PEUGEOT is introducing two sporty new petrol models into its successful 207 range, the 207 Sport 1.6 16v 120 and the SE 1.6 16v 120.

Both models will be powered by a new 1.6 litre 16v petrol engine designed in co-operation with the BMW Group and manufactured for both parties at PSA Peugeot Citroen's Douvrin plant.

Already seen in the BMW Group's Mini Cooper, this engine will replace the current Peugeot 1.6 litre 16v 110bhp engine in the 207 range.

Following on from the 1.6 litre 16v THP 150 turbo-charged (EP6DT) engine, the EP6 is the second engine created from the co-operation with the BMW Group.

It has maximum power of 120bhp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 120lb/ft at 4,250rpm. One of its strengths, however, is its very flat torque curve which, even at only 2,000rpm results in 88 per cent of its maximum torque being produced, giving excellent driveability.

This engine also sees the introduction of technology that is a genuine first for a vehicle in the class.

In addition to a variable valve timing system for both the inlet and exhaust camshafts, there is also a variable valve lift system on the inlet valves allowing the maximum valve lift to be adjusted gradually according to the position of the accelerator pedal.

The use of this technology removes the need for a throttle butterfly as the engine power is now controlled through the infinite adjustment of the inlet valve lift and intake valve opening times.

In a conventional engine the engine power output is controlled by means of a throttle butterfly.

At certain engine speeds and throttle butterfly positions, the incoming air has to squeeze past' the partially closed or closed butterfly, reducing the air flow into the engine.

The overcoming of this resistance results in both a reduction in potential power and also reduces overall engine efficiency but, more importantly, an unnecessary increase in fuel consumption.

Porsche The combination therefore of the variable valve timing (VVT) system and the variable inlet valve lift system improves both the engine's efficiency and significantly reduces fuel consumption and, therefore, CO2 emissions. It also guarantees improved engine responsiveness and greater engine flexibility.

The introduction of this new engine will also see the first 207 automatic models introduced in Sport and SE trim levels.

Available for the first time in the 207 hatchback range, a Porsche Tiptronic System automatic gearbox is now available with the introduction of the new 1.6 litre 16v 120bhp petrol engine.

This electronically controlled automatic auto-adaptive' gearbox has four speeds and an electronic control of the gearshift functions.

The driver can also select either sport' or snow' operating modes. Ability for the gearbox to lock-up is present on all gears, reducing internal friction and, therefore, reducing drag.

The use of this system also reduces fuel consumption which remains quite close to that obtained with a manual gearbox.

Here, the innovation resides in the gear shift control which acquires a dual function: on the right-hand side, a gate with a PRND pattern and, on the left-hand side, accessible from the Drive' position, the Porsche Tiptronic System with sequential control, offering the driver the option of active' driving.

In this position, by pushing the gearlever forwards or backwards it is possible to go up or down the gears.

Conversely, as the engine speed increases, it switches automatically to a higher gear before the maximum permitted engine revs to protect engine components.

The biggest gains are the reduction in fuel consumption of 15 per cent in the combined cycle and CO2 reduced to only 145g/km with a manual gearbox.

The new Peugeot 207 1.6 litre Sport and SE models go on sale in the UK in March, priced from £11,795 on the road.