07 Mar 07
It seems like an unfortunate piece of timing, but Peugeot has chosen the height of the anti-SUV Zeitgeist to unveil its first 4x4, the 4007.
Working in collaboration with Mitsubishi, and using the Outlander as its basis, Peugeot has created a car that isn't exactly the most striking-looking SUV on the block. True, it's capable of seating seven. And true, it's not been beaten with the same ugly stick as the original Porsche Cayenne - even if the front grille does look as if it's currently spending a lot of time with an orthodontist. But it's bland enough to look as if it could have come on to the market at any time in the last 10 years.
Peugeot has fitted the 4007 with its latest 2.2-litre HDi common-rail injection diesel engine, developed with Ford and featuring a diesel particulate filter system. It makes 156bhp and 280lb-ft of torque, and is capable of using a 30% mixture of biodiesel without any modifications.
Also on its Geneva stand is Peugeot's collaboration with luxury goods manufacturer Holland & Holland. The special-edition concept version of the 4007 is painted in pearlescent Hagenias Bronze and trimmed in Ebony and Chartreuse leather. But when the regular version goes on sale in the summer, alongside its Citroen C-Crosser twin, expect more conventional interior and exterior treatments.
