Peugeot 206 ETD

Christened Peugeot's Environmental Technologies Demonstrator, or 206 ETd for short, the innovative newcomer showcases technology that is set to be fitted to all Peugeot and Citroen models by the end of 2004. It's enormously fuel-efficient and capable of cutting emissions dramatically, and is the most environmentally friendly diesel car the company has ever produced.

The 206 is powered by the eagerly anticipated 1.4-litre common-rail diesel engine. Co-developed with Ford and set to debut in the forthcoming new Fiesta, it's a unit that will undoubtedly shape the future of the supermini market. The 70bhp powerplant, dubbed DCR1400, weighs in at only 90kg and is certainly full of promise, offering smooth, progressive acceleration and impressive performance. Peugeot says drivers should expect a top speed of more than 100mph and a 0-62mph sprint time of approximately 14 seconds when the car is launched.

But this is only one part of the ETd's mission to save fuel. Following a well trodden yet unpopular path, Peugeot has developed the 'E-start' function, which forces the engine to cut out, as if stalled, whenever the car is stationary. Dip the clutch when you've stopped and the engine switches itself off. Lift it back up or blip the throttle and it springs back to life again.

Unlike previous systems such as Volkswagen's Eco-start, though, E-start works smoothly and doesn't leave a discernible gap between touching the gas and restarting. As a result, it gives you a more reassured feel - although sitting in traffic with the engine switched off takes some getting used to.

The ETd also boasts brake-by-wire (BBW). Similar in technology to electronic power-steering systems, BBW removes hydraulics from the braking system, replacing them entirely with remote control. In the prototype, the system operates efficiently and gives a strong brake, but the pedal feels dead and it's difficult to judge exactly how much pressure is required to stop gently. A more advanced system already exists on a development model Citroen Picasso, and Peugeot's parent company PSA is confident BBW will feature prominently in all its new cars.

Also set to appear soon on production models is the ETd's oil quality sensor, which determines its own service intervals by judging oil cleanliness. And to further improve efficiency, the air-conditioning operates off a separate compressor in a bid to reduce the energy-sapping traits of more conventional systems. Both are more or less production ready and will join the 206 and 307 options list next year.

The 206 ETd is a tantalising glimpse into the future and highlights exactly how far vehicle electronics have come in the past five years. The car is a long way from the quality expected by discerning customers, but further refinement and development should see it production-ready within the next two years.

At a glance

* Peugeot 206 ETd powered by 1.4-litre diesel. On sale by 2004

* Offers brake-by-wire and E-start fuel-saving technology

* Debuts forthcoming Peugeot servicing indicator equipment