Peugeot 607 Reviews

Peugeot's RCZ 2+2 coupe is a striking car in the Audi TT idiom but with its own French flavour. The double-bubble rear screen is a stroke of styling genius as are the sweeping aluminium roof spars.PRICEAnd then there's the price advantage - all three RCZ variants are $54,990 with a generous amount of goodies. A diesel Audi TT will set you back nearly $70k albeit with all wheel drive.ENGINE AND MECHANICALSWe have been driving the 2.0-litre HDi turbo diesel six-speed manual - an interesting specification for a sports coupe but it works, delivering sporty performance and sharp handling. There's no cackling, popping exhaust as you get in the turbo petrol models but the car has other strengths - such as frugal 5.3-litres/100km fuel consumption. It means you can drive your diesel RCZ for a thousand kays without refuelling. Strong roll-on acceleration is also an endearing feature of the 2.0-litre diesel which runs a variable geometry turbo and high pressure injection on the way to delivering some 120kW/340Nm output. That's pretty lazy by latest gen' diesel standards but you really don't need any more poke than what is available. It's aided and abetted by the close-ratio six- speed manual box which works sweetly apart from the 5-6 upchange which is slightly offset. You can maximise fuel efficiency by paying attention to the car's gear change indicator but we achieved 5.3 without really trying. Emissions are reduced by an exhaust particle filter and safety is boosted by four air bags and sports calibrated stability control. It has decidedly sporty handling thanks to the wide track and well damped suspension which is an ideal compromise between sports firm and comfort soft.DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTIt's a beautifully built thing coming out of a factory in Austria complete with leather interior and a stylish yet functional dash.The test vehicle was equipped with optional JBL audio which rocks your world but generous standard equipment includes Bluetooth, premium, fully connected audio, chrome dash trim, alloy pedals, dual climate control and a heap of other goodies. Brakes and steering responses are of a high order. The test car's Directional bi-xenon headlights were among the best we have sampled and the hill start assist and park assist are handy to have.VERDICTWe liked driving this car. It's stylish, engaging, economical, goes great, is well equipped - and the right price.

Peugeot's premium sedans and wagons have been to the cosmetic surgeons and look all the better for it. Gone are the gaping mouth and glitzy eyes of the previous 407. In their place are the more subtle and graceful lines of the 508. While the result is less distinctive, this latest generation Peugeot has a purity and balance more befitting the marque. Bigger all round than its predecessor, the 508 is 100mm longer, 42mm wider and a fraction taller. The interior is classy, well-appointed and thankfully free of gimmicks and complex controls. The dash layout is clean and uncluttered and mostly easy to master, although storage could be better. The front seats are supportive, with generous leg and shoulder room and plenty of adjustment, backed by a reach and tilt steering column. Rear seat legroom is the main beneficiary of the longer body, up by 53mm.PRICINGThe 508 comes in five models - three sedans and two wagons. Entry level is the 1.6 turbo petrol Active at $36,990, then the 1.6 Allure at $39,490, the 1.6 Allure Touring at $42,490, the 2.0 diesel Allure at $42,990, the 2.0 Allure Touring at $45,990 and the 2.2 diesel GT at $52,990.On test, the 2.0 Allure sedan had six airbags, stability control, quad-zone climate control, leather trim, cruise control, parking sensors, electric park brakes, engine stop/start button, trip computer, hill-start assist, heated and folding mirrors, single-CD eight-speaker audio with Bluetooth and USB connection, side and rear sun blinds, finger-touch locking and unlocking, auto-headlights and wipers, fog lights and day lights.The wagon adds a glass roof and an electric tailgate. The 508 goes into bat against the Ford Mondeo, Renault Latitude and Volkswagen Passat.TECHNOLOGYPeugeot has been a leader in turbo diesels since the robust 504 GLD in 1978. The 2.0-litre HDi engine in the 508 remains punchy and frugal. Output is 120kW, up 20kW, and torque is up from 20Nm to 340Nm at 2000rpm. The six speed automatic transmission makes good use of the engine's flexibility. It steps off briskly, delivers ample mid-range and overtaking response and has a tall sixth gear ratio to cruise serenely at 1750rpm at 100km/h.DRIVINGNoise levels are so low most passengers won't pick it for a diesel. Performance is deceptive enough to warrant an eagle eye on the speedometer around town. Acceleration times are much the same as the 407, but fuel consumption on the combined cycle drops to 5.7l/100km, down from 7.1l/100km. This, plus an increase in fuel tank capacity from 66 to 72 litres, extends the driving range to more than 1200km.A longer wheelbase than the 407 produces a more stable footprint. Handling is secure and predictable, with accurate turn-in and minimum body roll. The suspension is firm and well-controlled on smooth surfaces but, while the big tyres grip like glue, they also produce some thump at low speeds on choppy secondary roads.weeklytimesnow

