I got some info on proposed new Peugeot models from my good friend in
Germany, via Auto Motor und Sport (AMS). This may be interesting to
some of you, so here goes:
First to be introduced will be the 307, replacing the 306 which was
introduced in 1993. This should happen in the coming month or so
(possibly at the Geneva Motor Show in March). The car will be
available in two and four door versions as well as a Cabriolet and
small van. The look of the 307 will be very similar to a recent
Peugeot show car, the Promethée I think it was called. In other
words, it'll be like a larger, smoother, 206.
Next up the line will be the long-overdue replacement (807) for the
806 van, which was somewhat dated even when it was introduced in
1994, according to contemporary press reports. This should be on
sale in Europe by early summer 2001. It might even (finally!) have a
V-6 option. If the AMS artists are correct, its styling will be a
disappointment, as it looks a lot like an 806 with a 607 nose grafted
on.
Part of the blame for this has to go to FIAT, Peugeot's partner in
the SevelNord factory that builds these things. Basically the FIAT,
Lancia, Citroen and Peugeot versions are identical from the
windshield back, so the only individuality in design is apparent on
the front end. I don't like vans much anyway (does it show?).
The 406, which is now a six-year-old design and showing its age
against newer competitors, will be replaced by the 407 in 2002. It
will use the chassis of the Citroen C5, (unfortunately) without the
hydropneumatic, semi-active suspension. According to AMS, it will
only be available in two body styles, the sedan and a station wagon
patterned after the Audi Allroad 4x4 and Volvo CrossCountry.
The very beautiful and highly desireable 406 Coupé will also be
killed at that time, which is a damnable shame. The 504C was in
production from 1969-1983. I say go for 14 years with the 406C too!
Not that it matters to anyone else, but the 406 Coupé is the only
modern Peugeot that I'd seriously consider buying, if they were
available in Canada.
Peugeot is reportedly planning to move upmarket with the
larger "replacement" for the great-looking 406 Coupé, by developing a
5-metre-long 607-based Coupé. I don't see how it could possibly look
better than the 406C, but maybe Pininfarina can do it. At least I
sure hope that Peugeot has the good sense to get Pininfarina involved
with this car, as their in-house stylists are nowhere near as good as
those of PF (yes, my opinion only).
The AMS issue has a graphic of a 607C, but I hope that it is strictly
speculative, as the front end is too 607 sedan-like to be beautiful.
In any case, the move upmarket will be a bummer for those accustomed
to the relatively affordable pricing of the 406C.
Curiously, the oldest model in Peugeot's lineup (discounting a couple
of facelifts), the 106 (1991) is not scheduled for replacement until
2003. This car is a pretty cheap-looking mini-car and must still be
relatively profitable or its replacement would surely be coming
sooner. It is also the most reliable modern Peugeot.
Is it coincidence that the 106 is also the oldest model they
produce? It seems that by the time a new model's bugs are worked
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