Peugeot reveals its small mover

PEUGEOT has issued photographs of the production version of its new compact people-mover, the Peugeot 307 SW.

First unveiled as a barely disguised concept at the Frankfurt show in 2001, the production car will be shown to the European public at Geneva in March.

We should see it for the first time at the Sydney motor show in October, before it goes on sale late in 2002.

While joining a small but growing market segment, the SW also joins the Holden Zafira in being the only car in the class to have seven seats - most have five seats, including the Daewoo Tacuma, Mazda Premacy and Renault Scenic.

The SW, which is tipped to be called the Leisure in Australia, is based on the 307 high-roof hatchback launched in Australia late in 2001, but creates even more passenger and load space by adding 10cm to the wheelbase and 11cm to the length.

The interior layout can be speedily adapted to accommodate up to seven people.

The individual rear seats can be removed to form a significant number of different configurations.

One of the SW's most striking features is the panoramic glass roof, which covers the full width of the roof and extends over the front and second row passenger seats.

It features the biggest windscreen in its class and there's a large rear screen to aid rearward vision - in fact a third of the 307 SW's total body area is made of glass. There's also a full-length electric shutter blind.

There are also lots of handy storage areas and useful features, including fold-down tables on the front seat backs and pull out storage drawers under both front seats.

Air-conditioning, electric front windows and 12-volt power sockets further enhance passenger comfort and convenience, while an air-conditioned glovebox helps keep drinks or chocolate bars cool.

Safety features include front, side and curtain airbags - six altogether - active front seat backrests, emergency brake assist and three-point retractable seatbelts for each of the seven seats.

In Europe, the SW is offered with a choice of 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre 16-valve petrol engines, as well as two versions of Peugeot's 2.0-litre HDi turbo-diesel engine.