Kids aren’t usually a factor in Car of the Year judging.  But child friendliness rates highly with women buying cars – and with women judging cars.The countdown has been kicked off to decide the Women’s World Car of the Year, and the kid factor is one the judges pay a lot of attention to.“Statistics show that women drive children in cars significantly more often than men – and that means women need to take that into account, both when buying and as judges of cars,” WCOTY president Sandy Myhre said from New Zealand.“Any woman who has grappled constantly with child seats and belts and children considers those things when looking at buying a car.  Men might too but the fact is, women drive children in cars more than men.“Women would not consider that aspect in a Porsche 911 more than a bloke. The point is, it can be considered in these awards - and that is one of the points of difference in these awards.”Myhre points out that significant research into buying habits show that in addition to buying for themselves, women have a major influence in household purchase decisions for big ticket items.Ford Australia, for example, says their research shows that women are behind the majority of purchases of the Territory SUV – either as single women buying one, or in influencing the joint decision with their partner. “A report from Mattingly & Associates in Australia concluded, in part, that businesses that didn't understand this influence would be hard-pressed to stay in business.  That report was aptly called 'When I've Made Up Our Minds',” Myhre says.However, the kid factor is just one of the criteria by which the 2012 Women’s World Car of the Year will be judged.There are four categories in the Women's World Car of the Year – Family Car, Luxury Car, Sports Car and Economy Car. Points are allocated to each of ten criteria: driveability, engineering, comfort, child friendliness, style, interior, storage, dashboard efficiency, carbon footprint and colour range.The 20 judges from eleven countries have submitted their own personal short list and more than 300 cars were suggested. These individual choices were then whittled down to form a master list of 32 in terms of popularity. Judges will now allocate points for these cars from a criteria list.The announcement of the winning cars in each category and the supreme winner will be made before the end of March. The supreme award trophy and category certificates will be presented to the car companies concerned at the Mondial de l’Automobile 2012 – the Paris Motor Show – in September. The supreme trophy will this year be made in The Netherlands. Category-winner certificates will be designed at Peartree Studios in Colerne, UK.The first winner of the Women's World Car of the Year was the Jaguar XF in 2010 and the trophy made in South Africa was presented at the Jaguar boutique showroom in Knightsbridge, London. In 2011 there was a dead-heat between the Citroen DS3 and the BMW 5 Series. The two trophies made in India were presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011. 

While final Australian specification and pricing will be announced closer to the 4008's on-sale date, Australia and New Zealand will be two of the first markets to receive the 4008. Production starts next month, and the new 4008 will be available in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions with competitive pricing. The new 4008 will enter one of the most competitive segments of the market in Australia with a price tag sub-30K. Peugeot says it combines strength, power and driving safety in all circumstances, particularly the all wheel drive variant. Despite its links with Mitsubishi, all 4008's exterior panels, except the doors are unique to and styled by Peugeot.It is a much better looking vehicle that the previous model. Interior ambiance is enhanced by the choice of materials, like the soft texture fascia, to the instrument panel visor and the lacquered black decoration of the centre console. The 4008 sits on the same size wheelbase as the 4007 but is 30cm shorter. Globally, there are four engines on offer a 1.6-litre (86kW/152Nm) four cylinder petrol with a five-speed manual gearbox, a 2.0-litre (113kW/198Nm), four cylinder with a five-speed manual or CVT, a 1.6-litre HDi (84kW/270Nm)  280Nm with overboost mated to a six-speed manual and a 1.8-litre HDi (110kW/300Nm) four cylinder turbo diesel with a six-speed manual transmission. To optimise consumption, the stop and start system is available on both diesels and the 1.6-litre petrol.

