Peugeot 607 Reviews

This is a little car with big shoes to fill. The Peugeot 208 GTi wants to reclaim the halo of its legendary ancestor, the 205 GTi – the feisty bantam that set hot hatch benchmarks in the 80s-90s -- and erase the blander footprints of the generations in between."The new 208GTi draws a direct link back to the original hot hatch predecessor, the 205 GTi,” Peugeot Australia boss Bill Gillespie says. “The 205 GTi built the Peugeot hot hatch reputation and the 208 GTi is a modern take on that hot hatch theme.”But while Peugeot wants the new GTi to revive the old reputation, it can’t be completely old school in the approach. Despite nostalgia for the bare bones attitude of the 205, today’s cosseted buyers would shun its spartan fit-out.VALUEWhile the 208 descendant salutes the basic tenets – including being manual only – it’s far from base spec. Australian pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the current 208 top spec is $26,490 so you can expect the GTi is likely to be around $30,000, for which you get a well-equipped package with park assist, 7-in infotainment touchscreen and enough premium fit-out to make it feel special.It faces savage competition from the hot hatch herd, but in the weigh-up the 208 GTi offers best delivery for the dollars.  From Germany, there are the $27,990 Skoda Fabia RS and Volkswagen stablemate Polo GTI at $28,990, but the Peugeot is more fun and better looking.Fellow Gallic rival, the Renault Clio RS 200, has the next model waiting in the wings – with a 1.6-litre turbo engine that delivers more than the current model’s 2.0-litre. But even when the newcomer is being tipped to come in under the current $36,490 price tag, it's a big stretch over the Peugeot.  Up around that level, Ford’s brilliant (and larger) $38,290 Focus ST has already proven its performance ability, as has the $40,700 Mini Cooper S . TECHNOLOGYFor its part, the 208 GTi squeezes 147kW of power and 275Nm of torque from its 1.6-litre turbo-petrol – the same unit in Peugeot’s RCZ and the Citroen DS3 -- delivering to the front wheels via a six-speed manual, with the purist promise of no auto option.There’s no start button, either: you kick it into action with a traditional key. And none of the exhaust-note tweaking wizardry found in some rivals. But the little firecracker hasn’t completely spurned tech trickery, with accelerometer data fed to a cornering-assist system that trails the inside bake calliper on the bigger, beefier discs. It’s all about agility, but there’s enough urge on tap as well. It posts the 0-100km/h at 6.8 seconds – and from 80-120km/h in 8.4 -- peaking at 230km/h. It’s slung lower and wider -- 10mm at front and 20mm at rear -- on 17-in wheels, and woven into the greedier footprint is a stiffer version of the suspension’s McPherson-strut front and multi-link rear.And some of the best news: Peugeot has trimmed the weight to 1160kg – 165kg under the 207 GTi and to varying degrees also lighter than the main rivals.DESIGNThe 208 is already a good looker, and the GTi builds on that with subtle sporty flourishes: flared arches, touches of bodykit, mesh grille flanked by daytime running lights, trapezoid twin exhausts embedded through the rear fascia and GTi badging on the C-pillar saluting the 205.A scatter of satin chrome and red accents inside set off the dash and deep-bolstered leather sports seats, aluminium pedals and gearknob and tiny, chunky steering wheel with its red centred marker.The car is small, but -- unless you’re of massive build – you’ll feel snugly embedded rather than cramped. But it can take some jockeying to get the wheel and yourself to a drivable position where you can take in all the instruments. If you have the wheel low enough to clearly see over the top, long legs will tangle with it every time there's pedal action.You get 285 litres of boot space, so it offers some practicality, but you won’t be carting any fridges home.SAFETYThe 208 gets a five-star safety rating, with six airbags on board, stability control and anti-skid brakes with extra assistance for panic stops and to counter uneven loading.DRIVINGThe GTi is all about response, and getting the job done without fuss. The styling isn’t attention-seeking, and if the exhaust note isn’t as rorty as you’d like, it won’t matter once you get going – the attitude will be rousing enough.Push that pedal and the engine answers instantly, keep the revs high enough and it keeps giving more. Up above 3000 is where it really generates heat, but a wide torque band means it’s smooth and strong in the lower register for normal – or mildly keen – jaunts. At that level it’s surprising comfortable, with the