Peugeot's purple patch

The rapid growth of diesel sales has transformed Peugeot's local fortunes as 307 sales have jumped 56 per cent in 2006. No less than 48 per cent of all 307 examples sold are now diesel powered. For Peugeot's larger 407 series, the figure climbs to 65 per cent. Peugeot's latest moves will consolidate this trend. Visitors at the Sydney show will be able to inspect the following new models:

307 High 307 diesel sales have been achieved without an auto option. The September 2006 launch of a state-of-the-art six-speed auto option for the 307 XSE HDi diesel changes all that with a starting price of $34,790 for the hatch.

Peugeot claims that the new auto version of the 307 Touring XSE HDi wagon is set to be a sales winner when it is now seen as a viable alternative to a local repmobile at $36,490 for those fleet and commercial drivers who want a spacious, compact and cheap to run wagon with a six-speed automatic.

Combined fuel consumption for the auto newcomers is 6.7lt/100km for the hatch while the Touring posts 6.9.

407 The launch of two new 407 diesel models radically changes the reach of the 407 range. A new 407 SR with the same 2.0-litre diesel as the 307 (100kw/320Nm) sets a new entry level for this spacious, smooth riding family sedan at $41,990 with six-speed manual. A combined fuel consumption figure of 5.9litres/100km makes it one of the most frugal medium family cars on the market and is now a viable alternative to a medium four cylinder petrol model.

Peugeot has also just fitted its version of the state of the art 2.7 twin-turbo diesel shared with the Land Rover Discovery and Jaguar S-Type and already seen in the 407 Coupe, to the 407 sedan and wagon bodies. Starting at $61,990 as a six-speed automatic, top of the range SV only, the new 407 SV HDi sedan offers similar packaging and space to the Jaguar S-Type diesel at a huge saving although it is front drive compared to the Jaguar's rear drive. The Touring version at $64,990 offers an unrivalled blend of style, wagon space and diesel performance when this engine offers 150kW/4000 and a massive 440Nm/1900 rpm. Peugeot quotes a combined fuel economy figure of 8.4lt/100km for the sedan and 8.5 for the wagon.

207 (click for more) Peugeot's striking 206 replacement which rivals the VW Polo and Renault Clio, has been a big hit since it was launched in Europe earlier this year. Peugeot is air-freighting a display example to Sydney and have confirmed that a diesel version will be on sale in 2007.

307CC HybrideHDi Peugeot's take on the Toyota Prius hybrid approach is to combine its state of the art diesel with electric power in the stylish 307 CC Cabriolet. Peugeot will be air-freighting this model direct from the Paris Show for Sydney show visitors to see the new concept. It is due commercially in 2010 by which time, Peugeot hopes to have overcome the cost premium for this type of vehicle.

Coming Soon...

207 EPURE (click for more) Although not yet confirmed as a starter for the Sydney Show, Peugeot's EPURE concept is of enormous local interest when it is a zero emissions, silent operation vehicle based on the coming 207 series. A combination of a fuel cell and electric motor delivers a range of around 350km and a top speed 130km/h, which would just about do it for most Australian cities!!

908RC Concept (click for more) On display at the Paris Motorshow, the 908RC won't get to Australia in time for Sydney but its striking looks and innovations will be of interest if Peugeot does bring it out next year for the Melbourne Motor Show.

Le Mans V12 HDi Peugeot will be fielding an outright diesel contender at Le Mans 2007 with a V12 engine delivering an easy 515kW and 1200Nm. It may break cover at the Paris Show and will ultimately take the battle to Audi's dominating diesel competition program.

20Cup Trike As Volkswagen's GX3 three-wheeled concept sports roadster draws closer to production, Peugeot Australia management are monitoring whether Peugeot follows with its 20Cup concept based on the 207 drivetrain. 

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