Peugeot cameras zooming into view

PEUGEOT AUSTRALIA has promised to fit more reversing cameras to its cars in the near future, starting with the entry level 308 variants during the course of this year.

According to Peugeot Australia product manager Pavel Meck, a camera and screen fitted within the rear-vision mirror will soon be available from dealers for the base 308 Access, while the better-equipped Active and Allure that feature the touchscreen as standard will come ready-equipped with the technology.

“It is an important issue in the market and will continue to be so,” Mr Pavel told GoAuto at the 308 GT and Allure THP model launch in Albury.

“We are very close to finalising a dealer fit solution for customers that need that spec. There will be an update on that particular Access model in time.”It is understood that owners of the latest T9-series 308 from the Active variant up that do not have a rear-view camera fitted will be able to buy the necessary kit to have one retrofitted within the existing hardware.

Mr Meck added that clearer lines of communications between Peugeot importers Sime Darby Motors Group and PSA Peugeot Citroen in France means important Australian-specific items such as a reversing camera will now come on stream much sooner than before.

“Now luckily enough we have been very clear following discussions with France about the introduction of a reverse camera on as many cars as possible,” he said.

Similarly, the Australian launch of the 308 was held off nearly a year after its European debut due to the need to have the right engine and transmission combination for this market – something that has paid off with glowing reviews for the French-built Volkswagen Golf competitor.

One insider told GoAuto that the low sales of the 2008 compact SUV in this market because of its non-turbo three-cylinder engine choices, along with the outmoded four-speed automatic option, helped prompt PSA to take Peugeot Australia’s requests more seriously.