As much as they've tried, and tried they have, French cars haven't made much progress in this market, which must be galling to them given that their German rivals are going gangbusters.The Peugeot 308, for instance, was launched with the claim that it was as well built as its cross-border rivals, and drove as well as they did too. The company was trying to make up for the shortcomings of the 307, which had been slammed for its looks and lack of dynamics. To start with the 308 was aligned with the more attractive 207 and 407 models, given the same dynamic styling that made the other models their appeal.The 308 was marginally larger than the 307, being longer and wider, with a wider track for a bigger footprint to aid the on-road stability. It was also heavier, which didn't help the performance. Inside, it had decent head and legroom, and comfortable seats, but the boot was smaller than the 307's and most of its rivals.Underneath it was similar to its predecessor, with MacPherson Strut front suspension and torsion beams at the rear. There was a good choice of engines, with two petrol and diesel engines. The transmission choices, depending on the model, were five-speed manual and auto, and six-speed manual and auto. Standard equipment included dual climate controlled air-conditioning, cruise control, trip computer, power front windows and MP3 connection. A full-sized spare wheel is also standard.IN THE SHOPThe lack of complaints about the 308 received at Carsguide suggest it is doing the job for its owners, although it is too early to give it a conclusive tick of approval. Prospective buyers need to be aware that the 308, like all European cars, tends to consume brakes faster than cars from other parts of the world. Expect to be replacing pads, and perhaps also discs, every 50,000 km or so. Maintenance is also crucial so look for proof of servicing when inspecting a car prior to purchase.UNDER THE PUMPFuel economy was a strong point of the 308, with the small petrol engine using only 7.7 L/100 km and the smallest turbo-diesel engine using only 5.1 L/100 km.IN A CRASHFive stars was the best stamp available to carmakers from ANCAP and the 308 received it. It was fully equipped with front, head and side airbags, there were ABS brakes, and on all models but the base XS there was also electronic stability control.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $27,990 to $38,990Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 88 kW/160 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 80 kW/140 Nm; 110 kW/240 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 100 kW/320 NmTransmission: 4-speed auto, 5-speed man, 6-speed auto. 6-speed man; FWDEconomy: 7.7 L/100 km (1.6), 8.2 L/100 km (1.6T), 5.1 L/100 km (1.6TD), 6.8 L/100 km (2.0TD)Body: 5-door hatch, 4-door wagonVariants: XS, XSE, XTE, XTSSafety: 5-star ANCAPVERDICTMore refined, roomy cabin and more stylish looks, but is pricey.

Among the extra equipment and cosmetic changes, the 2012 model will now come with Bluetooth phone and a USB port, leather seat trim and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment for no extra cost. Also part of the 2012 refresh are a few cosmetic tweaks. The pint size drop top now comes with the new corporate identification Lion badging as well as black meter dials, a black interior roof colour and "Boyington" dashboard trim accents. The price remains unchanged from $33,490 for the 1.6L man and $35, 490 for the automatic. The 1.6-litre four cylinder engine produces 88kW/160Nm and meets the strict Euro 5 emissions standards. The 1.6-litre turbo automatic is no longer available for 207 CC. The new features are in addition to the already comprehensive level of equipment on the207 CC which includes automatically folding steel roof, cruise control with speed limiter, dual zone climate control air conditioning, electronic stability program, four airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist which applies more braking force in the event of sudden braking to increase the efficiency of your braking.

The Sun’s Ken Gibson has had an early taste of what could be a ground-breaking car, the Peugeot 3008 that is spearheading the push for hybrid diesel technology. So - in true Gibson style - he took the lion-badged hybrid Peugeot to meet some other rare hybrid lions: a pride of 14 white beasts. And along the way, makes some comparisons that make a lot of sense.

It arrives in Europe mid year with two distinct body styles; three and five-door with an extensive range of petrol and diesel engines including an all new three cylinder petrol unit and the latest generation of stop & start (e-HDi) diesel engines. Peugeot has rewritten the rule book with 208 with a desire to reinvent the principles on which the success of icons like the 205, 206 and 207 were built and to 're-generate' them. By achieving average CO2 emissions of 34g/km lower than the 207, the 208 takes the lead in its segment. Its latest generation engine technology and the use of the innovative e-HDi micro-hybrid stop & start system on virtually all versions, add to the vehicle's improvements in terms of weight reduction and aerodynamics. The 208 introduces a new range of three cylinder petrol engines, 1.0  and 1.2-litre VTi, which are particularly efficient.  Weight, aerodynamics and of course the PSA Group's technological expertise with innovation in terms of both HDi FAP diesel, VTi and THP petrol engines, are factors which place the 208 as a leader in the segment. The diesel range kicks off with the 1.4 HDi with 50kW/160Nm and a five-speed manual gearbox capable of 3.4-litres/100km. There's a 1.6 turbodiesel too. It's not known what specification 208 will be brought to Australia.

