First look: Peugeot reveals its 407 range

PEUGEOT has revealed both the sedan and wagon versions of its mid-size 407, the replacement for the much-loved 406.

The sedan is scheduled to go on sale in Europe around March, with the Australian launch due for September or October, with the public reveal possibly slated for the Sydney motor show.

Originally, Peugeot Automobiles Australia had thought it would get the sedan first with the wagon – or Touring as PAA prefers to call it – not available until early in 2005.

But the simultaneous European reveal of the cars has boosted local hope of getting both at the same time. The 407 coupe, however, is still some time away and will not be seen until 2005 in Australia.

The 407 will not be mistaken for its predecessor thanks to its wide open air intake and large Peugeot symbol on the bonnet – two styling features set to become used commonly across the range.

The look is not a complete shock thanks to the Elixir concept car, which toured the Frankfurt and Tokyo motor shows this year and won wide acclaim.

Figures issued by Peugeot show that the 407 sedan is longer, wider, higher and has a longer wheelbase than the outgoing 406.

Under the skin the most significant mechanical change is from MacPherson strut front suspension to double wishbones, while the rear-end continues on with a revised multi-link system.

Engine choices at launch will include a new for Australia 116kW/217Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder and carry-over 155kW/290Nm 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines, while the 100kW/320Nm 2.0-litre HDi turbo-diesel engine will continue as well. Gearbox choices will include six-speed manual and four-speed automatic choices for the 2.0 and 2.2 and a six-speed auto for the V6.

Further down the track in 2005 is the prospect of the new 2.7-litre V6 common-rail turbo-diesel that has been co-developed with Ford and will be first seen in the S-Type Jaguar. Although no figures have been issued by Peugeot, the engine was in Elixir where it was claimed to produce 148kW and a staggering 440Nm.

It was also mated to a Tiptronic-style sequential gearbox, which is expected to flow through into production.

PAA is particularly excited by the prospect of the 2.7, which it believes could help end the stigma against diesels in the suburbs. Oil-burners have a loyal following, particularly in the country, and Peugeot is a market leader in Australia, although the sales numbers are small.

"Having the latest generation high-performance diesel engine is fantastic," said PAA spokesman Matthew McAuley.

"The fact that it is being trialled in a Jaguar means it will be well-credentialled." Other technical features include the latest generation ESP, combining an anti-skid function, ABS, emergency brake assist, new individual wheel brake force distribution and a stability control system.

The V6 version has unique variable damping suspension with nine distinct settings and speed variable rate power steering.

The line-up of 407s is broadly expected to ape the current range, with a base model petrol, base model diesel and upper-spec V6. At the moment, diesels are only available with the wagon, but that is expected to change when the 407 arrives.

Specification will climb somewhat, which means a price rise of some form can be expected from today’s $39,360 starting point. Standard equipment across the range will include nine airbags, active headlights, active windscreen wipers, cruise control, park assist and climate control air-conditioning.

Expect the likes of sat-nav and standard leather on upper-spec models.

PAA is citing the 407 as a key player in its ambition to drive to 10,000 sales in 2005. The 406 is averaging 35 sales per month in 2003, but the 407 will be expected to at least triple that.