PEUGEOT READS MY THOUGHTS
19 December 2005 - Peugeot

There I was just starting to collect my thoughts on just what to say about the dismal performance of Peugeot 1007 1.4-litre Dolce, and then bingo along came a press release from the manufacturer saying there is a new petrol engine option.

The current 1.4-litre 75bhp petrol engine is not being totally replaced but a 1.4-litre 90bhp unit is being added to the line-up. Unfortunately at this stage it is only for Sport specification models.

It can only be a matter of time before the sluggard eight-valve; 75bhp unit is consigned to history.

I am sure you know the 1007 is the quirky compact small car which features full-length side sliding passenger doors and was launched earlier this year. It is available with Dolce and Sport equipment levels plus loads of options to tailor it to your own specification and it’s a compact high roof supermini. Prices start at £10,850 and range up to £12,300 with the latest 1.4-litre, 90bhp 16-valve variant in Sport specification costing £11,850.

The range also has a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a much better 1.4-litre HDI diesel unit, which for an extra £700 over the price of my test car has to be a bargain.

Anyway back to reality. I have just spent a week being outpaced by heavy lorries on A roads and hills due to the snail-like performance of the £10,850, 1.4-litre Dolce 1007. Did I say performance? sorry the wrong word because the weight of those large sliding doors does blunt the cars ability.

So you can see why I was gathering my thoughts about what to say when the Peugeot Christmas fairy lightened my mood.

The 1007 is a unique and innovative car but it has not reached the sales potential in Europe or the UK Peugeot expected of it so production levels have been turned down. Two reasons I think have adversely affected sales. One the new Peugeot 107 has also been introduced this year and as a traditional city car is more acceptable in design and price. The second reason I feel the 1007 is unloved are the sliding doors. For some reason over the years sliding doors for passenger cars have not appealed, they seem to suggest van or commercial vehicle use.

In the UK during 2006 Peugeot, who hold a 15 per cent share of the UK’s small car market with their 107, 1007 and 206 models, expect to sell 8,000 of the 1007s, 80 per cent of which will be petrol models.

The full body length twin sliding side doors of the 1007 give the driver and passengers really good access to the front and rear row of seats. There is a tailgate, which provides entry to a small load area, and the rear seats slide and fold to provide reasonable load space. The high roofline allows the 1007 to have a ‘command’ driving position so visibility is good. The tall body style does cause it to roll on corners though, it really isn’t much fun to drive although it does look a fun car.

Getting used to sliding doors takes a while but they proved really useful in narrow supermarket car parking spaces. I’m still not sure of the safety aspect of getting out of the car into the road with no door opening outwards to attract the attention of other motorists. Cyclists hate vehicles with side sliding doors because car occupants suddenly appear on the road in front of them. The doors cannot be opened inadvertently whilst driving along but the car can be driven with the side doors open. Not sensible and be sure somebody will do it whilst driving off-road or on the beach and be thrown out because they are not wearing a seat belt. But in all other aspects of safety the car is excellent with a full five star Euro NCAP rating.

Another benefit of these doors is that they can be opened and closed electronically, just a push button on the facia or on the key fob. Walk up to the 1007 fully laden with bags or Christmas presents, fumble for the key fob, push the correct buttons and hey presto the side doors slide open, just like big MPVs such as the Peugeot 807. There’s that Peugeot fairy again.

Overall though I just wish the 1007 was that bit longer, it’s too close to the 107 and with a bit more load area length it would be a really useful small MPV, something Peugeot does not have to compete against the likes of the Vauxhall Meriva, Renault Modus and Ford Fusion.

Almost enough said already about the performance of the 1.4-litre engine. Due to the weight of the car there is really no reason to buy this version unless you are just going to use the 1007 as a commuter car or for occasional use. I’m sure the additional 90bhp 1.4-litre unit, just announced, will be better. I wouldn’t bother with the 1.6-litre petrol engine option either but plumb for the 1.4-litre HDI diesel unit. This only produces 70bhp but with 120lb ft or torque it is more responsive and has more ‘guts’ for everyday motoring and the fuel economy of around 60mpg is much better as well. But sales to date show that only 20 per cent of 1007 customers have bought diesel versions.

MILESTONES: Peugeot 1007 1.4 Dolce. Price £10,850. Engine: 4-cylinder, 1.4-litre petrol, 8V, 75bhp, 88lb ft of torque. Performance: 102mph, 0-62mpg 14.4 seconds. Fuel economy: 43.5mpg official figure (34.5mpg actual), CO2 155 g/km, VED £125. For: Innovative design, great cabin access, five-star safety rating, versatile option list, probably ahead of its time for customer acceptance. Against: Performance, ride, handling and small boot, perhaps too compact in overall length.

Miles Better News Agency

www.peugeot.co.uk

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