Peugeot is planning an onslaught of new product launches at its show stand in
Geneva this year. Among them will be the new 207 in GTi and CC (coupé cabriolet) derivative, and its latest entry into the SUV segment. Peugeot also plans to uncover a version of the upcoming 207 SW (sportwagon) and two other concepts which made their debut at the
Paris motor show.
The
Peugeot 207, launched in the UK in June 2006, has become a sales success for the company, with over 334,000 produced in 2006. Peugeot plans to build on that success by launching the new
207 CC (the successor to the best-selling
206 CC) which benefits from all of the 207 attributes, but with the added attraction of a fully automatic foldaway roof.
Picking up where the
206 GTi left off is the next generation 207 GTi. The latest incarnation of the hot hatch features a 1.6-litre THP (Turbo High Pressure) petrol engine - co-developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën and the BMW Group - with direct injection helping to produce 175bhp and 177lb.ft. As experienced in the new
MINI Cooper S, the results are favourable.
The 207 SW Outdoor concept will be hinting at the design of the upcoming SW model. The panoramic glass roof, split-opening rear hatch, and improved interior space likely reflect what will be on offer in the forthcoming showroom model. As a concept car, the 'outdoor' styling theme doesn't work all that well judging from the photos. We'll have to see it in the metal before we cast our final vote.
Making its world debut in Geneva is the 4007 SUV. It is the latest of a trio of SUVs built on a platform jointly developed by Mitsubishi Motors and DaimlerChrysler. According to Peugeot the 4007 "is a versatile product that [seeks to] combine everyday adventure with driving enjoyment". It will be powered by a new 2.2-litre HDi diesel engine (with particulate filter system) claimed to produce 156bhp and 280lb.ft of torque, and driven by either two- or four wheels.
Initially unveiled at the Paris motor show in September, Peugeot is again displaying its stunning 908 RC concept car and the 207 Epure concept. The sinister-looking 908 RC is fitted with a mid-mounted V12 HDi diesel engine derived from the 2007 Peugeot 908 racecar, while the 207 Epure is testimony to Peugeot's commitment to the environment. The Epure concept is a 'technological demonstrator', devised to showcase the advancements Peugeot has made in the research and development of fuel cell and battery technology.
The 77th Geneva motor show will take place between March 8-18 2007. We'll be there.
Eric Gallina - 14 Feb 2007
