24 Jul 08
9. Peugeot 207 GTI by Irmscher
One for tweakers, tuners and the Max Power set: Peugeot is seriously considering offering these scissor-opening doors as an approved option via the Irmscher catalogue. These'd make your 207 stand out from the crowd at a supermarket car park cruise.
This concept is based on the 207 GTI THP 175, painted grey with a full-length red strip from bonnet to boot, white stripes and graphics. Peugeot is showing it to test reaction to a variety of accessories it's considering developing, including alloys, sports seats and trim details.
The doors are said to have been engineered to production quality, and could be ordered for between £500-£1000.
10. Vauxhall Insignia
The Vectra was one of the most boring big cars around, so Vauxhall has made a good fist of addressing its issues with its successor, the Insignia.
Quite apart from instigating some headline-grabbing publicity stunts - dropping a car from a crane, for example - it looks as if Vauxhall once again will have a viable competitor against the all-mighty Mondeo.
Updates have been made to the IDS-Plus active chassis system, and new features include adaptive front headlights, hot windscreen washer jets, lane departure warnings, a camera system which 'reads' road signs, and an electronic parking brake.
The Insignia looks good, too, with a more coupe-like outline (estate models will follow) and bolder griffin badge. Hot VXR versions - and economy-oriented EcoFlex - models will follow later. Viva Vauxhall.
Video: Vauxhall Insignia
