French and Italian-U.S. auto giants Renault and Fiat Chrysler are set to announce talks on an alliance, with a view to a potential merger, informed sources said this week.Marco Bertorello / AFP/Getty Images PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles have agreed to combine to create the worlds fourth-biggest carmaker, as the manufacturers prepare to shoulder the costly investments in new technologies transforming the industry.In the biggest auto tie-up since Daimlers ill-fated purchase of Chrysler in 1998, the French and Italo-American carmakers will each own half of the enlarged business.The new company, with global sales of 8.7 million vehicles, will be run by PSA Chief Executive Officer Carlos Tavares, with Fiat Chairman John Elkann holding the same role.The transaction would forge a regional powerhouse to rival Germanys Volkswagen and, with a market value of about US$47 billion, surpassing Ford. It will take as long as 15 months to complete, pending approvals by shareholders of both companies and by regulators, the carmakers estimated.Like executives across the industry, Tavares and Elkann are responding to growing pressure to pool resources for product development, manufacturing and purchasing in the face of trade wars and an expensive shift toward electric and self-driving technology.(Indeed, industry sources said that in the future, the new company plans to move “more than two-thirds” of production to “just two platforms, with 3 million cars per year on a compact/midsize platform and 2.6 million on a small platform,” reports Automotive News. “The smaller platform will be PSA’s CMP architecture and larger cars will be on the group’s EMP2 (while) Ram pickups and larger Jeep models will continue to use FCA underpinnings.” —Ed.)The challenges of our industry are really, really significant, Tavares, 61, told reporters on a call Wednesday. The green deal, autonomous vehicles, connectivity and all those topics need significant resources, strengths, skills and expertise.In an era when size is becoming ever more important, the deal will turn the two mid-sized carmakers into a global heavyweight, with a stable of popular brands and annual vehicle sales surpassing General Motors. The combination will give Peugeot-maker PSA a long-sought presence in North America and should help Fiat gain ground in developing low-emission technology, where its lagged rivals. Yet the new company will still be heavily reliant on Europes sluggish and saturated auto market, and poorly positioned in China, the worlds largest country for car sales.The companies are aiming to extract 3.7 billion euros in annual synergies from the deal, without closing any plants, unchanged from the target they announced when they disclosed their merger discussions. Chinas Dongfeng Motor Corp., which owns 12 per cent of PSA, will see its stake in the combined company decline to 4.5 per cent as a result of the deal and the sale of a portion of its holding to the French carmaker.Dongfengs stake in PSA has attracted attention because of the possibility it could interfere with U.S. regulatory approval. U.S. economic adviser Larry Kudlow said last month the Trump administration would review the proposed merger because the deal would give the Chinese carmaker a stake in the combined
Origin: Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot confirm merger into one US$46-billion automaker
Peugeot
Peugeot board approves Fiat Chrysler merger plans, says report
PSA Peugeot Citroen Chief Executive Carlos Tavares delivers a speech during the presentation of the companys 2018 full year results, in Rueil Malmaison, west of Paris, Tuesday, February 26, 2019.Thibault Camus / Getty The board of French carmaker PSA Group has approved a plan to merge with Italian-American rival Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, a combination that would create one of the worlds largest auto manufacturers, according to people familiar with the matter.The new board would be made up of 11 members, with six from the PSA side including Chief Executive Officer Carlos Tavares, who will lead the new company. Fiat Chairman John Elkann would take the same role at the enlarged group.Fiat Chryslers directors are scheduled to meet later Wednesday to discuss the proposal, the people said. The plan authorized by PSAs board calls for negotiations of a binding memorandum of understanding that could last several weeks, said one of the people. A representative for PSA, the maker of Peugeot and Citroen cars, declined to comment. A Fiat spokesman wasnt immediately available to comment.A merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA, the No. 2 for car sales in Europe, would create a regional powerhouse to rival Volkswagen, with a stock-market value of about US$49 billion comparable to Japans Honda. The tie-up would also bring together two auto-making dynasties, the billionaire Agnelli clan in Italy and the Peugeot family of France.The merger plan comes several months after Fiat Chrysler and PSA explored a partnership on pooling investment to build cars in Europe, and following the collapse in June of negotiations between the Fiat and French competitor Renault SA.Automakers face tremendous pressure to pool their resources for platform development, manufacturing and purchasing as they battle through trade wars, a global slowdown and an expensive shift toward electrification and autonomous driving. Producers face the additional burden in Europe of new rules on emissions.Against this backdrop, the pace of dealmaking has picked up. Volkswagen in July said it will work with Ford on electric and self-driving car