Peugeot 1007: Complete Review And Used Buying Guide

The Peugeot 1007, launched in 2005, emerged as a daring experiment in urban mobility. Blending supermini dimensions with MPV versatility, this four-seater hatchback featured powered sliding doors and a highly adaptable interior. Designed for congested city streets, it promised effortless parking and easy access, drawing inspiration from concept cars like the Sesame shown at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. Though production ended around 2009 after modest sales, its bold design left a lasting impression on the small car segment.

Design and Dimensions: Compact Yet Clever

Measuring just 3,731mm long and 1,686mm wide, the 1007 was narrower than a Mini and shorter than many rivals like the Peugeot 206. This made it exceptionally maneuverable in tight urban environments, ideal for parallel parking in crowded European cities. The curved door pillars allowed rear passengers to enter without fully reclining front seats, enhancing accessibility.

Its tall stance gave it a crossover-like profile, with a high roofline boosting interior space. Despite the compact exterior, it offered generous headroom and legroom front and rear, prioritizing four passengers over a cramped five-seater layout. Boot capacity varied from 178 to 364 liters thanks to sliding rear seats, providing flexibility for shopping trips or family outings.

• Length: 3,731mm – Shorter than the 206 for easy city navigation.
• Width: 1,686mm – Narrower than most superminis for superior parking.
• Height: Elevated for MPV-style roominess without sacrificing agility.

Standout Feature: Powered Sliding Doors

The 1007’s signature was its electrically operated sliding doors, a rarity on small cars. These large panels glided open at the touch of a button, requiring minimal clearance – perfect for narrow streets or multi-story car parks. They locked automatically upon driving off, adding a security layer against opportunistic thefts.

Unlike traditional hinged doors, they eliminated the risk of dinging adjacent vehicles. Rear access was seamless, even for child seats, making the car family-friendly in confined spaces. However, the mechanism added weight, contributing to the vehicle’s 1,050-1,100kg kerb mass, which impacted performance.

Interior Innovation: Modularity Redefined

Inside, the 1007 borrowed MPV tricks for supermini scale. Two independent rear seats slid fore and aft, folded flat, or tumbled forward via simple levers. This allowed owners to prioritize passenger legroom or cargo space on demand. The front passenger seat folded into a makeshift desk with retaining straps, ideal for impromptu workspaces during waits.

Materials felt premium for the class, with soft-touch plastics and supportive seats that absorbed road imperfections effectively. High-spec models included sat-nav, phone kits, and stability control as standard in later years, elevating it above basic city cars.

Engine Lineup: Diesel Strength, Petrol Weakness

Power came from proven Peugeot units: 1.4L and 1.6L petrols, plus 1.4L and 1.6L HDi diesels. The base 1.4 petrol (75hp) struggled with the car’s weight, feeling labored in acceleration. The 1.6 petrol (110hp) fared better but still lacked zest. Diesels shone, especially the 1.6 HDi (90hp), offering torquey pull for relaxed overtaking and better economy around 45-50mpg combined.

Real-world figures hovered at 35-40mpg for petrols due to the heavy chassis. A semi-auto gearbox was available but criticized for notchy shifts and a light clutch. Top speeds ranged from 93mph (1.4 petrol) to 109mph (1.6 HDi), with 0-62mph times of 14.5-12.9 seconds.

• 1.4 Petrol: 75hp, sluggish, ~38mpg.
• 1.6 Petrol: 110hp, adequate, ~36mpg.
• 1.4 HDi: 68hp, efficient, torquey low-down.
• 1.6 HDi: 90hp, best performer, ~50mpg.

On-Road Dynamics: Surprising Stability

Despite its short 2,310mm wheelbase and tall build, the 1007 handled competently. Sharp steering provided good feedback, with strong front-end grip and minimal body roll. The ride was firm over town bumps but composed on motorways, absorbing potholes without jarring the cabin.

Soft seats and well-damped suspension isolated occupants from imperfections, earning praise for comfort in urban and highway use. Stability control was standard, aiding safety. However, the weight made engines work hard, leading to noisy revving under load. Gear changes felt vague, with a high-mounted lever that some found awkward.

Safety and Running Costs: Strong Euro NCAP Score

The 1007 earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating, exceptional for its era and class, thanks to rigid structure, multiple airbags, and ABS. Low insurance groups (6-10) kept premiums affordable for young drivers.

Long service intervals (20,000 miles) and cheap parts reduced ownership costs. However, high kerb weight hurt fuel economy, and rapid depreciation saw new prices drop by a third within two years. Today, used examples fetch £1,000-£3,000, offering value for quirky appeal.

Market Performance: Commercial Flop with Cult Following

Peugeot aimed for 17,000 UK sales yearly but managed only 8,000 total before axing it in 2008. Rivals like Renault Modus, Honda Jazz, and Ford Ka outsold it with conventional designs. The 1007’s gimmicks divided opinions – loved for innovation, loathed for sluggishness.

Owners appreciate its practicality and style, calling it roomy and fun in town. Critics highlight poor residuals and weight penalties. It’s a niche used buy for those valuing uniqueness over outright speed.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Buying Advice for Used Peugeot 1007

Seek low-mileage diesels (under 80,000 miles) with full service history. Check sliding door mechanisms for smooth operation and rust on sills. Test for clutch slip in manuals. HDi models hold value better and offer superior economy. Budget £1,500-£2,500 for a solid example. Avoid automatics if possible due to reliability concerns.

• Inspect: Door rails, suspension bushes, turbo (diesels).
• Common issues: Electrical gremlins, gearbox wear.
• Best pick: 1.6 HDi Sport – balanced power and kit.

Peugeot 1007 vs Rivals

Compared to the Renault Modus (five doors, similar space) or Honda Jazz (magic seats), the 1007 stood out for sliding doors but lagged in dynamism. The Ford Ka was nimbler but less practical. Its MPV-supermini hybrid concept was ahead of its time, influencing later models like the Peugeot 107 successor line.

Owner Experiences: Real-World Insights

Owners rave about city usability: ‘King of the street’ for parking and access. Comfort over bumps impresses, with soft seats shielding from potholes. Drawbacks include 35mpg reality and heavy feel. It’s a ‘love it or hate it’ car – distinctive for enthusiasts seeking originality.

FAQs

Is the Peugeot 1007 reliable?

Generally yes, with proper maintenance. Diesels are robust; watch for door electrics and timing belts.

What is the fuel economy of the Peugeot 1007?

Diesels achieve 45-50mpg; petrols 35-40mpg combined.

Are sliding doors practical on the 1007?

Highly so in cities – easy access, no door dings, secure locking.

Why did the Peugeot 1007 fail commercially?

Weight from doors slowed it; rivals offered better value and performance.

What’s the boot space like?

178-364 liters, adjustable via sliding seats.