Peugeot 1007 Review: The Bold French City Car That Was Ahead of Its Time
The Peugeot 1007 remains one of the most unusual compact cars ever produced by Peugeot. Introduced in the mid-2000s, the small French hatchback attempted to combine city-car practicality, MPV versatility, and futuristic styling into one compact package. While it never became a major commercial success, the Peugeot 1007 has developed a cult following among automotive enthusiasts who appreciate quirky engineering and innovative design.
Designed in collaboration with Pininfarina, the Peugeot 1007 stood out because of one revolutionary feature: electrically operated sliding doors. At a time when most compact hatchbacks relied on conventional side-opening doors, Peugeot introduced a solution aimed at urban drivers struggling with tight parking spaces.
Today, the Peugeot 1007 is remembered as both a daring experiment and a misunderstood vehicle. For collectors and fans of unconventional European cars, it represents an era when automakers were willing to take risks.
Peugeot 1007 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Production Years | 2004–2009 |
| Body Style | 3-door mini MPV |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Engine Options | 1.4L & 1.6L petrol/diesel |
| Transmission | Manual & 2-Tronic automated manual |
| Special Feature | Electric sliding doors |
| Platform | Shared with Peugeot 206/Citroën C3 |
The Peugeot 1007 was built on the same platform as the Peugeot 206 and several other PSA Group vehicles. However, the car’s taller roofline and short wheelbase gave it a distinctive appearance unlike anything else in Peugeot’s lineup. (Wikipedia)
Exterior Design: A Compact Car with Big Personality
The Peugeot 1007 looked radically different from traditional hatchbacks of its era. Its high roof, rounded proportions, and wide stance made it resemble a miniature MPV rather than a standard city car.
The most eye-catching element was undoubtedly the power sliding doors. These doors opened electronically and required less side clearance than conventional doors, making the 1007 especially useful in crowded urban parking areas. This design was inspired by family vans and adapted for compact-city driving.
Many reviewers praised Peugeot for thinking outside the box. Automotive communities on Reddit still discuss the car’s unusual practicality and futuristic approach years after production ended. (Reddit)
Another unique aspect was Peugeot’s “Cameleo” interior customization system. Owners could swap interior trim panels and seat fabrics with different colors and themes, allowing drivers to personalize the cabin.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Peugeot 1007 offered surprisingly generous headroom considering its small dimensions. The elevated seating position improved visibility, while independently sliding rear seats provided flexibility between passenger space and cargo capacity.
Interior Highlights
Elevated driving position
Excellent visibility
Flexible seating layout
Large door openings
Customizable cabin trims
Compact yet spacious feel
The tall body design made the cabin feel airy and practical for urban commuting. Reviewers also noted that entry and exit were easier than in many competing hatchbacks because of the sliding doors. (Auto Express)
However, the cabin was not perfect. Some critics complained about limited rear legroom and a relatively small luggage compartment when all seats were fully extended.
Engine Performance and Driving Experience
The Peugeot 1007 was never designed as a performance vehicle. Instead, it focused on practicality and urban mobility.
Available Engine Options
| Engine | Power Output | Fuel Type |
|---|---|
| 1.4L Petrol | 75 HP | Petrol |
| 1.4L 16V | 90 HP | Petrol |
| 1.6L Petrol | 110 HP | Petrol |
| 1.4L HDi | 70 HP | Diesel |
| 1.6L HDi | 110 HP | Diesel |
The diesel variants, particularly the 1.6 HDi, were widely considered the best choice because they offered stronger torque and improved fuel efficiency. Reviewers from Auto Express highlighted the diesel engine’s balance of performance and economy. (Auto Express)
Driving Characteristics
The Peugeot 1007 delivered:
Light steering for city driving
Good maneuverability
Stable ride quality
Decent safety performance
Comfortable urban usability
On the downside, the car’s heavy sliding-door mechanism increased overall vehicle weight. As a result, lower-powered engines sometimes felt underpowered during highway driving. Several reviewers also criticized the automated manual gearbox for slow shifts and inconsistent smoothness. (Auto Express)
Safety Features
One area where the Peugeot 1007 excelled was safety. The vehicle achieved strong crash-test ratings for its segment and included advanced safety technologies for the time.
Key Safety Features
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Multiple airbags
ABS braking system
Reinforced cabin structure
Excellent visibility
The car earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest compact vehicles in Europe during its production years. (Auto Express)
Reliability and Ownership Costs
Reliability remains one of the most debated aspects of the Peugeot 1007. Enthusiasts admire the car’s creativity, but long-term ownership experiences have been mixed.
Common Issues Reported
| Problem Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Sliding Doors | Electronic malfunctions and slow operation |
| Transmission | Jerky automated manual gearbox |
| Electrical Systems | Sensor and electronic glitches |
| Weight | Reduced performance and efficiency |
Reddit discussions and used-car reviews frequently mention problems related to the electric sliding-door system. Some owners praised the concept, while others described the mechanism as expensive to repair. (Reddit)
Despite those concerns, well-maintained examples can still provide dependable urban transportation, especially manual-transmission diesel variants.
Why the Peugeot 1007 Failed Commercially
Although innovative, the Peugeot 1007 struggled in the marketplace.
Several factors contributed to its weak sales performance:
High initial pricing
Heavy curb weight
Limited practicality compared with rivals
Unusual styling
Reliability concerns
Industry analysts later described the 1007 as one of Peugeot’s biggest commercial disappointments. Reports estimated that the company lost substantial money on each unit sold. (Wikipedia)
Still, the car deserves recognition for attempting something radically different in a conservative automotive market.
Peugeot 1007 vs Competitors
| Model | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Peugeot 1007 | Sliding doors & uniqueness | Reliability concerns |
| Honda Jazz | Excellent practicality | Less distinctive styling |
| Renault Modus | Flexible interior | Conservative design |
| Citroën C3 | Comfort-focused ride | Less innovative |
The Peugeot 1007 targeted buyers who wanted personality and originality rather than maximum practicality.
Is the Peugeot 1007 a Future Classic?
Interest in quirky early-2000s vehicles has increased among collectors and automotive enthusiasts. Because the Peugeot 1007 was produced in relatively small numbers and featured unique engineering, some enthusiasts now consider it a potential future classic.
Collectors appreciate:
Its distinctive French styling
Rare sliding-door concept
Unusual interior customization
Limited production numbers
Experimental automotive design philosophy
As modern vehicles become increasingly standardized, cars like the Peugeot 1007 stand out for their originality.
Final Verdict
The Peugeot 1007 was not a perfect car, but it was undeniably ambitious. Peugeot attempted to reinvent the city car by introducing MPV-inspired practicality, electric sliding doors, and customizable interiors into a compact urban package.
While reliability concerns and high pricing hurt its commercial success, the 1007 remains one of the automotive industry’s most fascinating experiments. For drivers seeking a practical yet unconventional European hatchback, the Peugeot 1007 still offers charm that few rivals can match.
In many ways, the Peugeot 1007 was simply ahead of its time.
Official Resources and Related Links
Author Bio
Azka Kamil – AUTOMOTIVE Enthusiast
Azka Kamil is an automotive enthusiast and independent writer focusing on European vehicles, automotive technology, industry trends, and classic car culture. He regularly covers unique vehicles, emerging transportation innovations, and detailed vehicle ownership experiences for global automotive audiences.