2012 Peugeot 107 Review
* 2012 Peugeot 107 reviewed * Revised looks; more equipment * On sale now...
The 2012 Peugeot 107 has a similar range of changes to the closely-related Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo.
The mechanicals of Peugeots city car have been updated to cut CO2 emissions, while an additional trim level has been added.
The exterior changes can be found at the front, with a shorter, more sculpted bonnet and new foglights. New top-of-the-range Allure models - like the one we tested - gain a strip of horizontal daytime running lights.
Tweaks to the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine improve fuel economy; it now returns 65.7mpg - up 3mpg on the model it replaces. Manual versions now emit just 99g/km of CO2. Benefits of a sub-100 figure include exemption from Londons congestion charge and free road tax.
Whats the 2012 Peugeot 107 like to drive? Theres no change here. As before, the 107 is most suited to urban driving; the clutch is extremely light and the car will fit in the smallest parking spaces. The steering is rather slow to respond, but the 107 is easy to park and manoeuvre, and visibility is excellent. The ride is firm, but not overly so.
Although the thrummy 1.0-litre petrol engine needs to be worked hard, performance is fine around town. At higher speeds, the 107s limitations become apparent - motorway acceleration or overtaking require lots of gear-changes. When cruising the engine copes well and is surprisingly quiet, but road noise intrudes.
Whats the 2012 Peugeot 107 like inside? Almost identical to the previous model. The 2012 107 gains a restyled gear knob and steering wheel, as well as a new radio system, but the changes stop there.
The good news is that the cabin remains reasonably practical, with excellent storage and a simple dashboard layout. Although rear head- and legroom are tight, four adults can fit. The boot is as small - if well shaped - as before.
Unfortunately, the 107 is showing its age compared with smart new rivals such as the Seat Mii, Skoda Citigo and VW Up. The heating and ventilation controls are very basic and equipment levels remain sparse, although all versions now come with a 3.5mm input socket.
The lack of reach adjustment for the steering wheel and height adjustment for the seat mean finding a comfortable driving position can be difficult. The seats provide minimal side support, too, so its a case of sitting on them - rather than in them - and there is little to hold you in place when cornering. They are comfortable, though.
Should I buy one? The 107 remains an appealing car that oozes charm, but the updates for 2012 arent enough to disguise the cars age. Its new face looks fresh, yet new features such as the LED daytime running lights arent standard across the range.
At 10,045, the version we tested is far too expensive, but with prices starting from 7995, some models are temptingly cheap. Running costs are incredibly low, too, but so are the VW Up's and Skoda Citigo's, which are far better cars that cost much the same.
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