No auto for Peugeot 4007 just yet

Date: 22 August 2007   |   Author:

4007

Peugeot's modest sales ambitions for its first off-roader mean it'll only be offering one engine and transmission choice, for the moment at least.

The new 4007, built by Mitsubishi in Japan following an agreement between the firm and PSA Peugeot Citroen, will at launch only get a six-speed manual transmission mated to PSA's own 160PS 2.2-litre diesel. There is an automatic diesel "on the agenda," according to the company, arriving in around 12 months time. Projected volumes of just 2000 in a full year leave the company questioning the need for the 2.4-litre automatic version using a Mitsubishi engine though, with the majority of sector sales heading for the black pump.

Around a third of that volume will enter the business sector, according to Peugeot fleet boss Steve Harris who said the firm's modest ambitions mean it doesn't "have to get into aggressive pricing to achieve volume".

Harris admitted there would be some buyers coming across from other Peugeot product, mainly the 407 SW and 807. "I would imagine there would be some incestuous business. If we got 50% [not coming from another Peugeot] we'd be delighted.

Peugeot is also busily readying itself for a crucial model introduction, with the new lower medium 308 looming into view. The five- and three-door versions arrive in September and December respectively, with the SW following next summer, and the new coupe-convertible coming in 18 months.

The firm is also to extend the 407 Coupe range with what is likely to prove the model's most popular fleet variant. The 136PS 2.0-litre diesel is heading for the Coupe this month, giving it a car that slots into the 21% BIK band to add fresh fleet appeal.

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