New Peugeot SUV looks Outlandish?

The burgeoning SUV sector of the local market is one that seems truly recession-proof. According to Peugeot, SUVs account for roughly 20 per cent of the Australian new-car market.

So it's understandable that the French company wants part of that action. The problem for Peugeot is that it has not been a traditional builder of SUVs. As a quick fix, Peugeot has developed its new SUV, the 4007, on Mitsubishi's Outlander platform.

Distinctly styled in the Peugeot paradigm, the 4007 is identifiably a Mitsubishi nonetheless. Under the skin, however, the 4007 is powered by Peugeot's 2.2-litre HDi common-rail diesel four-cylinder, driving through a six-speed Getrag 'DSC' (twin-clutch) transmission.

This engine, which develops 115kW of power and 380Nm of torque, is officially rated at 7.0L/100km in combined-cycle consumption and emits 191g/km of CO2. Peugeot advises that the 4007 will tow up to 2000kg (braked).

As is the case with the Outlander, the 4007 is available in either five or seven-seat configuration.

"4007 is an SUV with very strong credentials having sold in excess of 25,000 worldwide since launch" says Ken Thomas, GM and Director for Peugeot Australia.

"It brings an affordable European alternative for anyone looking for a luxurious medium-sized four-wheel drive with the latest diesel technology.

"Gaining access to the brand new Getrag 6-speed DSC automatic gearbox is a very exciting development for 4007 and a further example of new technology available today.

"We know towing capacity, ride and handling, seating capacity and safety are paramount for today's SUV buyer -- happily 4007 delivers on these fronts.

"4007 also delivers one of the most fuel efficient vehicles in its class with the benefit of low emissions."

Available in two levels of trim (base ST and upmarket SV), the 4007 features the following items as standard: Cruise control, remote central locking, reverse-parking sensors with acoustic guidance, electric windows/mirrors (also heated), height-adjustable steering wheel, six-speaker CD audio with remote controls on the steering wheel, climate control with pollen filter, trip computer, map lights, leather-bound steering wheel, fog lights (front and rear), auto-on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers and 60/40 splitfold rear seat.

In addition to this, the 4007 SV adds: Tinted privacy glass, 18-inch alloy wheels (in lieu of the 16-inch alloys fitted to the 4007 ST), chrome exterior trim, xenon headlights (in place of halogen lights for the 4007 ST), electric driver's seat adjustment, front-seat heating, electric-folding rear seat and leather seat trim.

All variants are equipped with the following safety features: Stability control, ABS/EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags for first and second-row seating, front seatbelt pretensioners/force limiters and three-point seatbelts for all positions.

Pricing for the 4007 range is as follows:

4007 ST manual five-seat $45,490
4007 ST DCS auto five-seat $47,990
4007 ST DCS auto seven-seat $49,190
4007 SV DCS auto seven-seat $54,190

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