Much like the outgoing 206 RC, the 207 RC (known in some markets as the 207 GTI) represents a hotter version of the normal 207, and indeed from a distance the differences are subtle. Get closer, and it’s easy to see the smoked headlight reflectors, sporty foglights, and unique lower body cladding. But the real story is under the hood, where the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine gets a healthy 25 horsepower tweak, to make a total of 172 ponies. The engine is a highly sophisticated unit that also sees duty in the MINI Cooper S, so there’s plenty of refined power for B-road excursions. More importantly in the segment, there’s ample torque on hand (peak twist is produced at barely more than idle—just 1,600 RPM) to pull the hatch out of tight corners. Peugeot’s always been known for creating entertaining small cars, and the 207 RC carries on the tradition with distinction.
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