This is the super fuel efficient version of Peugeot's 407/607 replacement. It is fitted with a small 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine and a six-speed robotised manual gearbox. It also has engine stop/start technology which as its name implies shuts down the engine when it comes to a standstill to save fuel. Take your foot off the brake and the engine automatically restarts and you're good to go. Sounds fine in theory but it's not everyone's cup of tea.WHAT'S DIFFERENT? This is one of the first models to receive Peugeots' roll out of e-HDi micro-hybrid concept. It's designed primarily to bring significant reductions in both CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. The e-HDi micro-hybrid concept combines: Euro 5 compliant, 1.6-litre HDi engine, stop/start system with a second-generation reversible alternator, improved management of electrical systems with alternator control optimised gearbox ratios, low-viscosity engine oil and a variable-capacity oil pump tyres with low rolling resistance.ECONOMY This is one area where the 508 excels. Official fuel economy is a miserly 4.4 litres/100km. With a 72-litre fuel tank, this gives the car a theoretical range of 1636km.After 500km we were averaging 5.3 litres/100km. We still had more than 800km to go according to the trip computer. Not bad for a largish, premium sedan. But what price do you put on economy?STOP/START Peugeot argues that stop/start can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 15 per cent, even in the cut and thrust of city driving. This is thanks to precise metering and innovative computer control. But it can be annoying, particulary when it comes to precise movements like parking because the engine stops as soon as you touch the brakes. If you can't take it, there's an option to switch it off.DRIVINGOnce it's up and running it is okay. But it suffers from the same jerky gear change that its predecssor the 308 Hdi EGC did. Time has moved on since then but unfortunately not the transmission, which is a robotised manual with a single clutch.The jerkiness is smoothed out in dual clutch transmissions. It's a deal breaker as far as we're concerned, but don't take our word for it go and drive one.WHAT'S MISSING?Full complement of safety gear but no leather and the aircon is dual zone, not quad zone. It also misses out on keyless start and entry, an electrically operated parking brakes and directional, auto-dipping headlights.There's no alarm and you don't get computerised car parking space measurement, but you do get rear parking sensors (but none for the front with this model). Nothing you need and nothing you're going to miss.WHAT'S IT COST?Surprisingly little. Active is the lower grade but still well equipped. The list price of the Peugeot 508 1.6 Active e-HDi auto is $37,490 plus on road costs. 

Released last year, the Peugeot RCZ has been compared to Audi's TT coupe in its style and execution.You don't see many of these cars on the road, so if you want to standout this could be just the ticket.VALUEStill not sure about the looks, but Peugeot's RCZ sports car certainly commands attention. So does the price, because at $54,990 before on-roads it looks a lot more expensive than it is. Peugeot has adopted a curious pricing strategy for this car. Buyers can chose between three models, all for the same price. There's a choice of 1.6-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines, with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. But there is a caveat. The diesel is available only as a manual and there is a bigger choice than might be first apparent when deciding between the manual or automatic petrol versions.If you want the automatic, you must accept a cut in the engine's power and outputs, which drops from 147 to 120kW and from 275 to 240Nm.DESIGNThe exterior is defined by the so-called double-bubble shaped roof and rear window, a large analogue clock dominates attention inside. The RCZ scores five stars for safety, with a raft of safety devices.Leather is not standard but the car is reasonably well equipped, with a range of option packs available. The standard six-speaker sound system includes Bluetooth, a USB connector, AUX socket, audio streaming function as well as a hands-free kit.TECHNOLOGYThe RCZ has a Mac strut front and torsion beam rear suspension setup, and sits on standard 18 or optional 19 inch wheels. The 1.6-litre turbocharged engine is in fact the same unit that can be found under the bonnet of the Cooper S.Jointly developed by BMW and PSA Peugeot-Citroen, it was named International Engine of the Year last year. With a twin scroll turbocharger the engine develops maximum torque of 275Nm during overboost and sprints from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds. At the same time it uses just 6.9 litres of fuel per 100km. The car tips the scales at 1372kg.DRIVEThink fun to drive in the classic sense of the term and you start to get the picture. Not having driven any Peugeots for a while we approached the RCZ without any preconceptions. The RCZ sits on the same platform as the 308 and 3008 models. Our test vehicle was the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with the six-speed manual transmission which is bound to be the biggest selling model given the car's sporty pretensions. But the ride height has been lowered 20mm and the car has a lower centre of gravity both of which contribute to excellent handling characteristics.The RCZ is no red light racer, but delivers plenty of punch in the mid range, with nice exhaust crackle and quick, responsive dynamics. The car exhibits high levels of grip but is better suited to smoother roads, with an engine that hits the rev limit easily.A pop up rear wing activates at speeds of more than 85km/h and folds back below 55km/h, with a second position for speeds above 155 km/h (or you can deploy it manually)But, after the first corner, we were hooked. With a T intersection ahead and the lights about to go red, we just made it in time, flicking the wheel right for the 90 degree turn. To its credit the RCZ didn't miss a beat, snapping around the turn like it was on rails.VERDICTThis is a car for people who like to drive, with spring in its step and a light easy to use manual change.