firm suspension still managing to baffle all but the worst ruts.There’s joyous snicking through the close-ratio gear slots with the sharp, precise shift feel. And while the GTi may not lead for firepower, it’s not falling behind in the fun stakes. Get it going and the car feels suctioned to the road, sashaying through corners with smooth glee. Pushed hard, it’ll betray a touch of body roll, but overall it’s well-balanced and confident.There's no argument about the steering accuracy. Turn the wheel and the Pug obeys. And it’s that all-round tractability is the 208 GTi’s charm. You can fire it from corner to corner, then tickle it around town – and it will step up to the plate at either end of the job sheet.VERDICTIs it the 205 GTi? No, of course not. But a worthy successor, most definitely. It’s nimble, fast and fun – everything a hot hatch could be. And it’s stylish, well-equipped and good quality, which is everything any car should be.Peugeot 208 GTiPrice: under $30,000Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmCapped serivicing: $270/yr for 3 yrs/60,000kmService interval: 12 months/20,000kmSafety rating : 5-starEngine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol, 147W/275NmTransmission: 6-spd manual; FWDThirst: 5.9L/100km; 98RON; 139g/km CO2Tank: 50LDimensions: 3.9m (L), 1.7m (W), 1.4m (H)Weight: 1160kg

It's been a couple of months now and our time with Peugeot's classy 308 Allure is drawing to a close. We really like the car for a number of reasons not the least being the fact that it's different - you don't see one on every street corner.For some reason it's not on many people's radar but the Peugeot brand has been substantially rejuvenated in the past year or two offering style and efficiency in a range of affordable cars with that certain French chic.The six-speed conventional automatic places the sweet looking Pug in a torrid segment with up to eight direct competitors from Japan, Korea and Europe. The main one would be VW's Golf diesel.VALUEThe current, well featured Pug lineup deserves a second look particularly with fixed price servicing now included. Prices for the 308 range start at $22,990. The Allure tested here is the top of the range going from $37,990.It includes leather, premium audio, cruise with speed limiter, dual zone climate control, comprehensive instrumentation, multi wheel controls, auto wipers, park assist front and rear, Bluetooth, pollen filter with charcoal filter as well, rain and dusk sensors for wipers and lights, remote wheel buttons and a decent trip computer.We really appreciate the auto wipers and headlights and would like to see them adopted on all cars. How hard would it be? The lack of satnav as standard equipment is a bit of an issue for the $37,990 ask.DESIGNPeugeot upgraded the 308 mid-2011 with a sleeker look that toned down the large grille and gave the car a more prestige appearance inside and out. It is in fact available in three body styles, hatch, CC (coupe/convertible) and wagon.The 308 hatch looks good heightened this time around by some funky daytime running lights. Love the interior styling, Peugeot has really nailed it here. It has a French flair and is much better than Peugeot's efforts in the recent past.The firmish seats are comfy over a long drive and the stylish cabin is a pleasant place to be. It has room for five and the load space can be doubled in size with the rear seats folded. Fits easily in the garage too.TECHNOLOGYMechanically it's actually fairly mainstream - electric power steering, Macpherson strut and torsion beam suspension, 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine with 120kW/340Nm output and capable of clocking as little as 6.3-litres/100km. The tank is 60 litres. No drinking problem here thank you very much it's all about sipping the precious essence to elicit maximum yield in terms of output and economy.We really like the fact that this car has both a charcoal filter and a pollen filter for cabin air purification. It means no more toxic fumes while you drive along. The six speed conventional automatic transmission marries up well to the engine and is always at the ready with the right cog for any given circumstance. The manual dips into the fours impressive.Bear in mind that Peugeot's engine building operation supplies many highly regarded European manufacturers with diesel and petrol engines - the same as what is fitted to Peugeot's lineup (sometimes tweaked). The 2.0 turbodiesel isn't as advanced as the 1.6 turbodiesel also available in 308 but is good to drive with smooth operation and plenty of punch readily available simply by pushing the go pedal.SAFETYFive star safety includes all