Bring France’s Peugeot together with Japan’s Mitsubishi and the result of that combined automotive industry clout should be good and in the case of the Peugeot 4007 it is – a mid-size SUV with real French style.
Handily priced from $44,490, the 4007 is Peugeot’s first SUV in Australia and we reckon the blending of Mitsubishi’s nicely engineered Outlander and the chutzpah of Peugeot’s stylists has delivered a luxury cocktail that’s just a little different from the rest of the crowd.
What You Get
Car Showroom tested the range-topping 4007 SV (the entry model is the ST). With a nice leather trim and Peugeot’s world-class 2.2-litre HDI turbo-diesel engine, the 4007 quickly distinguished itself from its Outlander cousins.
Clearly, from the outside, Peugeot’s trademark front end styling gives the 4007 its own unique personality.
But, when you toss-in Mitsubishi’s renowned all-wheel-drive chassis prowess, this French vehicle can handle some tough going with ease.
The Engine
4007 debuts a new and unique Peugeot 2.2-litre HDi turbo-diesel engine. Maximum power is 115kW at 4,000rpm and while peak torque of 380Nm is delivered at 2,000rpm, 300Nm (80 per cent) is available from as low as 1500rpm.
With a third-generation Bosch common rail system injecting fuel at up to 1600bar, this Euro IV-compliant engine has exhaust emissions down to 185g/km (manual transmission ST model). Combined cycle fuel economy for the manual ST is 9.2l/100kms or 9.3l/100kms for the automatic SV we tested.
Drive is to all four wheels via Mitsubishi’s three-mode system with either a six-speed manual transmission or – as tested – a dual-clutch six-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters for sequential manual changes.
The Interior
Lots of leather gives the 4007 SV a real quality ambience as soon as you climb aboard. The nicely sculptured and supportive front seats are electronically adjustable and the driver has height adjustment as well.
There is an Outlander familiarity about the instruments and dashboard however some nice chrome trim adds a touch of luxury. Like the Outlander we liked the simple steering wheel buttons to operate the cruise control.
The second row seat tilts and slides to access the third row seat, which can accommodate two passengers. Peugeot says the 4007 is the only European seven-seat SUV priced under $50,000.
On the audio front there’s a standard six-speaker CD system with steering wheel remote control. Scan the options list and you can add Bluetooth compatibility and a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system.
The SV model as tested comes with dark tinted privacy glass for the rear windows – a feature appreciated by families with youngsters in the rear.
Exterior & Styling
Peugeot Style Centre has done a commendable job transforming the Outlander into a Peugeot. The 4007 has the sporty elegance and style you expect from a the French brand.
Most noticeable is the front end which features Peugeot’s current large-mouthed, chrome-trimmed grille with the inbuilt horizontal bumper. A large Peugeot Lion badge is mounted flush on the leading edge of the steeply curved bonnet.
Large clear-lens ‘Feline-eye’ headlights wrap onto the front fenders and combine with the chrome-trimmed fog lights to deliver a genuinely European look.
The rear features curved translucent ‘ruby’ lights and a brushed aluminium trim finisher under the tailgate glass with another Peugeot Lion badge.
Our SV model ran nice five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels (ST gets 16-inch alloys).
On The Road
Peugeot took the Outlander chassis architecture but developed its own level of tune. And, like the Outlander, the 4007 does deliver reasonable off-road competence, but its chassis dynamics are more attuned to on-road performance.
The McPherson strut front suspension runs a 22mm anti-roll bar while a 20mm anti-roll bar is fitted to the multi-link rear. Peugeot developed its own calibration of spring and damper tune to suit the 2.2-litre HDi engine.
Around town it’s a smooth combination. Ride is typically on the firm side of European SUVs and this translates into precise high-speed cornering with little bodyroll and good levels of grip.
Refinement levels of our SV model were generally high although Peugeot’s diesel is not the quietest European on our list.
We did like the hydraulic power steering - nicely weighted and providing good feedback.
Challenges
Despite its commendable torque, the HDi engine can be a bit sluggish at takeoff speeds – you soon get used to its characteristics and once underway it’s a handy operator.
Verdict
Volkswagen-Audi, Toyota-Lexus have shown how ‘badge engineering’ (the industry term for product sharing) can create impressively different vehicles. Peugeot-unique styling makes the 4007 a similarly likeable outcome.
And what is a key attribute of Mitsubishi’s Outlander – its smart packaging – carries over the to 4007…with a large dose of French style thrown-in. Without doubt a competent, nicely-styled and luxurious mid-size SUV that’s easy to maneuver around town and versatile for vacation getaways.
The Competition
Volkswagen’s Tiguan, its pricier buddy the Audi Q5, the Renault Koleos and the just-launched BMW X1 are the most direct European rivals for the 4007 – but they don’t offer seven seats and the Germans may be tad shorter in the luggage capacity department.
From over the English Channel, the Land Rover Freelander definitely should be on your list.
Likes:
Nice styling job; seven seats; quality look/feel inside
Dislikes:
Engine management calibration needs work at low revs
