Peugeot 4007: the lowdown
This is the 4007, Peugeot’s short-cut into the booming crossover-SUV market. Looks familiar? It’s a badge-engineered version of Mitsubishi’s new Outlander. And it won’t be the only faux Frenchie: Citroen will also get a version. The 4007’s glasshouse, outline and underpinnings are identical to the Mitsubishi’s, although new headlamps and a gaping grille graft on some of the Peugeot family look. The Outlander’s two-tone LED lamps are toned down. It’s the same principle as the Saab 9-2X, GM’s top-and-tailed version of the Subaru Impreza which bombed in America. Mitsubishi will build 30,000 units a year for PSA in its Japanese factory, split equally between Peugeot and Citroen. With the UK expected to take up to 8000 Outlanders alone, PSA is being cautious with its expectations. But Mitsubishi will be glad of the extra volume, helping to boost economies of scale.
Under the skin
Peugeot has made one big change: replacing the Outlander’s 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel, bought in from from VW, with its 2.2-litre HDI. The common-rail unit kicks out 156bhp and 280lb ft. For extra grunt, the engine can run on up to 30 percent biodiesel. And a particulate filter traps soot and periodically incinerates it. Power is sent mostly to the front wheels, although torque can be distributed to the rear axle if the front rubber loses grip. The 4007 can also be locked in four-wheel drive mode. Transmission is via a six-speed manual gearbox. Peugeot has yet to open up the 4007. But it retains the Outlander’s seven-seat layout, and French sources vow that the cabin will have a ‘Peugeot feel’ and plenty of storage. The 4007 goes on sale in the UK around September 2007, with prices slightly less than £20,000. No word yet whether the petrol engines will be offered from 2008.