It's Open Sésame On New Peugeot

One of the most eagerly awaited new superminis of the year has just come sliding into view. Auto Express is the first to open the door on Peugeot's Sésame, which was caught on camera by an eagle-eyed reader.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Dan Strong

31st March 2004

The exclusive shots in this week's mag clearly show that the daring machine will keep the bold face and sliding doors first exhibited by the concept at the Paris Motor Show in 2002. Aimed at rivals such as the forthcoming Renault MODUS and the acclaimed Honda Jazz, the road-going S΃©same is expected to debut at this year's Paris Motor Show in September.

It's set to go on sale in the UK early in 2005, and entry-level models will cost from ΂£10,000. There's no doubt that the French firm has big plans for the newcomer. The four-seater is charged with redefining the supermini market by placing equal importance on luxury and practicality. As a result, even the basic editions will sport clever electric sliding doors and seats that can be folded flat or removed altogether.

A spacious boot is to be offered, with a low and wide loading lip to make transporting bulky items as simple as possible. Surprisingly, there are no plans for a five-seater, although Peugeot has not ruled it out. Entry-level cars will also get electric windows and air-con, plus a comprehensive safety system that includes driver, passenger and curtain airbags.

Brake assist and stability control driver aids are expected to be standard on the top-spec editions, while options are likely to include sat-nav and digital radio systems. The engine range will initially comprise three petrol powerplants - 1.1, 1.4 and 1.6-litre - and 1.4 and 2.0-litre HDi diesels.

With the family market firmly in the S΃©same's sights, there are no plans for a high-performance GTi edition, although a 2.0-litre model with around 150bhp could break out in 2006. Despite this, it would be unwise to say the S΃©same won't be a driver's car. Built on an extended version of Peugeot's 'Platform One' - which is shared with the C2 and C3 of sister company Citroen - the model will use the very latest suspension technology.

When it hits the road, the Peugeot will be joined by a new model, codenamed 007, which we featured in Issue 798. And although the budget machine, developed with Toyota, will undercut many rivals, Peugeot says it will feature ABS, airbags and luxuries such as electric windows.