Auto Express drives the Peugeot 207 GTi

The UK's Auto Express snagged some seat time in the yet-to-be-released Peugeot 207 GTi. The new Pug hot hatch -- one of many that our overseas friends are able to choose from -- sports the same 175-horsepower turbo-4 found under the hood of the Mini Cooper S, one of the car's key market competitors along with the RenaultSport Clio 197. Save for the metallic rearview mirros and the rear spoiler, the 207 GTi is visually identical to its more sedate bretheren in the lineup -- a fact the Auto Express chaps lament, noting that the RenaultSport Clio has a look all its own. They're not crazy about the car's 5-speed manual either, as 6 forward gears have pretty much become the norm in this segment. Other than those quibbles, they're impressed with the car. Sadly, no manufacturers save for MINI, Mazda and VW have really stepped up to the plate to offer us Yanks fun, sporty hatchbacks like this. With any luck, GM will take advantage of this opportunity in our market when it brings the Astra to Saturn dealerships next year. All together now: Astra/Ion Red Line! Please, General.
You can read the full Auto Express preview and check out more photos at their website.

[Source: Oliver Marriage/Auto Express]