technology, while Toyota is strengthening ties with partners such as Subaru and Chinas BYD. The Indian conglomerate that owns Jaguar Land Rover has said its open to finding partners for the British automaker but isnt planning on selling the embattled unit.Tavares has sought to re-establish Peugeots foothold in the U.S., a market it exited in 1991. He set plans earlier this year for a return, with shipments starting from Europe or China in 2026.Fiat Chrysler is seen as a laggard in new technologies such as electrification and autonomy, which are expected to cost automakers billions of dollars over the next decade.The company has sought to secure its future with a larger partner for several years, dating back to late CEO Sergio Marchionnes failed courtship of General Motors. After being rebuffed by GM in 2015, rumors of talks with other automakers have swirled with varying
Origin: Peugeot board approves Fiat Chrysler merger plans, says report
Fiat Chrysler reportedly looking at a merger with Peugeot
Peugeot e-Legend ConceptPeugeot Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is considering a merger with European conglomerate PSA, the group that owns Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel and Vauxhall, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal breaking late October.If the deal goes through, it could create a US$50-billion global Goliath of a company, with Peugeot CEO Carlos Tavares at the helm of the joint venture, says the Journal.FCA chairman John Elkmann would continue in his current role after the merger.Tavares is, among other things, credited with saving Opel from the dustbin. PSA purchased the brand from General Motors back in 2017, and the exec got Opel to turn a profit just 18 months later. PSA is hoping to break back into the U.S. markets, where it hasnt sold a car in more than 20 years. Its unclear how brand operations would be structured after the merger.FCA had previously tried to merge with another French car company, Renault, at the beginning of 2019. That deal would have seen FCA take over a 50-per-cent stake in that company, but instead, the deal fell apart when the French government, which has a 15-per-cent stake in Renault, got between the two automakers.Even before FCA courted Renault, PSA had originally talked about a merger with the Italian-American carmaker, but FCA rebuffed it; at the time, Fiat Chrysler execs felt as if a merger wouldnt solve any of its money problems in the weakening European market.PSA and Fiat Chrysler already build commercial vans together as a joint-venture; the products of that partnership include the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroen
Origin: Fiat Chrysler reportedly looking at a merger with Peugeot
Peugeot 208 falls short of maximum Euro NCAP score
The new Peugeot 208 has missed out on a maximum score in the latest Euro NCAP safety ratings, with testers awarding it four stars. The French hatch missed out on top marks due to what Euro NCAP testers said was “poor” whiplash protection for rear passengers. The Jeep Cherokee was also awarded four stars in the latest tests, and they are the only two cars tested so far in 2019 that have failed to achieve five stars. Matthew Avery, director of research at Thatcham Research, which conducts Euro NCAP tests, called the 208’s score “respectable”, but added it was “not a good choice if you’re carrying adults in the back, with its ‘poor’ whiplash protection for rear passengers. Protecting both front and rear occupants is especially important as families continue to downsize from larger vehicles.” The Cherokee lost marks for both adult occupant protection and child occupant protection, and was criticised for offering limited whiplash protection. Avery called the result an improvement on the Jeep Wrangler, which scored one star when tested last year, but added: “There’s still a long way to go before Jeep can get back to producing five-star cars like the 2017 Compass.” Two BMW models excelled when they were tested, with the 1 Series and 3 Series both scoring the maximum five stars. The 3 Series achieved a 97% score for adult occupant protection, one of the highest scores in
Origin: Peugeot 208 falls short of maximum Euro NCAP score
Orders open for four Peugeot PHEVs
Orders open for four Peugeot PHEVs PHEV power for the 3008 and 508 ranges Peugeot has opened its order books for four new plug-in hybrids, as it pushes electrification acros its core line-up. Customers can now place reservations for the 3008 Hybrid, 3008 GT Hybrid4, 508 Hybrid, and 508 SW Hybrid. The 508 Fastback and SW plug-in hybrids are capable of covering up to 39 miles on a single charge, while the 3008 GT Hybrid4 offers 40 miles on electric-only power. The latter is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 300hp (220kW). Performance for the flagship PHEV is good, with the 0-62mph time covered in just 5.9 seconds. The 40 mile electric range is possible thanks to a 13.2 kWh battery, which helps return CO2 emissions of 28 g/km. The 3008 Hybrid and 508 PHEVs are backed by an 11.2 kWh battery, which powers a single electric motor. Combined with a 1.6 litre petrol engine, the combined power output is 225hp (165kW). All four models can be charged in less than two hours on a 7 kW charge point, and with a good electric range for PHEV models, they benefit from BIK rates for company car drivers. Peugeot’s four plug-in hybrids come as the pure-electric e-208 is due for launch, and the French manufacturer has confirmed an e-2008 crossover is due in the near future. The Hybrid PHEVs are able to be ordered now, with deliveries starting in January 2020.
