Peugeot’s product onslaught in Geneva

French automaker reveals three more additions to 207 lineup, and an SUV

Peugeot is planning an onslaught of new product launches at its show stand in Geneva this year. Among them will be the new 207 in GTi and CC (coupe cabriolet) derivative, and its latest entry into the SUV segment. Peugeot also plans to uncover a version of the upcoming 207 SW (sportwagon) and two other concepts which made their debut at the Paris motor show.

The 207, launched in the UK in June 2006, has become a sales success for the company, with over 334,000 produced in 2006. Peugeot plans to build on that success by launching the new 207 CC (the successor to the best-selling 206 CC) which benefits from all of the 207 attributes, but with the added luxury of a fully automatic foldaway roof.

Picking up where the last 206 GTi left off is the next generation 207 GTi. The latest incarnation of the hot hatch features a 1.6-litre THP (Turbo High Pressure) petrol engine – co-developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën and the BMW Group – with turbo direct injection producing 175bhp and 177lb.ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. We’ve yet to discover the other parts of the formula, but the result should be favourable.

The 207 SW Outdoor concept (pictured) will be hinting at the design of the upcoming SW model. The panoramic glass roof, split-opening rear hatch, and improved interior space likely reflect what will be on offer in the forthcoming model. As a concept car, the ‘outdoor’ styling theme doesn’t work all that well judging from the photos. We’ll have to see it in the metal before we cast our final decision.

Making its debut in Geneva is the 4007 SUV. It is the latest of a trio of all-terrain SUV vehicles built on a platform jointly developed by Mitsubishi Motors and DaimlerChrysler. According to Peugeot the 4007 ‘is a versatile product that [seeks to] combine everyday adventure with driving enjoyment’. It will be powered by a new 2.2-litre HDi diesel engine (with particulate filter system) claimed to produce 156bhp and 280lb.ft of torque, and driven by either two- or four wheels.

Initially unveiled at the Paris motor show in September, Peugeot is again bringing out its stunning 908 RC concept car and the 207 Epure concept. The sinister-looking 908 RC saloon is fitted with a mid-mounted V12 HDi diesel engine derived from the 2007 LMS Championship-competing Peugeot 908, while the 207 Epure is testimony to Peugeot’s commitment to protecting the environment. The Epure concept is a ‘technological demonstrator’, devised to showcase the advancements Peugeot has made in the research and development of fuel cell and battery technology. Both concepts are masters of technology and innovation.

The 77th Geneva motor show will take place March 8-18 2007.