Peugeot SA has brought back the Pop Art nameplate for a revised and "realigned" 207 hatchback range focusing on affordability, value and contemporary style.
The five-strong line-up will include two Pop Art models - each at less than R150 000 - and two new Sportium flagship models, while 207 Active remains as a midrange offering.
Peugeot SA managing director Jean-Francois Bacos said: "There's no doubt the buying-down trend is gathering momentum - that's why the B-segment hatch category is arguably one of the most closely contested sectors in the market.
"New-model activity in the segment has overshadowed the 207 - which is why we have revised the model line-up."
Perhaps the most important aspect, he says, is the reintroduction of the Pop Art badge, last seen on the previous-generation 206. The 207 Pop Art is expected to emulate its success, starting at R142 900 for a 54kW/118Nm, 1.4-litre 16-valve model with front fog lights, colour-coded door handles and side strips, chrome-finished top side strips, and Pop Art badges on each side.
Standard equipment includes electric front windows, air-conditioning, a radio/CD player with MP3 capability, central locking, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and EBA.
The 207 Pop Art can be ordered with or without a service plan.
The revised 207 Active has an uprated 1.4-litre engine rated at 70 kW and 136 Nm, delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox and boasts electric windows all, cruise control and a trip computer, a sportier front bumper, chromed top side strips, and 15" alloys.
The new Sportium flagship is all about dynamic appeal, in both visual and performance terms. It comes with either a 88kW/160Nm, 1.6-litre petrol engine or a 82kW/270Nm, 1,6-litre HDi turbodiesel. The spec sheet includes 16" alloy rims, aluminium pedals, aluminium door-sill protectors and Sportium badging.
PRICES
207 Pop Art - R142 900 (without service plan)
207 Pop Art - R148 900
207 Active - R169 000
207 Sportium - R193 900
207 Sportium HDi - R213 900
Except for the entry-level Pop Art model, all 207s come standard with a four-year or 60 000km service plan and the full range is covered by a three-year or 100 000km warranty.