the usual equipment to achieve that and comes with what Peugeot calls an Assured Service Plan no more than $330 a year for servicing. The roll-on grunt available at most intermediate speeds makes overtaking safer and quicker.DRIVINGIt's been a pleasant dalliance with pretty much no down side and some surprises to help keep our interest. We prefer an auto turbo diesel because there's a smoother power delivery due to constant turbo speed and boost. Better around town too. The 308 would make a capable long distance touring car and equally proficient commuter.It gets going straight off the mark and delivers lineal acceleration right up to whatever you choose. Better yet the 308 is a good thing to drive, a touch of class for not a lot of money.Indeed, the really impressive thing is how it goes, rides and handles. Performance is never lacking with plenty of kick off the mark, in the mid range and to some extent up near redline at 4000rpm. Minimal noise or vibration enters the cabin and once a desired speed is attained, it's all quiet on the western front.Not billed as a sports hatch, Peugeot has been able to imbue the 308 with clever dynamics that see it corner flat as a tack (no body roll) and yet still smooth out rough roads with its supple suspension.We continue to be impressed by its flat stance through corners at speed which normally means a hard ride from a stiff suspension. Not so here as the small car soaks up the bumps without flinching and continues on the chosen trajectory through a turn.Funny thing is, the suspension isn't anything special in technical terms a strut front and torsion beam rear. Can't get simpler than that. We drive plenty of cars and very few have this flat cornering characteristic. It's good.Other dynamics are impressive - the brakes, steering and chassis are similarly competent in an unobtrusive way. You can feel it all working but don't realise it until you actually pay attention. It's like Peugeot's of old supple and controlled.VERDICTYes, interesting car, goes great, plenty of kit, economical, excellent long distance cruiser. Looks pretty good too. A worthy competitor in the luxury small European segment against the likes of Golf.Peugeot 308 Allure 2.0 HDiPrice: from $37,990Warranty: 3 years roadside assistEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 120kW/340NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, FWDThirst: 6.3L/100Km, CO2 164g/km

...expected to go public at the Frankfurt motor show in September.Carparazzi says the newcomer is both wider and longer than the car it will replace, starting as a five-door hatch.This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover 

Based on the 208 hatch, the 2008 joins the larger 3008 and 4008 softroaders which have been attracting new customers to the French marque. Its arrival will probably see the demise of the slow-selling wagon in this segment, with the 207 Touring model currently in runout. Peugeot says the 2008 is the first vehicle to be designed and developed simultaneously for several geographic markets. At just 4.16m long, the 2008 combinesg the driving characteristics of a hatchback and the strength of an SUV. "The all-new 2008 takes Peugeot into an emerging crossover SUV segment that gives customers a car that is the size of a regular hatchback but offers the functionality and practicality that an SUV gives," Peugeot Australia boss Bill Gillespie said.  With its higher-driving position the 2008's beefed up wheel arches house 17 inch `Diamond' wheels fitted with `Mud&Snow' tyres. The black bumpers and body sills serve to protect it from abrasions with the addition of front and rear body protection and side mouldings in stainless steel. The front face adopts the latest Peugeot style codes. The innovative headlamps are sharp and precise, combining with the bodywork to give the outline appearance of a eye's pupil. This look is emphasised by LED daytime running lamps. The new 2008 has elegant and sophisticated sculpted wings and sides, indicating clear athletic qualities. The generous glazed surfaces, including the panoramic roof, promise a spacious interior open to its surroundings. Inspired by the RCZ, the roofline has dynamic curves while the wide tailgate is framed by lamps secured to the bodywork. Floating inside their housing, the three luminous claws are lit at their base by LEDs that appear suspended. The latest-generation engines offer an exceptional driving experience combined with a true breakthrough in terms of fuel economy.  Due to the technology of the e-HDi Diesel and new 3-cylinder petrol engines, the 2008 urban crossover stands out from the competition with CO2 starting from 99g/km.  

