Peugeot Cars

Last March, during the Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot sent the curtains down to show off the Peugeot 207 RCup concept vehicle. And during that event, many auto experts and authorities have already seen that such a concept vehicle would be making way towards a newer and more powerful Peugeot vehicle.

And they were not mistaken. For now, this car and vehicle brand has presented and unveiled the Peugeot 207 Super 2000. It is Peugeot’s rally car and it has already passed the first batch of development stages. It has also passed the testing for loose surfaces as well as those for tarmac surfaces.

The first time the Peugeot 207 Super 2000 rumbled to life, the technical manager of Peugeot Sport, Bruno Famin, and the project manager for this vehicle, Bertrand Vallat, were there to watch. After all, this was their baby and it was now all ready to try out new surfaces and new challenges. Sure, they were by the sidelines with spare parts Peugeot just in case anything happens but it looked like the Peugeot 207 Super 2000 was a tough one. What’s more is that Famin and Vallat found out that the Peugeot 207 Super 2000 could actually perform and certainly would be taking the place of old Peugeot rally cars that have already gone to the scrap yard. The Peugeot 205 T16 and the Peugeot 206 WRC are some of these rally vehicles that did great on the tracks. In fact, the latter, has took home three world rally championships for itself and it even is still the holder of 65 podium finishes.

And as per Vallat, he says, “To start with on the loose surface, the 207 Super 2000 showed a good level of reliability which was confirmed again on tarmac some weeks later. We are only at the initial stages of development but all the test drivers who have followed each other behind the wheel of the car have been satisfied with both the handling and performance.” And soon enough, the Peugeot 207 Super 200 would be made available for customers who would be using the vehicle for campaigns in various national championships.

The French have long been regarded as the leaders in style, and this reputation is well justified in the Peugeot 206cc (coupe cabriolet).

The Peugeot 206cc is virtually two cars in one. In the winter or the rain it is a cosy European hardtop that is guaranteed to keep the wet weather and bitter cold out. When the clouds and cold air give way to sunshine and warm breezes, then it becomes a stylish, open cabriolet, perfect for driving down to the beach, or to your favourite cafe for brunch.

The Peugeot 206cc offers a 1.6 litre engine and a 2.0 litre engine model. The 1.6 litre in the base model lacks power, so if you’re looking for a good used one owner Peugeot 206cc, then it will be definitely worth your while going for the 2.0 litre model, which offers a far more responsive drive. The 2.0 litre model comes in a 5 speed manual only while the 1.6 litre is available in both 5 speed manual or automatic tiptronic versions.

The folding metal roof of the Peugeot 206cc makes this car much more versatile than other soft tops as it is a true hardtop with the roof up. When the roof is down, you’ll feel the exhilaration of true open car driving but one thing you will have to take into account is that the car loses some of its rigidity when the metal roof is folded down. So, be prepared for a drop in handling ability when you’re enjoying the fresh air with the roof hidden in the boot. For driving about town and in the traffic, this loss of handling ability will probably not matter much however out on the open winding road, you will have to be more careful in the way that you drive the car.

On the inside, you’ll be kept comfortable with the climate control air conditioning, remote control CD audio system, power windows and power mirrors. For the safety conscious, the Peugeot 206cc comes with ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist. There’s also four airbags to protect both driver and passenger in the event of a collision.

The Peugeot 206cc has been available in Australia since 2002 so there should be some good quality used vehicles available. As mentioned, try to go for the 2.0 litre if you can as the 1.6 litre is a little too slow and will not be as desirable for others when it comes time for you to upgrade. If you want a smart little car that provides fun, open air driving in the summer, combined with the extra safety and cosiness offered by a hardtop, then a Peugeot 206cc may be worth a look.

If you are looking for a small family car then chances are you will have been to the local car dealership to look at the latest offerings from Peugeot and Vauxhall. Both manufacturers have a long history of providing reliable vehicles to this segment of the market. The new Peugeot 308 and new Vauxhall Astra have built upon past success. So is it worth going new or should you opt for a used version of these classics?

The Peugeot 308
In September 2007 Peugeot released the Peugeot 308 under the tagline ‘The drive of your life’. It was built on the success of its predecessor the 307. The designers have managed to incorporate high standards of safety equipment and excellent road handling into the new model. It provides a spacious interior and greater carrying capacity which can be expanded to 1,398 litres when the seats are folded. The Peugeot 308 boasts class leading aerodynamics that helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The 1.4 VTi 95bhp with 5-spd manual gearbox retails at Peugeot dealers in the UK from GBP11995. The 1.6 HDi 90 bhp 5-spd manual gearbox can cost as little as GBP13295. The car performs well with the 1.6 THP 150 bhp version reaching 0-60 mph in just 8.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 132 mph. The 1.6 HDi 110 bhp version boasts 60.1 miles per gallon consumption rate.

Vauxhall Astra
Designed to ‘match the energy of your life’ the Vauxhall Astra provides innovative features to provide flexible space alongside safety and security. The Astra comes with twin front airbags, front seat side impact airbags, Anti-locking breaking system (ABS) and Electro-Hydraulic Power-assisted Steering. The Astra provides a flexible 60/40 or 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat and a vertical load restraining net to help maximise the spacious interior. The 1.4i 16v Manual can be purchased for as little as GBP12915 with the 1.3CDTi 16v (90PS) Manual diesel retailing from GBP14500 at Vauxhall dealerships. The Vauxhall Astra Hatchback 1.6 16v 115 Life 5dr can achieve 0-60 in 11.5 seconds and has a maximum speed of 115 mph. It has a four star rating from What car?

A new car will benefit from your exact specifications and buying new can be extremely fulfilling. It is however worth considering that depreciation is the biggest cost when running a car. It may be worth buying a used vehicle. The biggest drop in value happens within the first 12 months and you can save a lot of money buying second hand. This might not mean you have to miss out on a warranty with many reputable dealers offering 12 months on used vehicles and there is always the option to take out your own policy with an independent provider. But the main benefit to a used vehicle is the price. Here is a brief introduction to the used versions of the Peugeot and Vauxhall small family cars.

Peugeot 307 (2001-)
The Peugeot 307 benefits from a stylish design and is packed full of safety equipment. Criticisms have been made of the cars handling and it also has one of the smaller rear spaces on the market. The used version has demonstrated some problems with the suspension and head gasket so it is beneficial to expect and scrutinise service history. There are so many on the market that they can be picked up for as little as GBP2595 to GBP12570 and can provide you with a bargain.

Vauxhall Astra (2004-)
The used Vauxhall Astra from the same supple ride composed handling and strong engine as its younger sibling. It is important to check for signs of crash damage and uneven tyre wear. It is advisable to shop around to make sure you find the right one for you and to expect a full service history. It is a very reliable vehicle made popular because of a reputation for its tough durable motor and therefore represents a good option for buying used. It is the fifth choice in what car? recommended used car buying guide. It will set you back between GBP5435 and GBP11720.