Peugeot 207 Europe's No. 1

The Peugeot 207 has become the number one best-selling car in Europe during its first full year on sale.

The French manufacturer sold some 437,505 vehicles between January and December 2007 - ahead of the second placed model, the Volkswagen Golf.

Since its launch in the UK in July 2006, the Peugeot 207 range has expanded from the initial three and five-door hatchback models, to include the 207 CC, the sporty 207 GTi THP 175 and the and practical 207 SW.

Following the launch the 207 has become the sixth best-selling model in the UK, as well as the top-selling French car.

Since its launch 18 months ago, almost 100,000 vehicles have been sold across the country.

The present Peugeot 207 range starts at £9,295 for the three-door 1.4 litre Urban version, through to the top of the range 207 CC GT HDi at £17,345.

The 207 is based on a modified version of the platform used for the Citroën C3, and is designed to replace the Peugeot 206.

However, since its launch the marquee has decided to keep the 206 in production until 2010.