New Peugeot 207 Economique with Aero Tweaks and Engine Mods Returns 61.8MPG - 3.8lt/100km

Sometimes, a few tweaks here, a few tweaks there, are more than enough to create an ultra fuel-efficient vehicle with extremely low emissions. Such is the case with the new Peugeot 207 Economique. First shown at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the Economique is based on the recently facelifted 207 hatchback. It is powered by a 1.6-liter HDI diesel with 90HP that benefits from specially developed engine management software and the addition of an EGR heat exchanger to cool the re-injected exhaust gases.

Peugeot also fitted the Economique with a modified five-speed manual gearbox with a higher final drive ratio than the standard 207 hatchback while the supermini rides on low resistance Michelin 185/65R15 VLRR (Very low rolling resistance) tires.

Furthermore, Peugeot's engineers lowered the ride height by 5mm and added a special aerodynamic package that consists of a new lower bumper trim and deeper side extensions, optimized air intakes, under tray covers and special wheel trims plus a two-part rear spoiler. As a result, the 207 Economique has a drag coefficient of only 0.274, compared to the standard 207 HDi 90 hatchback of 0.30.

The French automaker claims that the 207 Economique returns an average fuel consumption of just 74.2mpg UK (61.8mpg US or 3.8lt/100km) with C02 emissions of 99g/km.

The new Peugeot 207 Economique will go on sale in the UK in October and will be available in two trim levels, Economique and Economique + with prices starting at £12,995.