Origin: Orders open for four Peugeot PHEVs
Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 details announced
Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 details announced The new PHEV will have an electric range of 36 miles Peugeot has revealed details of its forthcoming plug-in hybrid – the 2008 GT Hybrid4 – which will feature a range of up to 36 miles on a single charge. The new SUV features a 13.2 kWh battery, powering two electric motors, which combine with a 200hp 1.6-litre petrol engine to produce 300hp (220kW). As such, the 0-60mph time is just 5.9 seconds, thanks in part to the all-wheel drive system and eight-speed EAT8 automatic transmission. Charging will take less than two hours from a 7kW charge point, via the Type 2 inlet on the car’s rear flank. Emissions are rated as 29 g/km CO2, which when combined with the electric-only range, gives the 3008 Hybrid4 a BIK rating of 10% from April next year. Peugeot has confirmed that a front-wheel drive version of the 3008 PHEV will come along at a later date, with a single 80 kW electric motor placed on the front axle, working with a lower-powered 180hp petrol engine, for a combined 225hp (165kW). The 3008 GT Hybrid4 will be joined by PHEV versions of the 508 Fastback and 508 SW estate, plus the new 208 and 2008 will both be offered with pure-electric powertrains, as Peugeot electrifies its line-up.
Origin: Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 details announced
Peugeot opens UK order books for new 208 and e-208
Orders are now being taken for Peugeot’s new 208, in petrol, diesel and electric form, ahead of customer deliveries beginning in early 2020. The new Ford Fiesta rival is priced from £16,250 in Active trim, powered by a 75bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine. Entry-level models receive 16in wheels, automatic brake assist, heated wing mirrors, automatic air conditioning and Peugeot’s i-Cockpit infotainment system. Prices rise to £17,350 with a 99bhp turbocharged engine, while mid-spec Allure trim with the same engine is £18,850. The eight-speed automatic gearbox option adds £1,400 to the spec, but 17in wheels, black B-pillar and leather-style seats are standard at this level. Range-topping GT-Line trim starts from £20,700, and includes mood lighting, twin-exhausts and a black contrasting roof. On GT-Line and EV-specific GT trim, black wheelarch extensions are applied because the two versions get a 12mm-wider track than lesser 208s. On the GT-Line, it’s for effect only, but the EV’s powertrain necessitates it because its front axle has a wider stance. Peugeot’s designers, like a lot of companies, would prefer the 208 to feature larger wheels, but “in this segment, cost is important”, said Beurel. All trim levels can also be equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel engine from £18,850, but more interesting is the pricing of the 136bhp all-electric variant. The e-208 starts from £25,050 in base Active form, with four trim levels topped out by bespoke GT spec, maxing the range out at £29,650. That pricing includes the £3,500 government grant and a high-speed domestic charging cable, which is claimed to be capable of charging the e-208 in 7.5 hours from a 7kW charging point. Top-spec models feature adaptive cruise control, a stop-start system, lane assist, Alcantara interior trim and a larger 10in infotainment display. Specification details further down the e-208 range are largely identical to conventionally fuelled variants, but the EV sits on 16in steel wheels in Active and Allure trim. The company has also now confirmed finance package options available for the 208. The electric e-208 can be leased from £289 per month over 48 months, with a customer initial rental of £5450 and optional final rental of £8978. Monthly payments for conventionally fuelled models begin at £229, with a customer initial rental of £700 and optional final rental of £6138. Around 4cm longer, lower and 30kg lighter than the car it replaces, the new 208 will offer a “more dynamic stance” than the previous one, according