Italian design house Pininfarina will unveil a new concept car honoring the late Sergio Pininfarina at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, with the first teaser image released by the company today.It’s still too early to gauge any details, apart from the concept’s sultry hue, but we know that it will be called the Sergio and that it has been designed with exclusivity, innovation and passion in mind.Sergio Pininfarina, son of Pininfarina founder Battista Farina, passed away in his home in Turin, Italy, in July, 2012.He originally started working for the family design business in the 1950s and during his reign was responsible for some impressive cars, including the Fiat 124 Spider, Peugeot 406 Coupe, the Ferrari Testarossa and more recently the Ferrari Enzo and Sintesi concept.Last year Pininfarina used the Geneva show to unveil the Cambiano concept, a stylish sedan powered by a extended-range electric drivetrain consisting of a diesel engine, lithium-ion battery array and four electric motors.Given the description of the latest Sergio concept, we have a feeling Pininfarina is planning something a little sportier this year.www.motorauthority.com  

Without stretching too far, you could conceivably opt for Peugeot's 308 2.0-litre diesel Allure instead of a BMW 3-series and come out driving a vehicle with quite a few similarities at about 25 grand less.FAMILIARThere's a familiar drive feel between BMW's 2.0-litre turbo diesel 3-Series and the Pugs and the ride and handling package is sporty/comfortable in both. They offer about the same interior room and are similarly economical. The Pug is just as luxurious as a diesel 3-Series offering a swag of high-end goodies and it now looks classy outside thanks to a toned-down face and other styling tweaks.Still a front wheel drive though but that shouldn't trouble the average punter as the 308 is a good thing to drive, a good thing to own especially now that Peugeot has fixed price servicing and fun to drive.VALUEPeugeot revamped the 308 about 18 months ago adding new equipment.  The test vehicle, top of the five-door hatchback range, goes for $37,990 but you get more car than you think because the styling tricks your eye. It's quite well endowed technically with a wide range of multi media kit, Bluetooth phone and audio, auto wipers and headlights, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, dual zone climate control air and a modern technical look to the dash. Not quite to VW levels at this stage though.TECHNOLOGYWe like the way it goes with plenty of kick from the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine driving the fronts through a six speed conventional auto. With 120kW/340Nm on tap it matters nought. Fuel economy rates a combined 6.1-litres/100km.DESIGNIt's quite a large "small" car with adequate room for five inside and a decent boot. Peugeot have added a smaller grille with more of a V-shape as well as myriad other changes. The sporty seats have partial leather but cloth where it counts and a useful range of lumbar support adjustment. The folding rear seats add to its practicality.SAFETYAs expected, the new 308 gets a five star safety crash rating.DRIVINGYou'll never find it lacking. It's just a matter of pushing your right foot and away it goes -- whoosh. Up to 35kg has been shaved off 308's weight but this particular model still tips the scales at a hefty 1427kg.VERDICTThe 308 is growing on us. We are about to embark on a Christmas holidays road trip of a few thousand kays. That will be the real test. Will keep you posted.Peugeot 308 2.0 HDi AllurePrice: from $37,990Warranty: Three years/100,000kmSafety: 5-star ANCAPEngine: 2.0-litre diesel 4-cyl, 120kW/340NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, FWDDimensions: 4.3m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.5m (H)Weight: 1427kgThirst: 6.1L/100km (as recorded), 164g/km CO2

The small-medium Peugeot 206 was a great car in its day and appealed to those looking for something out of the ordinary. Many were sold to Australians who enjoy driving, not to mention those who love all things French. It rode and handled like a quality car and its dynamics were well ahead of those of the typical Asian cars of the time.Despite the excellent handling, ride comfort remained good, even on rough Australian roads. Though it’s mainly aimed at suburban running, Peugeot 206 can easily be used as a long distance cruiser thanks to its compliant suspension and the usual concentration on relaxing travel by French suspension engineers.The styling of the baby Peugeot broke new ground, with big bold