Peugeot’s new SUV slinks in

PEUGEOT has quietly slipped its first SUV into Australian dealerships, with the all-diesel 4007 wagon range priced from $45,490 in five-seat manual ST form.

While that’s $12,250 more than the starting price of the Mitsubishi Outlander upon which it is based (and $4500 more than the cheapest Outlander V6), Peugeot says the seven-seat automatic version of the 4007 ST ($49,190) is Australia’s only European SUV with seven seats and diesel power priced under $50,000.

An automatic version of five-seat ST, equipped with Peugeot’s first dual-clutch transmission (a six-speed unit from Getrag), is priced $2500 higher than the (six-speed Aisin) manual at $47,990, while the auto-only seven-seat SV flagship tops the range at $54,190.

As such, the four-variant 4007 is available in two trim levels, two seating configurations and with two transmission options, but unlike the petrol-only Outlander is available here only with PSA Peugeot Citroen’s new 2.2-litre HDi diesel engine.

Equipped with a variable-geometry 52mm Honeywell turbocharger, the 2178cc oil-burning four-cylinder is exclusive to the 4007 in the Peugeot range and produces 115kW of power at 4000rpm, along with 380Nm of torque from 2000rpm.

Compared with PSA’s previous 2.2 HDi engine, it runs a lower compression ratio (16.6 instead of 18.0:1), a 25 per cent larger combustion chamber diameter, a variable-swirl inlet manifold, piezoelectric injectors and a third-generation Bosch common-rail injection system with 1600 bar of fuel pressure – up from 1350 bar.

Fitted with Peugeot’s diesel particulate filter (FAP), the Euro 4 emissions-compliant engine is claimed to reduce CO2 emissions by 30 per cent over its predecessor, while a patented double-wall cylinder block is said to improve acoustic performance by 3dBa. It also features two counter-rotating balance shafts and a two-part oil sump, extending oil change intervals to 20,000km.

Peugeot says that with 250Nm available from just 1250rpm, 300Nm (or almost 80 per cent of peak torque) on tap from 1500rpm and 90 per cent of torque on hand until 3000rpm, the 4007 manual sprints to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds and offers fifth-gear 80-120km/h acceleration in 9.3 seconds. The auto’s claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time is 12.5 seconds.

The 4007 manual returns average combined fuel consumption of just seven litres per 100km (7.3L/100km for the auto) and emits 185 grams of CO2 per kilometre (auto: 192g/km). Kerb weights range between 1790kg for the ST manual to 1840kg for the fully-loaded SV auto, with all models offering a 2000kg towing capacity.

The 4007’s model grades mirror that of the 407 sedan and Touring range, with the base ST coming standard with electronic stability and traction control, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (EBA), six airbags including two-row side curtains, 16-inch ‘Manyara’ alloy wheels with 215/70-section tyres, cruise control, remote central locking, rear parking sensors, climate-control air-conditioning, power windows/mirrors and sports cloth/leatherette trim.

Available only with seven seats and the Dual Clutch System (DCS) auto, the top-shelf 4007 SV adds 18-inch ‘Tanganyika’ alloys with 225/55-section tyres, rear privacy glass, chrome door sill plates and window surrounds, Xenon headlights with washers, leather trim, front seat heating and a powered driver’s seat.

Like the Citroen C-Crosser that is yet to be confirmed for release in Australia, Peugeot’s 4007 is produced alongside the Outlander by Mitsubishi at its Okazaki plant in Japan. The Outlander’s base 2.4-litre petrol engine and a 2.0-litre diesel are also available in the 4007 in other markets.

Released in Europe in July 2007, the 4007 was the first Japanese-built vehicle sold by a French brand and shares its global GS platform with the Lancer and a range of Chrysler group vehicles including the Jeep Compass and Patriot, Dodge Caliber and Avenger and the Chrysler Sebring.

The 4007 presents different front and rear styling to the Outlander (and C-Crosser), including a new front bumper with foglights, chrome-surrounded air intakes and feline eye-shaped clear-lens headlights, which are draped over flat front wings either side of a contoured bonnet and a large Peugeot Lion badge.

While the 4007 has a bespoke Peugeot interior, like the Outlander it employs an electronic on-demand all-wheel drive system that directs 85 per cent of torque to the front wheels in normal conditions, but can be switched on the fly between 2WD, automatic 4WD and 4WD Lock modes, in which up to 50 per cent of torque is directed rearwards.

The 4007 also inherits the Outlander’s all-independent suspension system, which is tuned specifically for the 2.2 HDi version and features MacPherson spring-struts with a 22mm anti-roll bar up front and a multi-arm system with 20mm stabiliser at rear.

As with the Outlander, the 4007 comes with disc brakes all round, with ventilated 294x24mm rotors gripped by twin-piston callipers up front and 302mm solid rear discs with single-piston callipers at the rear. A speed-sensitive power steering system returns a 10.6-metre turning circle.

Almost identical to the Outlander in all key dimensions, the 4007 is 4635mm long, 1805mm wide, 1715mm high and rides on a 2672mm wheelbase. With all seven seats in place its boot volume is 589 litres, extending to 1691 litres with the third row stowed.

Peugeot Automobiles Australia director Ken Thomas said the 4007, which is classed as a medium SUV despite the fact the Outlander is officially a compact SUV, will represent the French brand in the growing SUV segment, which accounts for about 20 per cent of Australia’s total automotive market, for the first time.

“4007 is an SUV with very strong credentials, having sold in excess of 25,000 worldwide since launch,” he said.

“It brings an affordable European alternative for anyone looking for a luxurious medium-sized four-wheel drive with the latest diesel technology.

“We know towing capacity, ride and handling, seating capacity and safety are paramount for today’s SUV buyer – happily 4007 delivers on these fronts. (The) 4007 also delivers one of the most fuel efficient vehicles in its class with the benefit of low emissions.

“Peugeot celebrates over 120 years of innovation where the brand has excelled in the toughest of environments. Within this tradition, we are confident 4007 will be a great success in Australia,” said Mr Thomas.

Peugeot Australia will offer a range of options and accessories for the 4007, including a 650-Watt Rockford Fosgate Hi-Fi system that increases the speaker count from six to eight, and a multimedia system incorporating a DVD player, satellite-navigation, reversing camera and Bluetooth connectivity.

Also available is a towing kit, budge bar, 18-inch ‘Hortaz’ alloy wheels, a cargo barrier, boot tray, Thule roof pods ranging from 340 to 460 litres, Thule bike and watercraft carriers, side steps and bars, an Irmscher bodykit, rear bumper diffuser, sill protectors, floor mats, mudflaps and an alloy bash plate.

Peugeot 2010 4007 range pricing:
ST 5-seater	$45,490
ST 5-seater (a)	$47,990
ST 7-seater (a)	$49,190
SV 7-seater (a)	$54,190