IF you've got it, flaunt it is a much-used phrase in all walks of life and remains extremely pertinent in the motoring world.
Peugeot has never been backward in coming forward to exhibit its wares and, despite departing from the manufacturing scene in Coventry, the Gallic car giant continues to go from strength to strength as a small car maker.
Since launch in June, 2006, the Peugeot 207 has continued to strut its stuff in ever increasing numbers while April this year saw this refined supermini raise its game with 37,260 cars being sold in the month to become the best-selling car in Europe.
The 207 range has just been extedned with the GTI taking the model line-up to six cars - seven if you include the Coupe Cabriolet (CC) - giving the 207 range plenty of models to suit most folk.
Coming in three or five-door form, the 207 core model range includes four petrol engines, 1.4-litre 75bhp, 1.4-litre 90bhp, 1.6-litre 110bhp and 1.6-litre 120bhp while diesela are a 1.4-litre 70bhp HDI, 1.6-litre 90bhp HDI and 1.6-litre 110bhp HDI. Trim levels are Urban, S, Sport, SE.
The GTI continues Peugeot's trend to add hot hatches which first began in 1984 with the legendary 205.
This searingly quick 207 flagship uses a 1.6-litre 175bhp petrol engine but there is a 'warm' version fitted with the 1.6-litre 150bhp engine called the 207 GT.
The inside story is a far cry from those days of the stripped out GT when driving a van came more to mind as you savoured the benefits of those early days of hot-hatchery.
The well appointed cabin of the 207 GT is generously kitted out, the likes of dual zone climate control air con, sound system with single CD, electric one-shot front windows, powered and heated door mirrors, trip computer, chrome interior door handles, tyre pressure sensors and Panoramic Cielo full length glass roof with shutter blind all coming as standard.
And while driver safety aids include standard-fit ABS braking with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD) and Electronic Brake Assist (EBA), switchable Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and directional headlights, there are also six airbags, remote control central locking, deadlocks, and an alarm system.
While the neatly set-out cabin also has that solid and classy feel of quality, instrumentation is agreeably to hand and the 207 GT's sporting heritage is graphically recalled via the drilled-out foot pedals and sporty, yet comfortably supportive, front seating.
Stacks of space is available up front facing a well set-out dash housing white instrument dials with chrome surrounds and red needles. While headroom in the rear should be sufficient for taller adults some may find legroom somewhat limiting but the boot space is pretty generous for this size of car.
The 1.6-litre Turbo High Pressure (THP) petrol engine needs little encouragement to replicate its award-winning performance on the road. For this piece of kit is the result of a joint development between PSA Peugeot Citroen and the BMW Group to develop a range of class leading petrol engines and recently won the Engine of the Year award in the 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre category.
Paired with a smooth-slotting five-speed manual gear change, this lightweight engine boasts the quality of punch usually reserved for a normally aspirated two-litre unit. Capable of producing 150bhp at 5,800rpm, this 16-valver is also a hugely torquey performer, housing the ability to introduce maximum pulling power as low as 1,400rpm.
Bags of fun are there to be enjoyed courtesy of good grip and some highly effective power steering while the ride is nicely supple. A further plus, thanks to direct injection, sees the 207 GT showing its ability to go close to 40mpg on average while CO2 emissions will appeal to some environmentalists weighing in at a relatively low 166g/km.
Mounted on 17-inch alloys with a wide, businesslike stance, the 207 GT is another fine effort from Peugeot, proving a punchy performer with plenty of ability to maintain the French car maker's continuing ascendancy in the world of the small performance car.
FAST FACTS
Peugeot 207 GT 1.6 Turbo 3dr
Price: £14,372
Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 131mph
0-62mph: 8.7 secs
Combined mpg: 40.3
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 166g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 12yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust