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Rating 1 star



Summary

Average. Utterly bland, completely sensible. A big people-mover that carries seven in comfort, but you'll have to look elsewhere for excitement.

Review

As mid-sized people carriers get bigger, with an increasing number offering the option of seven seats, the role for old-fashioned XL MPVs like the 807 has diminished. If you're looking for all-out utility it's still a fine car, but compared to some more modern rivals it looks expensive and a bit dull.

The 'monobox' styling is unashamedly MPV: the 807 isn't trying to be anything else. It looks almost identical to its sister car, the Citroen C8, featuring a very similar cabin too. That means plenty of space for five occupants, good quality materials and some well thought out dashboard ergonomics. The third row seating offers reasonable legroom, but doesn't fold away under the floor when not in use, meaning lots of strenuous heaving to remove it.

The 807 drives with the sort of effortless competence you'd expect from something so sensible. Motorway cruising is dispatched painlessly thanks to a comfortable ride and good noise insulation. But twisty roads need to be tackled cautiously if the combination of roll-prone suspension and the high centre of gravity isn't to engender spectacular motion sickness among passengers.

It's hard to see any point for the 2.0 litre petrol option - the motor lacks urge and can?t get close to matching the fuel economy of the excellent HDI diesels. Of these, the more powerful 136 bhp version gives far stronger performance while practically matching the fuel economy of the less powerful 120 bhp engine.

Breakdown

Styling 1 star

Peugeot's corporate front end looks somewhat incongruous on the front of the 807 - it looks like a Chrysler Voyager has just swallowed a 207.

Handling 1 star

Poor grip levels and a roll-prone chassis discourage anything other than gentle driving.

Comfort 1 star

The pliant ride and good noise insulation make the 807 an accomplished mile-muncher. Driving position is good for long stints, too.

Quality & reliability 1 star

Interior trim feels impressively upmarket for and the dashboard design, based around a big central instrument display, works well.

Performance 1 star

Flat-out urge is hardly the point of a big MPV, but even so the basic 2.0 litre petrol motor still feels thrashy and gutless. HDI diesels are far better, especially the brawny 136 bhp 2.0 litre version.

Roominess 1 star

Impressively roomy for seven occupants, but the awkward third row seats are less convenient than fold-away rivals. Optional powered sliding rear doors are a neat touch.

Running costs 1 star

Retained values are reasonable, as are servicing costs, but still more expensive to run than a mid-size seven-seat MPV.

Value for money 1 star

Steep pricing is partially offset by some generous discounts, but for many buyers a cheaper seven-seat MPV from the segment below the 807 will be more cost effective.

Stereo / Sat nav 1 star

The audio system works well, although some of the control buttons are a bit fiddly to use. Optional satnav works well.

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