curves and sweeping angles. In particular look at the asymmetrical shape of the body and at the bold lines of the C-pillars. So successful was the shape of the little car that the designers eventually carried the styling theme to the rest of the Peugeot range.In its home country the Peugeot 206 is used by many as a family car so has excellent space efficiency. There's reasonable accommodation for four people and a fair amount of luggage. The 206's interior has been designed to provide a variety of passenger/luggage combinations by folding different seats as required.Most 206s are sold as hatchbacks with either three or five doors, but there's a fascinating open-top model that’s gained a lot of admirers in Australia. Tagged the Peugeot 206CC, with the CC standing for Convertible-Coupe, it has a solid metal roof that can turn it into a convertible at the push of a button. This car was in the vanguard of what has become a popular type in Australia and still draws attention today.There's also a full on sports model in the 206 GTi and its even stronger brother the GTi180. These not only have plenty of engine grunt, but also sports seats, 15-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and ABS brakes. The GTi variants cost a fair bit more than the standard models but offer decent value for money for the driving enthusiast.Engines in the Peugeot 206 begin with a 1.4-litre unit, only sold from March 2002 and used in the lower cost variants. The 1.4 has better performance than you might expect in a car of this size, but try it for yourself, preferably with a reasonable number of people on board before settling for its lower price. Far more common is a 1.6-litre engine installed in cars from the original 1999 imports onwards.A 2.0-litre unit, which is a very large powerplant for a car of this size and light weight, is sold in the sports GTi. That model comes in several formats; most have 100kW or 102kW power outputs but the GTi180 punches out a very healthy 134kW, or 180 horsepower hence the car’s title.Though the engine capacity in the 180 horsepower unit remains at the same 2.0 litres as on the standard 206 GTi, the 180 has variable valve timing, a twin exhaust system and quite a few detailed changes to increase efficiency. The result is a zero to 100 km/h time of a pretty respectable seven seconds.The 2.0-litre engine is also offered in some versions of the 206CC convertible, but only in its lower-powered format. The added weight of the adaptable roof also takes the edge of the car’s performance. But, hey look at that lovely open air feeling, isn’t that more important?Most models in the Peugeot 206 range have a five-speed manual transmission as standard, with an optional four-speed automatic for those who drive in traffic a lot. From the March 2004 model update the automatic came with tiptronic-type manual overrides. Peugeot 206 GTi comes only with the manual gearbox.After a long and successful run in Australia, the 206 was replaced by the Peugeot 207 in a gradual changeover that began early in 2007 and continued model for model for most of the year. In turn, the Peugeot 208 arrived in Australia in mid 2012.Peugeot is long established in Australia, so there's a strong dealer network. The company is represented in some country areas, not just in the major metropolitan zones. Servicing costs and spare parts prices are generally reasonable and we seldom hear of any real problems with parts availability.Insurance costs tend to sit midway up the charts of most companies. The hot 206 GTi models attract higher premiums than the standard ones, but generally not to an outrageous extent.Make sure to arrange a full inspection of any French car you’re considering as, sadly, they don’t have the build quality of Japanese machines.Check that the roof mechanism on a 206CC works smoothly and that there are no unexpected noises during its operation. During the test drive be sure there are no wind noises from the roof when it’s closed.Look for severe tyre wear on a GTi and also for a lot of dust buildup on the wheels. Check for the dust behind the wheels as a smart seller will have cleaned the obviously visible areas at the front.Engines are generally smooth so be suspicious of one that’s on the rocky side, particularly when first started from cold.Check the complete interior, paying special attention to the condition of the seats as they don’t always stand up to the rigours of harsh treatment by Aussie kids.No matter how sure you are of your ability at checking cars it still makes a mountain of sense to call in a professional for the final examination. 