to Yann Beurel, the 208’s design manager, who describes its looks as “futuristic and young”. The car is five-door only and based on Peugeot’s new CMP (Common Modular Platform) architecture, which underpins the latest DS 3 Crossback. It will form the basis for the next Vauxhall Corsa now that Vauxhall-Opel has been integrated into the PSA Group. The new 208 offers its three powertrain options “without any compromises”, according to 208 product manager Nicolas Bonnardon. The electric 208 has a range of up to 211 miles on the WLTP cycle thanks to a 50kWh battery, which can be charged to 80% from empty in 30 minutes. All variants are front-wheel drive. Batteries for the electric 208 sit in an H-section stretching beneath the rear seats, which is where the fuel tank is on internally combusted (ICE) variants, to beneath the front seats. Visually, bar some colouring on the front, the badges and the addition of aerodynamic wheel trims, there is very little difference between ICE and EV 208s because PSA thinks EVs and plug-in hybrids will become a natural part of each car’s range. “We wondered if customers would want specificity on an EV,” said Beurel. “But they said they ‘didn’t want a flag on the top’ so the frontal intake takes body colour and there’s a blue-green tint on the lion badges.” Inside, the 208 gets an update of Peugeot’s still-controversial i-Cockpit, which features a small steering wheel that tends to sit beneath or, for some drivers, in the line of sight of the instrument pack. Bar the option of a night-vision camera, convenience, driver assist and infotainment systems on offer in the new 208 are the same as in the bigger, more expensive 508. But there’s new equipment in the 208, too, including a neat three-dimensional element to the instrument cluster. Using a reflective screen as in a head-up display, the most important info can be brought to a small screen in front of the main instrument pack. “What’s important is that it’s not entertainment: it’s information,” said Beurel. “It’s spectacular but it’s really useful when driving.” And if the i-Cockpit layout has its critics? “We’ve sold five million cars with the i-Cockpit,” said Beurel, “and customers are telling us that they’re happy with it.” QA with Gilles Vidal, Peugeot design boss What’s the thinking behind the new 208’s design? “Basically, the idea was to make sure we were doing a sexy little hot hatch, in a modern kind of
Origin: Peugeot opens UK order books for new 208 and e-208
Peugeot e208 pricing announced
Peugeot e-208 pricing announced The new electric 208 has a range of 211 miles (WLTP) Peugeot has announced prices and specification details for its new 208 range – including the pure-electric e-208. The electric supermini will cost from £25,050, including UK Plug-in Car Grant. Powered by a 50 kWh motor and 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor, the e-208 will be available in one of four trim options – Active, Allure, GT Line, and GT. Allure sees a £1,200 premium over entry-level Allure spec, GT Line starts at £28,100, and the e-208 is the only powertrain available in GT trim, costing from £29,650. Electric models come with 16-inch alloys, leather-effect trim, and Peugeot’s new, configurable, 3D i-Cockpit. Allure adds Peugeot’s 3D real-light clusters, while GT-Line features front and rear parking sensors plus reversing camera, 17-inch alloys, Active Brake Assist with night function, and cyclist & pedestrian detection, eight colour ambient lighting, LED headlights, and sportier styling details. All e-208’s come with the same powertrain, which allows for a range of up to 211 miles on a single charge. Charging can be carried out at up to 100 kW on DC CCS rapid units, and at 11 kW from an AC point. Peugeot will provide a ‘Charging Pass’ to customers with free subscription for an introductory period, and the above prices are subject to model approval by OLEV. Since it meets all the criteria for the Category 1 Plug-in Car Grant, there are no problems expected in it being approved, with deliveries expected to start in early 2020.
