( Worldcarfans ) - As the third member of the new 207 family the SW RC represents a sporty version of the station wagon seen in the form of a sporty body kit, 17-inch wheels from the 207 RC hatchback with Bridgestone Potenzas and sporty interior trimmings such as instrument dials, door trim panels, shift knob and aluminum pedals. The engine is the 1.6 liter THP 128 kW (175 hp) engine putting out 240 Nm and holding it between 1600 rpm to 4500 rpm, but an overboost function temporarily bumps torque an extra 20 Nm in the top three gears.
Disappointingly, the 207 SW RC's sportiness has been diluted to compensate for its wagon disposition. Peugeot uses words like "less radical" and "leisure" to nonchalantly admit the car isn't as sporty compared to the 207 RC hatchback. As a result the SW RC forgoes the stiffer torsion beam and springs in the rear from the 207 RC hatchback. The Recaro style sport bucket seats from the RC hatch are also ditched in favor of less exciting softer seats. Also, the 207 SW RC comes with a 5 speed manual gearbox which is another let down since six speeds seems to be the norm for most cars with a sporty nature in this market segment and below. Again, unlike the 207 RC hatchback, ESP cannot be deactivated above speeds of 30 mph ( 50 km/h).
More than anything, the 207 SW RC is a compromise between its sporting appearance and functionality as a wagon as it targets car shoppers who want the sport trim package but not necessarily all of the expensive features the enthusiasts may want. But that doesn't seem to stop other competitors like the Subaru WRX and Mazdaspeed3.