Peugeot 4007
The 4007 is the brand’s first proper SUV, but you’ll be forgiven for thinking it looks familiar.
There has never been more choice in the compact SUV market, and the 4007 is a solid first attempt for Peugeot. Its third row of seats and strong diesel engine provide welcome versatility and pace. But if you’re unlikely to leave the tarmac, the latest generation of seven-seat MPVs provides more space for less money. And if you must have four-wheel drive, the Peugeot’s Mitsubishi and Citroen cousins are arguably better looking, too.
Is it third time lucky for Peugeot? The 4007 is the brand’s first proper SUV, but you’ll be forgiven for thinking it looks familiar. That’s because it completes a trio of cars based on the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander.
We’ve already tried out its Citroen- badged cousin, the C-Crosser, and its Japanese donor. But does the package work in Peugeot guise? We drove the first car to arrive in the UK to find out.
Not only does the 4007 share its underpinnings and four-wheel-drive system with its stablemates; most of its bodywork and interior parts are borrowed from the Outlander as well. However, Peugeot has managed to graft its trademark grille on to the front end, and this, combined with a huge Lion badge and slanted headlamps, provides the new 4007 with a very distinctive snout.
Opinion will be split over which of the three designs looks the best, but with so little to choose between them, it will basically come down to personal taste. For our money, though, the more restrained Mitsubishi and sleek Citroen both trump the PeuÂgeot in terms of kerb appeal.
Inside, it’s pure Outlander, with the badge in the centre of the steering wheel the only detail to set the 4007 apart from its cousins. While these similarities might be perceived as a bad thing, the Peugeot does benefit from the Mitsubishi’s clever seating configuration, with a third row of occasional seats in the boot. They fold flat when not in use, and while space is cramped when they’re in position, they add to the 4007’s credentials as a family vehicle.
Load space is generous, with a 510-litre boot when only five chairs are in place. And this can be boosted to 1,686 litres if you tumble the second row of seats forward.
Other neat touches include a two-piece tailgate with a bottom section which folds down to provide a low loading height. Buyers can choose between two trim levels, and the flagship GT driven here features lux-ury items such as leather upholstery, xenon headlamps, a CD changer and rear parking sensors.
Along with dark-tinted back windows and electrical adjustment for the heated driver’s seat, all of this kit explains the £2,700 premium the GT commands over the Sport. However, even the entry-level model comes well equipped, with alloy wheels, cruise control, ESP stability control and roof bars all fitted as standard.
As you would expect, the driving experience is on a par with that of the Mitsubishi and Citroen. The 4007’s firm suspension limits body roll when cornering, and the accurate steering provides a car-like feel from behind the wheel. There’s also the added benefit of excellent visibility, and the option of four-wheel-drive traction from the switchable set-up.
The 2.2-litre diesel provides decent pace, and while it can be noisy, it
proÂpels the 4007 from 0-62mph in only 9.9 seconds. With plenty of low-down torque – 380Nm at only 2,000rpm – overtaking can also be carried out with confidence.
An impressive fuel economy figure of 38.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 194g/km come as something of a surprise – and the latter places the top-of-the-range model in Band F, so the annual road tax bill is £205. The fact the Peugeot offers some off-road ability is sure to broaden its appeal, but considering that few 4007s will actually venture away from the tarmac, you have to ask yourself if the car is really worth the price – especially when the latest crop of MPVs cost so much less than the Peugeot.
Rival: Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is an Auto Express favourite, and for good reason. Not only does it feature a useful third row of seats, it also has a torquey 2.2-litre diesel engine.
The Korean SUV drives well, too – both on and off road – and when it comes to price, it undercuts its European rivals. Smart styling and a five-year warranty complete the package.