Origin: Peugeot e208 pricing announced
New Peugeot 208 and e-208: UK pricing confirmed
Pricing for Peugeot’s new 208, in petrol, diesel and electric form, has been revealed ahead of orders opening in the next few weeks. The new Ford Fiesta rival is priced from £16,250 in Active trim, powered by a 75bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine. Entry-level models receive 16in wheels, automatic brake assist, heated wing mirrors, automatic air conditioning and Peugeot’s i-Cockpit infotainment system. Prices rise to £17,350 with a 99bhp turbocharged engine, while mid-spec Allure trim with the same engine is £18,850. The eight-speed automatic gearbox option adds £1,400 to the spec, but 17in wheels, black B-pillar and leather-style seats are standard at this level. Range-topping GT-Line trim starts from £20,700, and includes mood lighting, twin-exhausts and a black contrasting roof. On GT-Line and EV-specific GT trim, black wheelarch extensions are applied because the two versions get a 12mm-wider track than lesser 208s. On the GT-Line, it’s for effect only, but the EV’s powertrain necessitates it because its front axle has a wider stance. Peugeot’s designers, like a lot of companies, would prefer the 208 to feature larger wheels, but “in this segment, cost is important”, said Beurel. All trim levels can also be equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel engine from £18,850, but more interesting is the pricing of the 136bhp all-electric variant. The e-208 starts from £25,050 in base Active form, with four trim levels topped out by bespoke GT spec, maxing the range out at £29,650. That pricing includes the £3,500 government grant and a high-speed domestic charging cable, which is claimed to be capable of charging the e-208 in 7.5 hours from a 7kW charging point. Top-spec models feature adaptive cruise control, a stop-start system, lane assist, Alcantara interior trim and a larger 10in infotainment display. Specification details further down the e-208 range are largely identical to conventionally fuelled variants, but the EV sits on 16in steel wheels in Active and Allure trim. The 208, which made its public debut at the Geneva motor show, will be delivered to customers from early 2020. Around 4cm longer, lower and 30kg lighter than the car it replaces, the new 208 will offer a “more dynamic stance” than the previous one, according to Yann Beurel, the 208’s design manager, who describes its looks as “futuristic and young”. The car is five-door only and based on Peugeot’s new CMP (Common Modular Platform) architecture, which underpins the latest DS 3 Crossback. It will form the basis for the next Vauxhall Corsa now that Vauxhall-Opel has been integrated into the PSA Group. The new 208 offers its three powertrain options “without any compromises”, according to 208 product manager Nicolas Bonnardon. The electric 208 has a range of up to 211 miles on the WLTP cycle thanks to a 50kWh battery, which can be charged to 80% from empty in 30 minutes. All variants are front-wheel drive. Batteries for the electric 208 sit in an H-section stretching beneath the rear seats, which is where the fuel tank is on internally combusted (ICE) variants, to beneath the front seats. Visually, bar some colouring on the front, the badges and the addition of aerodynamic wheel trims, there is very little difference between ICE and EV 208s because PSA thinks EVs and plug-in hybrids will become a natural part of each car’s range. “We wondered if customers would want specificity on an EV,” said Beurel. “But they said they ‘didn’t want a flag on the top’ so the frontal intake takes body colour and there’s a blue-green tint on the lion badges.” Inside, the 208 gets an update of Peugeot’s still-controversial i-Cockpit, which features a small steering wheel that tends to sit beneath or, for some drivers, in the line of sight of the instrument pack. Bar the option of a night-vision camera, convenience, driver assist and infotainment systems on offer in the new 208 are the same as in the bigger, more expensive 508. But there’s new equipment in the 208, too, including a neat three-dimensional element to the instrument cluster. Using a reflective screen as in a head-up display, the most important info can be brought to a small screen in front of the main instrument pack. “What’s important is that it’s not entertainment: it’s information,” said Beurel. “It’s spectacular but it’s really useful when driving.” And if the i-Cockpit layout has its critics? “We’ve sold five million cars with the i-Cockpit,” said Beurel, “and customers are telling us that they’re happy with it.” QA with Gilles Vidal, Peugeot design boss What’s the thinking behind the new 208’s design? “Basically, the idea was to make sure we were doing a sexy little hot hatch, in a modern kind of way. If you look at 206, 207, 208 along the years, the generations became more mono-spacey-looking, which was maybe a trend of the 1990s, 2000s. But here we wanted to have this really amazing sexy-looking, four-wheels-in-the-corners cute thing.”
