CARtoday.com brings you a peek at the Peugeot 406’s replacement – a car the French manufacturer is building to take on the big three in the medium saloon sector.
CARtoday.com brings you a peek at the Peugeot 406’s replacement – a car the French manufacturer is building to take on the big three in the medium saloon sector.
With the all-new 407, Peugeot has styled its newcomer radically in a bid to position itself more upmarket. The saloon, which is bigger than the model it replaces, is to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, reports say.
Its much sharper appearance is a result of its steeply-raked profile, wedge-shaped front and pert rear end. The aerodynamic nose has no grille… Instead, a huge bumper incorporates a vast air intake to assist cooling and ventilation.
The rear light clusters are expected to look similar to those of the Audi A4 and broad C-pillars and a curved screen are reminiscent of the VW Passat.
The 407 will initially be available only as a saloon. An estate is due in mid-2004, and is likely to be called the 407 SW, while a coupé will be in showrooms by 2005. Diesels are tipped to account for 60 per cent of sales, and two four-cylinder oil-burners will be offered from the car’s launch.
Buyers will also have the choice of two new direct-injection petrol units, a 1,8 and a 2,0, while a 186 kW three-litre V6 will power the flagships. Prices for the entire range are expected to rise, reflecting the move upmarket.
The 407’s interior will use a clean and uncluttered approach, with Peugeot aiming for significant improvements in build quality.
The French manufacturer will therefore fit a brushed aluminium centre console and tactile plastics to the cabin to lend a quality feel normally associated with luxury German brands. A new satellite navigation and climate control system will be incorporated into the facia.
Interior versatility will be vastly improved, with a chilled cubbyhole and plenty of oddment spaces. The 407 SW, as is the case with its 307 SW sibling, will offer the practicality of seven seats and use two forward-facing, removable chairs.
