Peugeot 207 RC: In Detail

Press Release

Safety

The SSP function

In safety terms, the 207 RC incorporates a major innovation, the SSP system (Steering Stability Program). Under certain braking conditions, this system serves as a link between the ESP function and the vehicle’s electric power steering. The purpose of the dialogue between these two systems is to improve the vehicle’s stability and straight line stopping distance, when braking on surfaces where traction differs between the right and left wheels (for example one side consisting of «high traction» asphalt and the other composed of ice, mud or wet grass, etc).

In normal weather, the ESP function will recognise the asymmetry of the road surface and limit braking on the high traction side. This strategy preserves the car’s stability but does not optimise braking efficiency.

In this situation, the system applies more braking power to wheels with a good grip on the road and, anticipating vehicle instability, applies torque to the steering to help the driver achieve an optimal steering wheel angle.

The torque is transmitted less than 100 ms after the onset of braking and the recommended angle can be as high as 80 degrees.

This is not an «automatic opposite lock», since the driver can choose not to follow the steering wheel instruction (in this case, braking returns to a classic strategy favouring stability).

Overall, depending on conditions, this system reduces the stopping distance by between 4 and 10%, while guaranteeing vehicle stability. Still uncommon, it is the first time the system has been applied to a vehicle in this segment.

Safety features common to all 207s

As on all 207s, the 207 RC incorporates a double absorption bar on the engine compartment front panel which distributes energy absorption more efficiently in the event of impact to facilitate its dissipation and, in particular, enhance the protection of pedestrians hit by the vehicle. This concept derives directly from the 407.

For side impact, reinforcements on the body and superstructure enable them to absorb energy and preserve a survival cell. Sill reinforcements and tubular bars in the doors encourage overall rigidity. Door padding also contributes to energy absorption.

The 207 RC, like all three door versions of the 207, is reinforced against side impact by a retention pin ensuring a permanent link between the door and the ‘B’ post, ensuring optimal strength of the overall assembly.

Two front air bags, two side air bags and two curtain air bags also play a part in protecting the front and rear passengers.

Euro Ncap awarded five stars to the 207 in the adult protection test, four stars in the child protection test and three stars in the test for pedestrians hit by the vehicle.

Lastly, the RT3 telematic system, available as an option, provides (in addition to its audio, telephone and navigation functions), access to a local assistance service and the Peugeot Emergency service. This localised emergency call service is offered free of charge for an unlimited duration and is deployed to date in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium and Luxembourg. It offers customers the guarantee that they will receive assistance in their own language. This service can be launched manually or automatically (if pyrotechnic devices such as air bags are triggered) ensuring rapid intervention by the appropriate emergency services.

Since its launch in 2003, more than 1000 users have been assisted by Peugeot Emergency. This emergency call system has recently been certified with the French civil defence authorities after being approved by the Direction de la Défense et de la Sécurité Civile (DDSC) attached to the French Interior Ministry.

Convenience equipment

Occupants of the 207 RC will appreciate convenience equipment available either as standard or as an option and designed to enhance their enjoyment of this sporty car still further.

Hinged rear windows, the athermic front windscreen and dual zone air conditioning ensure a well-ventilated interior ambience and temperature comfort that enhances wellbeing in all seats.

The mono CD RDS RD4 radio, available as standard, lightens the journey, or accompanies its tempo ! An MPR compatible dual tuner version or an RT3 system combining an RDS radio, GPS satellite navigation, and a GSM phone with 7� 16/9 colour screen are available as an option.

A JBL hi-fi installation combined with the dual tuner radio or the RT3 system will delight music lovers. A «Bluetooth» hands-free kit is also available as an option with RD4 radios. This system pairs a mobile phone of the same name with the car’s radio equipment by means of radio waves.

From their enviable position behind the wheel, drivers of the 207 RC benefi t from valuable aids available as standard to enhance comfort and driving safety:

• a rear parking assistance system,
• a speed limiter coupled with a cruise control,
• a direct tyre under-infl ation sensor,
• elliptical headlamps combined with static directional lighting,
• automatic switching on of headlamps,
• automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor,
• large door mirrors that fold by remote control,
• an electrochrome interior rear-view mirror.

Colours and trim

Body colours

The range of body colours consists of six shades all with «motor sport» styling.

• Opaque colours:
• Bianca White
• Flamenco Red

Metallic colours:

• Obsidien Black
• Aegean Blue
• Aluminium
• Shark Grey

Some of these colours will be chosen to highlight the upmarket exclusivity of the 207 RC, for example the new Shark Grey which creates a monochrome effect with the wheels, dark-tinted rear windscreen and rear quarter panels, the new brilliance of the door pillar trims and even the very hi-tech satin chrome finish of the door mirror shells.

Others will clearly portray the car’s temperament and, for possible competition on a circuit or closed road, will show off sponsors’ stickers or race numbers to optimum effect.

Interior trim

With the emphasis on materials from the world of sport, the front seats have a dark alcantara trim dark for the centre, seat backs and head restraints. The side cushions in contact with the body are finished with a «trami» 3D mesh. The rest of the seat is covered with a particularly low-maintenance material. The seats are enhanced

by visible light-coloured stitching which finds echoes in the passenger compartment on the door panels with their alcantara trim, the carpets and the gear lever gaiter.

The trim of the rear bench seat echoes this composition.

207 RC 1.6 litre THP 16v 128 kW (¹175 bhp)

Manual gearbox

(*) Overboost, one-off enrichment of air and fuel