8 February 2011
New car report: Peugeot lifts the lid on the future.
In days gone by, niche brands such as Peugeot were happy to offer their customers a limited selection of premium models. Business was brisk enough, and dealing with a narrow product range kept things simple.
But times have changed and the motor business has become a lot more challenging. Companies who want to keep ahead of the game need to look outside the square for new opportunities.
Many car companies have traditionally kept their future plans quiet for fear of having their customers delay their purchase until the arrival of new models. However Peugeot importer Sime Darby's new divisional manager, Simon Rose has been refreshingly open in discussing future plans for the French car maker in New Zealand.
Peugeot enjoyed a 12% share of the European car market in New Zealand in 2008, and are looking to increase that share by introducing new models, competing in new segments and targeting new customers, reasoning that increasing market share will enable them to maintain, or increase volume in a shrinking market.
In addition to facelift enhancements to the Peugeot 407 and 407 SW, Peugeot are expanding their 207 range with the addition of the 207 AT, a 1.4 litre petrol powered model fitted with an automated paddle shift transmission. The 207 AT achieves a combined fuel economy figure of 6.2 litres per 100km.
New territory for Peugeot will be the light commercial sector with the Peugeot Partner as well as SUV and Crossover sectors with the 4007 and 3008 respectively.
Headlining the new model introductions is Peugeot's image Coupe Cabriolet, the 308 CC, a replacement for the 307 CC.
308 CC - Coupe Cabriolet
Being longer and wider, but lower than the 307 CC it replaces, the 308 CC has a sleeker look and benefits the occupants by increasing passenger space.
Offering only one engine for the 308 CC, the 2.0 HDi diesel producing 100kW @ 4000rpm and 2000Nm of torque @ 2000rpm, this is the first diesel convertible for the New Zealand market. The combination of the HDi powerplant and the 6 speed tiptronic transmission makes for a dynamic and efficient driveline.
Peugeot claim a combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.0 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 185g per kilometre. The 308 CC is equipped with Peugeot's renowned diesel particulate filter system, reducing particle emissions to extremely low levels.
Two levels of specification will be offered when the 308 CC goes on sale in New Zealand showrooms from June 2009, a Standard Pack and Luxury Pack.
All models will have ABS braking and Electronic Stability Control and the 308 CC is the first Coupe Cabriolet in the world to have all the lateral protection incorporated into the front seats, including head, chest and pelvis.
Achieving a 5 star European NCAP safety rating, it is rated in the top 10 scores ever achieved since NCAP tests first began.
Included in the Standard Pack is rear parking aid, cruise control, automatic headlights 17" alloys and rain sensing wipers.
Go for the Luxury Pack and you'll get leather trim, heated electric seats, directional Xenon headlights, front parking aid, 18" alloys and head restraint air vents which can diffuse warm air around the front occupant's necks.
Pricing is anticipated to be from $59,990 and Peugeot dealers are taking orders now for June delivery.
Partner - Light Commercial
Entering the commercial sector for the first time in New Zealand, Peugeot will be offering the 5 speed manual 1.6 litre HDi diesel light van, the Peugeot Partner.
The Partner will be available in LWB configuration with loading cargo doors on both sides. Peugeot claim a market leading load capacity with an accessible loading volume of 3.7 cubic metres and payload of 770kg.
Driver and passenger airbags, rear parking aid and Electronic Stability Control are standard safety features.
With an estimated retail price of $36,990 the Partner will go on sale in New Zealand from May 2009.
4007 - SUV
Extending Peugeot's product portfolio into new territory, the 4007 is a result of a co-operation between Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group.
Based on the 4x4 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV and offered by Peugeot with a 2.2 litre HDi diesel engine mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission, Peugeot say that the pooling of expertise combines the best of both vehicle manufacturers.
Peugeot bring recognised expertise in the field of energy efficient diesel engines to the project along with suspension contributions, offering superior road holding. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi have long-standing recognition in all-terrain 4x4 technology.
The 4007 is expected to land in New Zealand in late 2009
3008 - CUV
Peugeot 3008First seen as a concept at last year's Paris Motorshow, Peugeot's unique new Crossover Utility Vehicle, the 3008 is expected to land in New Zealand at around the same time as the 4007, in late 2009.
Peugeot say that like the 4007, the 3008 will be one of those vehicles that will enable them to achieve sales growth and talk to new customers.
The 3008 will be a 2 wheel drive vehicle offering MPV family flexibility, load height and road presence of an SUV, with 1.6 and 2.0 litre diesel engines, 6 speed transmissions ensuring economical, affordable and clean motoring.
Dynamic Roll and Grip Controls, plus hi-tech driver aids such as a projected heads-up display are featured in the 3008. Dynamic Roll Control introduces an internal module linking left and right shock absorbers, adjusting the damping effect, reducing body roll in order that the vehicle can corner as flat as possible, increasing safety.
Grip Control offers intelligent upgraded traction control combined with Michellin mud and snow tyres. Five selectable model work to assist grip via the Electronic Stability Programme.