Peugeot wants to be France’s top car manufacturer. A new lifestyle four-wheel-drive, designed to counter Renault RX4, is just a taste of what’s to come.
Peugeot is developing a lifestyle four-wheel-drive vehicle to demonstrate its determination to establish itself as the leading French car manufacturer.
Codenamed T14 and modelled to take on the Renault Scenic RX4, the newcomer has been uncovered by AutoXpress.
The T14 clearly breaks new ground in the B-segment. Built around the imminent 206 estate, it aims to join the trend towards versatile cars that adapt to owner lifestyles.
At the other end of the scale, Peugeot is also developing a “608” luxury flagship model and generation 406 – which will be badged the 407 – is just around the corner.
Peugeot is serious about building a larger car than its latest 607 flagship. The company wants to be represented in all sectors of the market, and the “608” will take on the Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8, and new BMW 7-Series.
Proposals for the design of the new model, codenamed Z9, have already been submitted. The car will be built around the same basic platform architecture as the forthcoming C6 – the flagship model from Citroen – although the Z9 will be larger overall. Expect a debut at the end of 2004.
Between these two extremes is the long-overdue replacement for Peugeot’s 406. Industry insiders say that the new model will be larger than the outgoing car.
What’s more, the “407” should also be far more advanced in terms of on-board technology and occupant safety.