It wears a Peugeot badge and chic French wardrobe but the 4008 is actually the Mitsubishi ASX under the skin. The 4008 rolled out of the same Mitsubishi factory in Japan and landed on our shores in March. It started to gain some showroom traction since then, and notched up 110 sales in August, but the ASX more than tripled that result.VALUEPriced from $28,990 the Peugeot 4008 is $3000 more than the base model Mitsubishi ASX. The 4008 gets extra features like speed sensitive power steering, six speakers to the ASX’s four, a cooled glove box, rain sensors, illuminated fade technology, metallic finish inserts on doors, automatic headlamps and LED daytime running lights.But it misses out on the ASX’s chrome door handles, hill holder, remote boot release and spare wheel space saver. And the 4008 gets a three-year 100,000km warranty, while the ASX has a more generous five-year 130,000km one.TECHNOLOGYThe 4008 has a 2.0-litre engine producing 110kW of power and 197Nm of torque, mated to either the five-speed manual tested here or a six-speed constantly variable transmission. The base model is only available in front wheel drive, however the top spec Allure has the option of front wheel drive, four wheel drive or “lock” mode for when you’re bogged.DESIGNThe 4008 has a wide nose with a large floating grille and sharp headlights. The exterior has mild wheel arches holding 16-in wheels, body coloured bumpers and door handles, power door mirrors and tinted windows. The interior is simple, without fiddly technologies and there are plenty of storage spaces for your bits and pieces. The space should be fine for young families but not for those with long-limbed teenagers.Cheap seat material is used in the base model Active; one passenger likened it to “train seat material.” However, the top spec Allure has attractive leather on the steering wheel, shift knob and seats.SAFETYSafety features include seven airbags, ABS technology, electronic brake force distribution and electronic stability, daytime running lamps and rear view mirror with electric anti glare. There’s no hill start assist with the 4008 base model, a bit of a letdown considering this is a feature in most new SUVs including the Mitsubishi ASX.DRIVINGThe 4008 doesn’t live up to Peugeot’s usual standards when it comes to the driving experience and this is probably because you become more aware of the Mitsubishi under the skin. The automatic 4008 we previously drove was sluggish and poorly matched to the engine, as it often struggled to find the right gear. However, the manual in this test is a more exciting option, as it provides greater driving control and gives it a bit of life.A large amount of road noise enters the cabin and the suspension doesn’t handle bumpy roads well. However, the 4008 does the job well enough around town, manoeuvring easily through traffic and turning in a tight 10.6-metre circle, making it a capable parker and nimble around narrow city corners. Overall, while the drive isn’t impressive, it’s a practical SUV with a price tag that’s easy on the wallet.VERDICTIt’s a case of style over substance, but if you’re looking for an attractive compact SUV, the 4008 is worth a test.

On a shiny black stage at the Paris motor show this week, start-up Exagon Motors displayed its baby: The Furtive eGT, France's most luxurious automobile.Exagon executives brag their E400,000 ($501,000) hybrid comes with customisable leather interior, rigid carbon-fibre frame and body, and two powerful electric engines. But, while rich on technical prowess, Exagon's vehicle is missing an element that traditionally surrounds luxury goods: a legacy.Despite France's long list of luxury brands, from Veuve Clicquot to Chanel to Falcon business jets, the country has struggled for more than a half century to break into the luxury car market that is now dominated by a quartet of German auto brands: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Porsche.“In France, which is, after all, the country of luxury goods, there is a big hole in the automobile sector,” says Exagon chief executive Luc Marchetti, who owns auto racing team Exagon Engineering. The company has orders for 60 vehicles and hopes to begin deliveries early next year.Marchetti isn't alone. France's biggest carmakers Renault and Peugeot Citroen are eager to put an end to a prolonged absence from the luxury segment that has left them vulnerable to the region's slowdown. Their mid-range vehicles are under a two-pronged attack by premium brands such as Mercedes, which is moving downmarket, and by new Asian rivals aggressively expanding in Europe.The result is a squeeze on profits that is hitting mass-market suppliers the hardest. In the first half of this year, for instance, Porsche had an operating profit margin of 18.7 per cent. By contrast, Renault's automotive division was barely profitable and Peugeot Citroen's automotive division was deeply in the red. French carmakers are trying to find a way out with a new luxury recipe.“To be on premium car buyers' shopping list, your brand must be positioned high enough, and to elevate your brand you need to be selling high-end cars,” said Frederic Saint-Geours, head of brands at Peugeot and Citroen. “We're trying to jump-start such a virtuous cycle.”As part of their new push into luxury, Peugeot is upgrading dealerships with a more exclusive experience; Renault is digging into its portfolio to see what old brands might appeal to luxury-car buyers; and in some cases both companies have consulted with major fashion house designers for advice.The results of those efforts are on display this week at Paris's auto show. Last week, Peugeot showed a new, convertible version of its successful DS3 sub-compact, one of a new series of DS prestige cars that it hopes will pull its Citroen brand upmarket. The company has sold 250,000 DS cars since their 2010 launch. Renault, meanwhile, is close to a decision on reviving with a partner its Alpine sports car brand.