If there's one word that perfectly describes Peugeot cars it's 'unusual'. That's exactly what the 1007 is, an unusual mini MPV with some strange and eccentric features that come together nicely to produce something actually rather good. With designs typical of the French company, this little auto looks sprightly and provides families with a weird but wonderful solution.
Available from 2004 to 2009, the 1007 wasn't around for long but it made a lasting impression. One of the first cars to feature 2 sliding doors as opposed to regular hinged ones, it's was incredibly easy to get in and out of in tight spaces. It was also the first Peugeot to feature two zeros in its name, and achieved the highest possible rating on the EuroNCAP safety tests.
While eccentricity is certainly one of the main selling points from the outside, the interior is altogether calmer and more 'normal'. There are some zany colour schemes, but overall Peugeot hasn't tried to reinvent the wheel with the cabin. The sliding doors make it practical, and there's also a decent amount of space inside, with 4 comfortable seats, but the rear most are probably best used only for children as leg room isn't great. A versatile car, the seats can be folded flat or even removed to give you a lot of storage space in the back, and there are loads of cubby holes dotted around for small items.
Despite its small size, the 1007 is pretty heavy and that spoils the overall driving experience because it's not as sharp and responsive as you'd imagine. The small turning circle makes parking and turning easy however, so at least you'll be able to get out of town after a rather uninspiring journey. The Peugeot is also quite slow as the weight masks any power that's given from the range of small engines. The 1.6 litre is the best though because it tries hard and delivers quite a lot of punch. Economical however, the 1007 is most happy cruising around at low speed when it doesn't have to do much.
The fact it wasn't overly popular when it was still in production means there's an abundance of used Peugeot 1007 cars around. Motors.co.uk has a huge selection of second hand cars for sale as you can see, so make the Peugeot section here your first port of call. With super price reductions and high quality all around, you won't have to look too hard to find a bargain.
Basically the Peugeot 1007 is a good car because it's different to everything else. Offering some strange design features and reasonably stylish interior, it's not a bad option for families who wan something reputable and budget friendly. While it's not fast or overly exciting to drive, it'll get you wherever you need to go in comfort and without drinking petrol like its going out of fashion.