Peugeot is set to up the ante in the small hatchback segment when it launches its replacement for the popular 206, to be called either the 207 or the 2007, next year. The all-new Peugeot 2007 will be a stunner sharing the same striking design cues of the 407.

The 2007 will get a similar front-end design as the 407 with a prominent air intake and curvaceous headlights. At the rear, the styling is inspired by the 307.

Insiders say that the car will also grow in size with the 2007 being longer and wider. Furthermore the car will be much more practical and versatile than the current 206. For example it will be easy to fold down the rear seats as in the modern generation of MPV.

The 2007, which shares its underpinnings with that of the Citroen C3, will of course again be available in several derivatives. At the end of next year Peugeot will first launch the three and five-door derivatives. In 2006 it will follow with an estate and the coupé-cabriolet 2007s.

Wheels24 - 7 Aug 2004