7 February 2011
It's been years, decades even in the making, but diesel power is now rapidly gaining the momentum in our market place, and more of us are finally realising the long-time overlooked gasoline alternative as a genuine way to get our motors running.
No longer pigeon holed as the smokey, smelly and powerless way of propelling a motor vehicle, at least not by anyone who has driven a modern common rail turbo diesel - the format of choice by most manufactures currently. Forget the poorly maintained, import smoke-chuggers, petrol's archrival is at the forefront of automotive technology. Diesel engines are more often costlier to design and build for a manufacturer, incorporating far more advanced engineering than their spark ignition counterparts.
Peugeot has led the charge from day one, they are recognised as an industry leader in diesel technology, and variations of their parent PSA company's diesels can be found in anything from a Jaguar to a Suzuki.
Seems like a no-brainer, improved fuel efficiency, massive amounts of torque and in many instances, increased performance over petrol models. It was some surprise then to discover aprox 70 percent of Peugeot's New Zealand customers opt for petrol variants, over arguably more enjoyable diesel versions of the French carmakers vehicles.
Prior to 2006, the annual AA running/operating costs study, which factor in the average costs of owning, operating and maintaining a vehicle have had the operating cost of diesels marginally higher than similar petrol models. Unless you were doing the mileage to recoup costs faster through the improved fuel efficiency. But with most diesel service scheduling, not to mention initial purchasing prices now becoming closer aligned with petrol equivalents, this year saw some categories of oil-burners on a level pegging in overall operating costs. Following current trends, and with a raft of more and more brands offering affordable diesels, we predict diesel will turn the tables, and become the cheaper alternative for 2007.
Peugeot's New Zealand distributor, Sime Darby Automobiles too have forecast that this country could be on the cusp of a change in attitude toward what's always been the 'other' fuel to us; they are now upping their procurement of diesels out of Europe from 30 to 70 percent.
To further re-affirm their commitment they have broadened the scope of diesel engines on offer, adding a potent 2.0 litre four-cylinder with the latest in particulate filtration technology to two body shapes of the 307 range. While the 407 coupe's delightful 2.7 litre V6 twin turbo diesel is now available across the rest of the popular 407 line up.
While all other 307's in the range offer either five-speed manual or an indecisive four-speed automatic transmission, the 2.0 Hdi version delivers a much-improved driving experience with six ratios in either manual or a miniaturised version of the AM6 auto. Similar to that used in the 407 range.
The new 2.0 litre drivetrain combination is the pick of the 307 range for sure, and for a change it's a tough call as to which transmission option we would opt for. The auto suffers none of the choppiness of the four-speeder's shift patterning, which previously made the manual the clear choice of Peugeot's other small car offerings.
Plenty of useable low down torque from the 2.0 engine gives the 307 pulling power even in taller gears, as well as livening up the 307 giving it the best performance of the range. The 307SW, previously not offered with an oil-burner option, stands to gain the most from the new powertrain, the extra torque beneficial to those wishing to maximize the wagon's larger load carring ability. Unfortunately though, the engine and transmission combinations will not be offered in the drop-top 307cc.
Currently, the capable 2.0 litre diesel is the most popular engine option among 407 clientele, and the power unit will be retained for those reluctant to stretch to $66,990 for the 2.7 Hdi sedan ($69,990 for the SW). We suspect the $15,000 difference in price between the two diesel options will prove too high a premium for your average Mum and Dad purchaser, especially considering the strong performance already offered by the 2.0 Hdi 407.
For those who do opt for the 2.7 though, excellent performance and refinement is assured from the pricier powertrain. Matched to the smooth six-speed auto, the twin turbo V6 pumps out 150kW and 440Nm of torque. It delivers its might with exhilarating response, 0-100km is attained in 8.5 seconds and under hard acceleration a pleasing growl lets you know the engine is opening up without becoming obtrusive. Wheel size also increases from 17 to 18-inch to distinguish the 2.7 models from the 2.0 litre Hdi's.
Attractive fuel economy figures accompany the new 307 and 407 model variants, 6.7 L/100 km is claimed for the 307 2.0 Hdi hatchbacks, the 307 SW still merely sips fuel at 6.9 L/100. 407 models achieve a claimed 8.4 L/100 km and both engine variants exceed stringent Euro4 emission regulations.