Peugeot gets Economique

PEUGEOT has released its newest fuel-sipping model in Europe and the suitably French-sounding 207 Economique could be headed Australia’s way.

Available in Europe from October in both three and five-door body styles plus two trim levels (Economique and Economique +), the special 207 comes with all of the updates applied to the Series II model range due on sale here in September.

The 207 Economique, however, comes with a Euro V emissions-meeting 67kW/218Nm 1.6-litre HDi turbo-diesel engine that features a unique software calibration and is mated exclusively to a five-speed manual transmission with taller final drive ratio to return a claimed average CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per kilometre.

Aside from giving the 207 Economique its ‘207 99g’ nickname, that makes it almost as environmentally friendly as Toyota’s new CVT-equipped Prius (89g/km).

However, with claimed average fuel consumption of just 3.8 litres per 100km, the diminutive Parisian is even more frugal than both the Toyota and the similarly diesel-powered Mini Cooper D – both of which are rated as Australia’s most fuel-efficient new cars with an ADR 81/02 combined-cycle economy figure of 3.9L/100km.

Apart from the taller gearing and a small-displacement compression-ignition engine, the 207 Economique achieves its remarkable fuel economy via a 5mm drop in ride height, a redesigned front bumper, 15-inch steel wheels with ‘aero’ hubcaps and low-rolling-resistance Michelin tyres.

The Economique has an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.274Cd – down from the standard 207’s 0.30Cd – while its claimed 0-100km acceleration time is reduced to a respective 11.7 seconds and 115km/h.

Priced from £12,995 ($A26,247) on the road in the UK, the unique 207 diesel is significantly more economical than the 55kW/120Nm 1.4-litre petrol engine that powers the entry-level 207 XR three-door, which opens the 207 range here at $20,990.

Peugeot Automobiles Australia spokesman Mark McCartney said the company is now seriously investigating the viability of selling the super-frugal 207 here.

“The situation is we’re looking at it,” he said. “We have expressed interest in it and we’re evaluating its suitability for this market.”

First shown at this year’s Geneva motor show in March, the Economique comes with all the usual 207 trimming, including twin front and side airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic brake assist, front seat height adjustment, a rake and reach-adjustable steering wheel, adjustable front head restraints, a 60/40-split rear seatback, electric front windows and remote central locking.

Additional Economique features include black instrument dials, ‘lion grey’ interior door-handles, a chromed gearknob, black body-side mouldings, black door-handles and an electric air-inlet flap.

The Economique+ adds air-conditioning, power/heated door mirrors and a trip computer.