Peugeot 807

The Peugeot 807 was introduced in the UK in February 2003 replacing the outgoing 806 model. The 807 is the result of PSA Peugeot Citroen and Fiat Auto's collaboration which also produce its sister models the Citroen C8 and Fiat Ulysse. Built at the Sevelnord plant near Valenciennes in northern France the C8, Ulysses and 807 might be identical underneath the surface but there is no mistaking the 807's distinctive Peugeot family styling.

Available with four engine options which include two petrol engines a 2.0 litre, 138 bhp and a 2.2 litre, 160 bhp and two diesel engines a 2.0 litre, 109 bhp and a 2.2 litre, 130 bhp. The diesel models should prove the most popular due to their fuel economy.

We tested the 807 GLX 2.0 HDi to see how Peugeot fare within the competitive world of MPV's (multi purpose vehicles) or as my editor calls them - vans with windows.

The 806 was named according to Peugeot's trademarked "x0x" system, where the first digit indicates model series (vehicle size/class), while the last indicates the generation, with a central zero. The biggest Peugeot series to date was the executive sedan line "60x", so Peugeot chose 8, leaving room for potential other model. The Eurovans were launched when Peugeot was replacing the "x05" with "x06" models, so it was appropriately labeled "806". 806 also gets facelift in 1998 as Citroën Evasion.

Belgian racing team Kronos Racing unveiled a highly modified racing version of Peugeot 806 with internals of Peugeot 405 Mi16 touring car in 1995 season. The 806 even raced in the Spa 24 Hours competition at Spa-Francorchamps, but did not finish due to engine failure.

The 807 is near identical to the Citroen C8 and Fiat Ulysse people carriers, with only the headlights and grille the real differences. The boxy shape may not do much for looks, but it means plenty of interior space and the ability to carry up to eight adults. The sliding side doors are another useful feature and make access to the rear easy while safety is excellent - it was the first people carrier to be fitted with full-length curtain airbags. It may be starting to show its age, especially inside, with a dated cabin design, but the 807 represents good value for money - especially as a used buy.

Big, smooth cruiser has space for seven. And sliding doors are a boon for busy parentsIf you need room to travel around in, this 807 should be on your buying list. Smaller, sportier MPVs may be grabbing the headlines. But if you need room enough to sit seven adults at once, and still find (some) space for their suitcases, drinks, phones and whatyouwill, this Peugeot space-ship ds the job right.

Those sliding side doors are a boon when off-loading kids – there’s no risk of them bashing your neighbour vehicle in car parks as they fling doors open. And, if you splurge on a top-spec model like the Executive in our pictures, the doors glide to and fro on motors, springing back when needed to, rather than squash a passenger.

It’s so comfy inside that you may find that your kids may not want to move at journey’s end. Each of the rear chairs slides back and forwards and reclines, while there are sun blinds and airline-style tables in the back. A ceiling mounted DVD player plus cordless headphones are options, costing a stiff £899.
Each of the mid and rear seats tips forward, tumbles or lifts out, though they are heavy to lug, and there’s nowhere aboard to stow them once they’re removed.

For those up front, there are three gloveboxes – two for the driver and one for the passenger – and plenty of big storage spaces for phones, food and maps. The dash-mounted gearshift frees between-seats space, while Peugeot has sited the hand brake on the floor to the right of the driver, to complete the task. That’s good, because it means a parent can move quickly and easily to attend to young’uns in the mid row.
Working a brake lever on the ‘wrong’ side takes some getting used to, though. The 807 is big at 4.7 m long and almost 2.2m wide, although its key rival, the Renault Espace, is even longer but a touch narrower. It’s big enough, in fact, to fill a parking slot outside your local supermarket. Easing it squarely into a bay requires fine judgement and is seldom easy, although the view forward is clear

And that big, two-height dash is imposing and places a hunk of plastic between you and the ‘screen, making it quite something to drive until you’ve covered a fair few miles. Reversing is also a challenge, although big door mirrors give what help they can.
The 170bhp 2.2 diesel pulls hard from low down and suits the relaxed driving style that this Peugeot’s size and easy controls encourage. Like any diesel, you’ll hear it working, but it’s a cultured sound that drops to no more than a purr when cruising. The steering is light, low-geared but accurate enough, while the brakes feel strong but with enough feel to haul gently to a stop.

This engine is available only when you go for the top-spec 807, and at a lick over £27,000 it’s competitively priced, giving you leather and suede trim in the cabin and loads of gadgets, too. If you’re well-off, and have a big family, it’s a good choice.