February 16, 2006 At the 76th Geneva International Motor Show, the new Peugeot 207 will make its world premiere, and to emphasise the importance of 207, a stylish and sporty RCup concept model will be shown that is likely to be the design blueprint for a future Peugeot Sport competition programme. The 207 Rcup is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre 16v petrol engine producing 280bhp @ 8,500rpm, with a 6-speed sequential gearbox and 18" alloy wheels. Also to be shown in Geneva is the 307 CC Hybride HDi diesel technology demonstrator, like the 307 HDi hatchback unveiled by PSA Peugeot Citroën in January.
It showcases Peugeot’s knowledge in future power plant design and environmental protection by applying hybrid technology to Peugeot’s class-leading 1.6-litre HDi 110 diesel engine with DPFS (Diesel Particulate Filter System). Coupled with a 23kW electric motor the performance of this car represents a major breakthrough in further improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions when compared to similar vehicles equipped with a petrol hybrid system.
The 2006 Geneva Motor Show represents a milestone for Peugeot with possibly the freshest model range of any manufacturer. This new range offers customers considerable choice, most particularly in the small car sector where Peugeot has been an established performer. The 107 has immediately struck a chord with customers who clearly like its enthusiastic and economical 1.0-litre petrol engine and quality packaging. Peugeot’s presence in the sector is also supplemented with the innovative 1007, with its electric sliding doors and 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and the ever-popular 206, with over 5.4 million produced worldwide.
The arrival of the all-new 207 will set new standards for the sector, and place it as the key benchmark car. The 207 has elegant style with a strong personality and a front that embodies Peugeot’s new visual identity with a single air intake and a generous front grille. The ‘feline’ headlamps have a powerful gaze and combine, depending on model, static directional headlamps for extra illumination on dark roads.
Two individual designs differentiate the appearance of the front of the car and provide the personality of the 207 – one being stylish and elegant, the other more dynamic and sporty. Generously proportioned, the new car is 4.03 metres in length, with a 2.54m wheelbase and width of 1.72m. The high-quality, welcoming interior is likely to put cars twice its value to shame. Three petrol and three HDi diesel engines are available at launch, followed soon after by more powerful petrol power units from the PSA Peugeot Citroën/BMW collaboration.
Pierre Louis Colin, managing director, Peugeot UK, commented: "The launch of 207 at the Geneva Motor Show demonstrates to the world that Peugeot continues as a trend setter in the small car segment by producing attractive, stylish cars that combine class-leading standards of value, quality, safety and specification."
Further up the model range, the popularity of the 307 continues to grow, helped by the restyling and improved product features of the Hatchback, Estate, SW and CC models. The 407 range is also expanded with the Saloon and SW now joined by the equally distinctive 2-door Coupé model. This model launched the much applauded 2.7-litre V6 HDi diesel engine.
After an intense period of new product activity for Peugeot, the show stand will be bristling with new products – in the last eight months, every model range has either been updated with new models or comprehensively revised with new features.