Origin: New Peugeot 208 and e-208: UK pricing confirmed
Used car buying guide: Peugeot 207 GTI
In Dirty Harry, Clint Eastwood may as well have handed the keys of a used Peugeot 207 GTi to the criminal lying before him on the ground as suggest he weigh up the possibility of him having a sixth bullet in his Magnum. Do all the pre-purchase checks you like but, ultimately, whether the Peugeot’s timing chain is about to slip, taking the engine with it, is simply a matter of luck. It’s all to do with the hydraulic chain tensioner fitted to the model’s Prince engine. You hear it first as a rattle from cold. As the oil heats up and circulates, it fades away, leaving you to think it wasn’t anything serious until one day… crunch: you and your bargain 207 GTi are friends no more. And it is a bargain. Just £800 is all you need for a weary 2007-reg 207 GTi, and £2500 should be enough for something clean and straightforward with a good service history. The most expensive ones are around £3000 but we did come across a 2009-reg Octane special edition with 67,000 miles and described as being in mint condition for a bullish £4750. The last ones were registered in 2009, so given that the model was launched in 2007, you’ve only three years’ worth of used 207 GTis to pick over, although those built from 2008 have, according to mechanics who work on them, better chain tensioners. They have better cylinder heads, too. Worryingly, earlier ones were prone to shedding alloy flakes into the engine. Otherwise, the Prince engine is a gamey lump. It may have only 1.6 litres, but thanks to its twin-scroll turbocharger, it produces 175bhp. Not only that but it also generates a handy 180lb ft torque that can be over-boosted to 195lb ft. Either way, the turbocharger starts working from as low as 1000rpm. All that muscle and the gearbox still has only five gears but they’re well chosen and, in any case, the engine thrives on revs. Your £800, or £4750, buys a restrained bodykit complemented by smoked glass, 17in alloy wheels and twin tailpipes. Inside the car, you should find a pair of deep leather and Alcantara bucket seats (expect the side bolsters to be mushy by now) and an alloy gear knob and pedals. Incidentally, if the gearlever has a long, loose-limbed throw, don’t worry. It’s what sales people would call a ‘characteristic of the car’. Put simply, they all do it and from day one, too. The ride should be on the uncomfortable side of firm. If it’s not, suspect the condition of the suspension bushes. Grip levels should be high, unless it’s running worn or cheap rubber. The 207 GTi isn’t a five-star hot hatch and, in truth, it’s probably not a four, either. But the beauty of cheap old motors like it is that such ratings are nothing compared with the simple pleasure of enjoying some thrills on the cheap – and cheap thrills are exactly what a Peugeot 207 GTi offers. How to get one in your garage An expert’s view Greg Erskin, general manager, Ecosse: “I wouldn’t have a 207 GTI, certainly not one built before 2008, if you gave it to me. The timing chain tensioner is the big issue. It sticks or becomes weak, allowing the chain to slacken off, and then you’re in serious trouble. The other problem area is the cylinder head. Those on early cars were poorly machined and you’d get bits of metal dropping into the engine. Otherwise, things like the gearbox and suspension just suffer the usual wear and tear issues. The engine can be remapped for around £375 while a dump valve is a popular aftermarket add-on.” Buyer beware ■ Timing chain tensioner: A weak spot on early cars. Listen for chain slap and other noises when the engine is cold and idling. Fresh oil is critical to tensioner life so check oil services have been performed on time (yearly or every 6000 miles). ■ Carbon build-up: Listen for misfiring possibly caused by carbon build-up on the backs of the inlet valves. Premium unleaded fuel can help reduce accumulations. ■ Turbocharger: Inspect the exhaust manifold, turbo housing and twin-scroll divide for hairline cracks. Check the compressor outlet pipe and, by removing the downpipe, the turbo housing for oil contamination, both indicating a worn turbo. ■ Cooling system: Look for coolant leaks from the plastic thermostat housing. Fluid can pool on the top of the transmission. ■ Gearbox: Feel for worn synchros on second and third and feel for the clutch slipping. ■ Brakes, suspension and steering: The ABS pump is another weak spot so ensure the warning light isn’t on. Check pad and disc life and the MOT for advisories relating to droplinks, wishbones, gaiters and excessive steering play. ■ Bodywork: Expect dings and scrapes but be wary of uneven panel gaps. Blocked windscreen drains divert water to the fuse box, so check these are clear. ■ Interior: Check all controls work and warning lights go out after engine start-up. Also worth knowing Given a GTi is no five-star hot hatch and likely to have been driven hard, you might be wise also to check out the 148bhp GT version. Doing so will boost the
Origin: Used car buying guide: Peugeot 207 GTI
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