 96kW 1.9-litre variant is more popular than the 85kW 1.6.
The overall 205 range was one of Peugeot's most successful, running with a minor facelift here and there for around 13 years.
The bigger 309GTi of the late 1980s used a similarly powered 1.9-litre engine. The car never enjoyed the success of the 205GTi, although it remains an entertaining drive.
The 306GTi appeared in the mid-1990s, powered by a 2-litre engine producing around 124kW and 200Nm and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
A six-speeder also appeared in New Zealand. It gave the car longer legs on the open road - but one of the worst turning circles in town, in the process redefining the three-point turn. Its unassisted steering didn't help either. The five-speeder is easier to live with.
Now, Peugeot in New Zealand has delivered its latest GTi, the 207 edition, which replaces the 206GTi. There is also a new coupe-cabriolet badged the 207CC. Both models share variants of a variable valve 1.6-engine developed by Peugeot and BMW. The Mini Cooper S uses the same engine.
The 207GTi is priced at a competitive $37,990. The 207CC comes in at $41,990 and $43,990. The price difference is in power output and the choice of gearboxes. Peugeot launched both cars at the Taupo track the other day.
The 207GTi THP (Turbo High Pressure) uses a twin-scroll boosted engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, and develops 130kW/240Nm at 1600rpm. Torque remains unchanged all the way up to 4500rpm but can stretch out to a lusty 260Nm, thanks to an over-boost function.
The engine is responsive and free-revving, with a raspy exhaust note. But the track outing revealed one of the reasons Peugeot is about to launch a more powerful 160kW version of the GTi in Europe. It is not known if the car and its revised chassis will be available in New Zealand.
The 130kW GTi carries uprated suspension but nevertheless remains a bit of a softy.
Handling is reasonably weighted and accurate, but the three-door is not as composed or agile as we expected through the twisty bits. It doesn't shout "Drive me" - although the driving position itself does.
But that's the track. The car's softer set-up and good grip has been dialled in for the road. So has engine torque, where third gear in an otherwise uninspiring gearbox provides a welcome wave of oomph from the peaky second cog.
The tin-top 207CC offers two 1.6-litre engine options - one a naturally aspirated unit producing 88kW and the other using the twin scroll turbocharger and putting out 110kW and 240Nm from 1400rpm. The 88kW variant gets a four-speed automatic box, the 110kW unit a five-speed manual.
The 207CC is a curious mix. The engine in both variants is a gem, and the chassis provides a delightful on-road ride with good damping. But the steering is a bit woolly and light.
Peugeot has designed the 207CC to appeal to a wider audience. The interior has gone upmarket compared with the outgoing 206 model. Fit and finish and the quality of materials has vastly improved. So has the roof operation - it is now fully automatic.
But, like other tin-top rivals, the rear seats are nothing to write home about, with short squabs and near-vertical backrests topped by steel roll-over hoops.
The 1.6-litre engine across the range offers improved economy and fewer exhaust emissions. Peugeot says the turbocharged engine is good for combined town and country use of 7 litres/100km (40mpg).
