Car Test
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R0357 | |
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October 2003 |
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| First Drive | Peugeot 807 | |
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 2.2HDi Executive SE | |
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Peugeot’s 806 was something of an also-ran in the highly competitive big MPV class. Though by no means a turkey, it was overshadowed by its rivals that simply did most things better. But that’s history. Now, the company’s days of playing second fiddle to the likes of Espace, Galaxy and Previa appear to be over. Enter the 807.
As before, the new model shares its hardware with the Citroen C8 and Fiat Ulysse (who said badge engineering is dead?). Whichever one takes your fancy, the brochures confirm that the safety features and specifications vary from generous to, in this case, decidedly lavish. Having impressed all and sundry with the electrically operated sliding rear doors, the first thing you notice as you climb into the driving seat is the unusual two-tiered facia. This features a central satnav screen flanked by pale instruments that put style before clarity. In compensation, there’s a clearly visible warning-light pack over the reach and rake-adjustable wheel, while the climate control buttons sit alongside the gear lever that sprouts handily from the raised centre console. Familiarity overcomes initial confusion. Having a high central gear lever and the handbrake on the right gives ‘walk through’ floor space. The electrically adjustable ‘captain’s chair’ is comfortable, but some drivers complained about the way it tilts forward as it rises – problematic for those with shorter bodies and longer legs. All-round vision is first-class, however, except that we dislike the dark-tinted rear and side windows when manoeuvring at night. Floor the throttle and there’s no mistaking that this is a diesel. On motorways and main roads, however, the quiet-cruising 2.2-litre engine is a big smoothie, but when going slower, there’s a period of mild vibrancy from 1300 to 1800rpm (about 40 to 50mph in fifth). As 2000rpm approaches,the initially modest acceleration perks up, so this hefty six-seater can be rowed along at a usefully brisk pace with the precise, if slightly notchy, gear lever. Fuel consumption is nothing to write home about, though – you’ll be hard pressed to match the ‘official’ figures. What starts out as a somewhat fidgety ride on neglected suburban surfaces, translates into stable, comfortably controlled progress on the open road. Cornering roll is well checked, too. In fact, the big Pug handles well, thanks in part to its accurate and communicative steering, which gives the 807 a deftness of touch that its forebear lacked. Those big sliding doors provide easy access to the flat-floored, leather-clad interior, in which each of the four (in this flagship model) individual rear seats can be slid, reclined, folded, tumbled or removed in the usual way. Depending on how you organise the seating, luggage space varies from cramped to cavernous. There are no clever seat-disappearing tricks, Zafira-style, here, and although their release catches work easily, these chairs weigh a ton…well, 23kg in fact. Getting them back in is no joke. The rear seats are narrower than the (swivelling) front ones, but they’re comfortable if you’re not too broad. Fair headroom and generous kneeroom for the centre occupants help, as well, but foot space is miserly. It’s snug for adults in the rearmost seats, but reasonable kneeroom for all its achievable by negotiation. All rear passengers are provided with their own climate controllers, roof lights and pull-up sunblinds. |
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