THE powerful and ultra efficient 150 horsepower turbocharged 1.6 litre petrol engine that has been developed jointly by Peugeot and BMW is now available in a hot hatch version of the French company’s 207, the GT THP.

The turbo high pressure engine is one the first of several new petrol engines that will be introduced into the 207 range and within months we should also see an even more performance orientated version of the car.

I was able to sample the new 207 GT THP, which costs £14,345 on the road, on a couple of routes around the leafy south midlands from a base close to the birthplace of the man they called the Leamington Licker – a hero of my youth, that great world middleweight boxing champion Randolph Turpin.

The three door 207 GT 150 is also a knockout, offering great performance but with responsibility. It can achieve 60 miles an hour in eight seconds and top 130 but provide more than 40 miles per gallon on the combined cycle and it generates 166 g/km of CO2 emissions (19 less than did the old 206 GT).

Turbo, lag is virtually eliminated by the new engine and its power is comparable to that you’d extract from a 2.0 litre normally aspirated unit – and this is compatible with Peugeot’s current downsizing strategy.

Peugeot’s 207 hatchback is longer, wider and taller than the 206 it has ostensibly succeeded but it’s also just as agile as Turpin was in a confined space! The turning circle is 10.6 metres.

That previous model, incidentally, is now only available with one specification called Look.

In total, there are now 33 models in the 207 range offering a choice of three and five doors.

Alternative petrol power options are of 1.4 litres (75 and 90 horsepower) and 1.6 (110hp) while common rail diesel buyers also have a choice of 1.4 and 1.6 units with 70, 90 or 110 hp at their disposal. All of the cars, including the new GT 150, feature a five speed manual gearbox though arguably a six speed system might have been advantageous in the new car. Having said that, the spacing of the gears has been designed to match the new engine and the gear ratios are closer than on the “mainstream” GT cars.

The Urban entry model offers remote control central locking with deadlocks, four airbags, electric front windows, a split and fold down rear seat divided 60:40, five adjustable head restraints, a steering column also adjustable for reach and rake, a stereo radio and CD player, front seat height adjustment and cloth trim.

Building on this, S has electrically operated and heated driving mirrors, a trip computer and curtain airbags.

This model can also be fitted with manual air conditioning. The five door SE has a full length glass sunroof, a fragrance diffuser and velour trim.

Sport variants are distinguished by a chrome exhaust trim and front fog lights and they also have sports seats and some leather trim. Sixteen inch wheels are fitted to all but the 1.4s. The less powerful GT, which uses the most meaningful diesel engine, offers the choice of either body configuration. All three GT models boast an ESP system, tyre pressure sensors, automatic lights and wipers, dual zone air conditioning with climate control, a panoramic roof, folding exterior mirrors, carpet mats, a Class One alarm, aluminium pedals, 17 inch wheels, a grey grille, more leather trim and silver coloured door handles. The five door also has rear electric windows.