In a recent issue of sister title Fleet Van, we featured a first road test of the new Peugeot 207 van and labelled it “the van that thinks it’s a sports car”.

Just a few weeks later, the engineers put together for our delight a van that is a sports car (almost), complete with go-faster stripes, alloy wheels, twin exhaust pipes, front bumper extensions and a sports gearlever and knob.

You can’t actually walk into your nearest Peugeot showroom and buy a van like this off the shelf, but the accessories on it are all available as paid-for extras so you could create a replica.

But it’s hardly a fleet vehicle, I hear you say. Wrong! Just think it through.

Everyone looks at this van and if everyone is looking at it they’ll also be looking at your company details, too.

It’s a fine free advertisement.

The downside, of course, is that if you give your drivers a vehicle like this, they are likely to push it to the max so duty-of-care considerations could well sway your buying decision.

Behind the wheel

In normal guise, the 207 is the best-looking van in its sector but with its jaunty red stripes and menacing lion’s head logo on the sides, it looks stunning and gained admiring looks from all during my test.

Three engine variants are available – 1.4-litre petrol and 1.4 and 1.6-litre diesels. Our model had the highest powered diesel offering 90bhp and 161lb-ft or torque at 1,750prm.

This made the van fly along and the power steering is weighted just on the heavy side, like it should be for a sporty vehicle.

It means the driver gets lots of ‘feel’ for what’s going on between steering wheel and road.

And the 207 will stick to corners like glue, making for a very enjoyable driving experience.

But despite quite a bit of sporty driving during my test week, this van still managed to return a fuel economy figure in the low-50s mpg.

In the business end, the rear hatch opens to reveal a good square load bay with six load-lashing eyes and a half-height bulkhead, although there is a sizeable lip at the rear which means loads can’t simply be slid in and out.

However, there’s a wipe-clean floor and we’d definitely recommend that full-length load cover to stop prying eyes looking in at your valuable cargo.

Verdict

A great little van that will delight any driver. The 207
van manages to combine sporting style with practicality admirably.

Model: 207 1.6 HDi
Gross vehicle weight (kg): 1,630
Max power (bhp/rpm): 90/4,000
Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): 161/1,750
Payload (kg): 450
Load volume (cu m): 1.1
Fuel consumption (mpg): 62.8
Prices (ex VAT): £9,295
On sale: Now