Choose your engine carefully, because the 207 is on the hefty side. The entry-level 74bhp 1.4-litre petrol is wheezy, but the 94bhp 1.4 is lively and the 118bhp 1.6 is livelier still. The 67bhp 1.4 diesel feels weedy, and struggles to shift the 207 with any degree of urgency. The 89- and 107bhp 1.6-litre diesels are much stronger.

The 207 is effortless to drive. The steering is light at low speed, but weights up as you increase speed and the car changes direction eagerly. The ride is generally supple and well controlled, but the suspension tremors over nasty bumps and there's a firmer edge to the ride of the heavier diesel models.

The 207 doesn’t do badly for refinement. There’s a bit of wind- and road noise that intrudes on the motorway, but most of the engines are smooth and quiet, particularly the 94bhp petrol and 1.6-litre diesel. Most models have a mushy gearshift that really lets the side down, however.

The 207 isn't cheap and residual values aren't strong, but it's not hard to find big discounts on the list price. Running costs for most models are affordable and the 1.4 diesels are particularly frugal.

The 207's classy cabin is one of its strong points. Lots of soft-touch plastics and metallic inserts give it a high-quality look, although some of the plastics lower in the cabin aren't as impressive. The 207 didn't score particularly highly in our latest JD Power customer satisfaction survey and reliability was rated as no better than average.

Every 207 has front and side airbags, as well as anti-lock brakes with the latest electronic stopping aids, while all but Urban models also have curtain airbags. Stability control is fitted as standard only on GT models. Deadlocks are standard across the board, but only GT trim has an alarm.

The 207 caters for drivers of all shapes and sizes, thanks to a steering wheel that adjusts for both reach and rake and a height-adjustable driver's seat on all models. The lever to adjust the angle of the driver's seat is fiddly to use, however, and the odd position and shape of the door mirrors takes some getting used to.

The 207 has plenty of space for those in the front seats, and there's good headroom in the back. Rear legroom is exceedingly tight compared to many rivals', however, and cheaper models don't have the hollowed-out seat backs of the rest of the range. The boot isn't as large as many rivals', either, but it's still a very useful size and shape.

The entry-level Urban model comes with the basics, but you need to step up to S grade to gain air-con, and even then it costs extra for the smallest-engined models. Sport and GT models feature a different front bumper for a more aggressive look. SE and GT models also feature a panoramic glass roof, while the 'green' Economique models have a styling pack and 15-inch steel wheels. Economique+ adds air-con and electric door mirrors.