First look: Peugeot offers clues to all-new 407

PEUGEOT provides a clue to the looks of the replacement for its highly successful mid-sizer, the 406, with this concept to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show next week.

While not identical to the production car that's expected to go on sale in Europe next year and in Australia around August, 2004, the 407 Elixir is built on the new car’s platform.

Expect a wagon variant of the 407 only two months later, including a seven-seater turbo-diesel variant, while the all-new 406 Coupe - which could be even more accurately previewed by Elixir - is due here a further 12 months later in 2005.

Key points to note about the 407 Elixir are the styling as a guide to future models, the double wishbone suspension at the front – the 406 has MacPherson struts – and an updated multi-link rear axle, a large glass roof panel and the introduction of a new 2.7-litre turbo-diesel engine.

Styling cues include a steeply raked windscreen, a wide mouth, twin exhausts, LED-type rear lights and an opening rear window in an upright tailgate.

Inside there is seating for four, no partition or rear parcel shelf and nine airbags, one of which – incorporated in the steering column – protects the driver’s knees.

The six-cylinder 2700cc HDi engine produces 148kW and a staggering 440Nm. The engine is mated to a Tiptronic-style sequential gearbox.

The suspension is combined with a new Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

The 407 Elixir is 4734mm long, 1920mm wide, 1400mm high and has a 2725mm wheelbase.