Peugeot 207 (facelift 2009) 1.4 VTi (95 Hp) Overview
The Peugeot 207, a prominent B-segment (subcompact) vehicle in the European market, received a significant refresh in 2009, ushering in the iteration known as the Peugeot 207 (facelift 2009) 1.4 VTi (95 Hp). This updated model built upon the success of its predecessor, which had been introduced in 2006 as the successor to the immensely popular Peugeot 206. The 207 aimed to elevate the brand’s presence in the fiercely competitive small car segment, offering improved refinement, enhanced safety features, and more efficient powertrains. While not a common sight on American roads, the 207 was a cornerstone of Peugeot’s global sales strategy, particularly strong in Europe, where it competed against a host of well-established rivals. This specific variant, featuring the 1.4-liter VTi engine with 95 horsepower, represented a popular choice for consumers seeking a balance of economy and adequate performance for urban and suburban driving. Produced from 2009 to 2012, this facelifted generation maintained the 207’s reputation for distinctive French styling and a comfortable ride, adapted to the preferences of its primary markets.
Engine and Performance of the Peugeot 207 (facelift 2009) 1.4 VTi (95 Hp)
At the heart of this particular Peugeot 207 (facelift 2009) 1.4 VTi (95 Hp) model lies a 1.4-liter (1397 cm³, or 85.25 cubic inches) naturally aspirated inline-four gasoline engine, designated with the model code 8FR EP3. This engine was part of the “Prince” engine family, a collaborative effort between PSA Peugeot Citroën and BMW, renowned for its advanced engineering and efficiency for its time. Featuring a DOHC-VVT (Double Overhead Camshaft with Variable Valve Timing) valvetrain and multi-port manifold injection, the engine was designed to offer a smooth power delivery and improved fuel economy compared to previous generations.
The engine produces a respectable 95 horsepower at 6000 rpm, translating to 68 horsepower per liter, which is quite competitive for a non-turbocharged small-displacement engine from that era. Torque output stands at 136 Nm (100.31 lb.-ft.) delivered at 4000 rpm, providing sufficient pulling power for daily driving scenarios. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission, a common and reliable setup for a vehicle in this class.
In terms of acceleration, the Peugeot 207 (facelift 2009) 1.4 VTi (95 Hp) accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a calculated 11.5 seconds, while the 0-100 km/h sprint takes 12.1 seconds. Its maximum speed is rated at 185 km/h, or approximately 115 mph. These figures indicate a car that is perfectly capable for city driving and occasional highway journeys, prioritizing efficiency and ease of use over outright speed. The vehicle’s weight-to-power ratio is 12 kg/Hp (or 83 Hp/tonne), reflecting its compact nature and the engine’s adequate power delivery for its size.
Fuel efficiency was a key selling point for the 207. The combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.9 liters per 100 km, which translates to an impressive 39.9 US mpg. Urban consumption stands at 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg), while extra-urban driving yields 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg). With CO2 emissions of 137 g/km, the 207 1.4 VTi met the Euro 5 emission standard, underscoring its commitment to environmental performance for its time. The 50-liter (13.21 US gallon) fuel tank provided a decent cruising range, making it a practical option for European drivers.
Design and Features
The Peugeot 207 (facelift 2009) retained the distinctive and curvaceous styling that characterized the 207 generation, but with subtle yet effective updates. The facelift brought revised front bumper designs, updated grille treatments, and new taillight clusters, giving the car a fresher, more contemporary look. Available as both a 3-door and 5-door hatchback, the 207 offered versatility to cater to different consumer needs, from younger drivers to small families. Its dimensions, measuring 159.25 inches in length, 68.82 inches in width (77.64 inches including mirrors), and 57.95 inches in height, made it a compact yet spacious vehicle for its segment. The 100-inch wheelbase contributed to a stable ride and reasonable interior space for five occupants.
Inside, the 207’s cabin was designed for comfort and practicality. While specific trim levels would dictate the exact features, common amenities for the era included air conditioning, power windows, and a decent audio system. Safety was a significant consideration, and the 207 came equipped with standard features like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and multiple airbags, contributing to its strong safety ratings in European tests. The front suspension utilized an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear featured a semi-independent setup with coil springs and an elastic beam, a typical arrangement for a subcompact car offering a good balance of comfort and handling.
The steering system was a responsive rack and pinion unit. Braking was handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear, a cost-effective and adequate solution for a vehicle of this size and performance. The car rode on 185/65 R15 tires mounted on 15-inch wheel rims, providing a comfortable ride and predictable handling. Practicality was further enhanced by a minimum trunk space of 9.53 cubic feet (270 liters), expandable to a generous 32.6 cubic feet (923 liters) with the rear seats folded, making it suitable for shopping trips or weekend getaways. The respectable maximum trailer load of 2535.32 lbs (with brakes) also added to its utility.
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 207 |
| Generation | 207 (facelift 2009) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 VTi (95 Hp) |
| Start of Production | 2009 year |
| End of Production | 2012 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine, Front Wheel Drive |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Performance Specifications | |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 137 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12 kg/Hp (83 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.4 kg/Nm (118.9 Nm/tonne) |
| Engine Specifications | |
| Power | 95 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per liter | 68 Hp/l |
| Torque | 136 Nm @ 4000 rpm (100.31 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 8FR EP3 |
| Engine displacement | 1397 cm³ (1.4 liters, 85.25 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC-VVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 1144 kg (2522.09 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1626 kg (3584.72 lbs) |
| Max load | 482 kg (1062.63 lbs) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 270 l (9.53 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 923 l (32.6 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1150 kg (2535.32 lbs) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4045 mm (159.25 in.) |
| Width | 1748 mm (68.82 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1818 mm (71.57 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1972 mm (77.64 in.) |
| Height | 1472 mm (57.95 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2540 mm (100 in.) |
| Front track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1468 mm (57.8 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension Specifications | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front-wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring, Elastic beam |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Legacy and Market Impact
The Peugeot 207, particularly the facelifted models from 2009 to 2012, played a crucial role in Peugeot’s strategy to maintain a strong foothold in the fiercely competitive European B-segment. As a direct successor to the iconic 206, which had sold millions globally, the 207 had big shoes to fill. While it didn’t quite replicate the 206’s monumental sales success, the 207 was a solid performer, consistently ranking among the top-selling small cars in many European countries. The Peugeot 207 (facelift 2009) 1.4 VTi (95 Hp) variant, with its balanced engine and efficiency, was particularly popular among private buyers and fleet operators looking for a reliable and economical daily driver.
In its primary markets, the 207 faced stiff competition from a host of well-established rivals. Key competitors included the Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Opel Corsa (Vauxhall Corsa in the UK), and Fiat Punto. Each of these models offered their own unique blend of styling, driving dynamics, and value. The 207 distinguished itself with its characteristically French design, a comfortable ride quality, and a generally well-appointed interior for its class. The collaboration with BMW on the “Prince” engine family, as seen in the 1.4 VTi, also gave it a technological edge in terms of efficiency and refinement over some competitors.
The 207’s historical significance lies in its role as a bridge between Peugeot’s older, simpler small car philosophy and its move towards more sophisticated, technologically advanced models. It solidified Peugeot’s reputation for producing stylish and practical hatchbacks that were well-suited to the demands of European urban environments. Its legacy is also tied to its contribution to improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions in the subcompact segment, setting the stage for subsequent generations like the 208. While it never officially made it to the American market, the 207 remains a testament to European automotive engineering and design, embodying the characteristics that made it a popular choice across the Atlantic. Its enduring presence on used car markets in Europe and other regions speaks to its reliability and continued appeal as an economical and charming compact car.
