Is there such a thing as a diesel powered pocket rocket? Like, no way is the initial reaction. But, yes indeed, there is! French manufacturer, Peugeot, is leading the way with tiny diesel engined cars. For example, the Peugeot 207, in particular, the XT HDi 5 door hatch.

This little oil burner with a 1.6 litre Euro IV compliant engine pumps out 80 kW at 4,000 rpm and 240 Nm at a low 1,750 rpm with the power going to the front wheels via a 5 speed manual gearbox. There is no automatic transmission option available for the diesel. This little gem sells for $27,990.00 (RRP) plus the usual state/territory statutory charges.

With a road wheel virtually on each corner of the vehicle, this astonishing machine handles the old Pacific Highway between Newcastle and Sydney as if it was on rails. There are no higher accolades that the we are able to hand out when it comes to talking about handling qualities. We sat the optional cruise control of this beaut package at the posted limit of 100 km/h and then enjoyed a very comfortable ride.

Performance figures indicate acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 10.1 seconds according to figures supplied by Peugeot Australia. The fuel consumption is stated at a miserly 6.2 l/100 km for the city cycle, but only 4.2 litres per 100 kms on the combined cycle. How happy would that make you feel? As you would imagine, the diesel is the most frugal fuel user in the acclaimed 207 line-up. Consider the fuel savings; although diesel is currently more expensive than unleaded petrol, the oiler uses 2.2 litres less fuel over 100 kms. This equates to saving real dollars over time, need we say more. This is why the Next Car team have such a high regard for all things powered by diesel which also have lower CO2 emissions than petrol fumes. The package is capable of 1,000 kms to a 50 litre tank of fuel based on ADR 81/01 standard.

The quality control standards that we have come to expect from this famous French marque do not diminish with the model size and, indeed, the 207 is of a very high standard with paint work and panel fit outstanding. The interior trim is also exceptional and appears to have long hard wearing capabilities.

Entry and egress to all seating positions is good, although tall people might be a tad cramped in the back seat. The rear centre seat position is best suited to children. Six (6) airbags are standard in the diesel hatch, that is 2 x front, 2 x side, 2 x curtain and that has got to be good for safety. Did some one mention safety, well it abounds in this package with ABS (anti lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake force distribution), EBA (emergency brake assist) braking through 4 wheel discs. Electronic stability programme (ESP) and traction control assist in keeping this machine pointed where you want to be going. The suspension set-up for the 207 diesel is; at the front its independent Macpherson type struts, helical springs and hydraulic dampers, whilst at the rear end it’s a torsion beam, helical springs and hydraulic valve dampers. This makes for a firm, but not uncomfortable, ride with very little body roll. Set the headlights and windscreen wipers to the automatic mode then forget about those switches as the sun and rain do the rest. Comfort and convenience is not forgotten either with features like speed sensitive power steering, remote central locking, one touch electric windows with anti pinch feature, height/reach adjustable steering wheel, auto dipping rear view mirror, electrically operated and heated exterior door mirrors, tinted glass and a heat reflective front windscreen.  Did I forget the driver’s foot rest? We could go on for a long time about the standard features of this package, however we will not. Suffice to say it is very well equipped.

The only disappointment for me and I’m probably being picky, is that the package runs on steel 16” rims with plastic wheel trims fitted with 195/55 R 16V Michelin tyres, with a full size spare. However, 16" alloy wheels are available as an option. Other options include metallic paint, sunroof, and a 5-CD in-dash audio system, amongst others.

We, at the Next Car Team, suggest you don’t sit at the computer, but go to your nearest dealer and sit in a Pug 207 and be impressed, just as we are.

Overall it’s a great piece of engineering that is meant to be driven and enjoyed.