Baby Lion For Your Eyes Only

It's time for drivers on a budget to 'Bond' with their nearest Peugeot dealer. This is the French company's still secret all-new city car - codenamed the 007 - and it's due to go on sale by the middle of next year.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Dan Strong

18th March 2004

Auto Express magazine has these exclusive pictures of the model, which is a product of the growing relationship between the firm's parent company, PSA, and Toyota. It's intended to counter the increasing threat from the likes of Kia and Hyundai. According to our sources, the Peugeot will debut at the same time as Toyota and Citroen-badged variants. But while the three machines will share major parts, such as suspension and chassis, each is expected to look very different.

With an annual production capacity of 300,000 units, of which around 200,000 are expected to be badged Peugeot and Citroen,

the car is likely to become a familiar sight on UK roads. Customers will have a choice of two engines - the latest-generation 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol unit from Toyota and a Peugeot-produced 1.4-litre oil-burner - and the 007 aims to be among the most fuel-efficient cars in its class. But despite the expected low price and frugal units, no corners will be cut when it comes to refinement. There will be driver and passenger airbags, ABS and power-steering, while flagships will get air-con and electric windows.

Prices have yet to be finalised, but the newcomer could cost as little as ΂£5,500. It's also been suggested that the model could be called the 1007, marking a fresh chapter in the Peugeot naming system.