Peugeot unveils new 508
Peugeot has announced further details of its new 508, left, which replaces the 407 and also signals the end of the road for the 607.
The good news is that the new car will feature an entry-level 1.6-litre diesel with just 109g/km, which will be followed by a diesel hybrid version.
Along with the low emissions 1.6-litre diesel, there will be a 2-litre diesel in either 140bhp or 163bhp guise. A 1.6-litre petrol with either 120bhp normally aspirated or 156bhp turbocharged will also be available.
Peugeot is also set to unveil its new hybrid 3008 at the Paris motor show this month. A landmark in terms of hybrid technology, it’s the first commercial passenger car to mix a diesel engine with electric hybrid technology. The car will arrive in Ireland next summer.
Finally, the iOn, Peugeot’s new electric urban car – the French firms take on the Mitsubishi iMiev – will be available in Ireland from early 2011.
Euro car of the year contenders revealed
The contenders for this year’s prestigious European car of the year award have been announced.
Some 41 cars make up the list, with some cars falling under the same entry given their similarities – for example the VW Sharan and the Seat Alhambra qualify as one entry, as does the Mitsubishi iMiev.
Electric entrants are represented by the new Nissan Leaf, joining a host of hybrid and other models.
The full list is:
Alfa Romeo Giulietta; Audi A1; Audi A7; Audi A8; BMW 5 series; BMW X3; Chevrolet Spark; Citroën C3/ DS3; Citroën C4; Dacia Duster; Fiat Doblò; Ford C-Max/Grand C-Max; Honda CR-Z; Hyundai iX20; Hyundai iX35; Jaguar XJ; Jeep Grand Cherokee; Kia Sportage; Kia Venga; Lexus CT200h; Mazda 5; Mercedes CLS; Mini Countryman; Mitsubishi ASX; Mitsubishi i-MiEV /Citroën C-Zero/Peugeot i-On; Nissan Juke; Nissan Leaf; Nissan Micra; Opel Meriva; Peugeot RCZ; Porsche Cayenne; Renault Fluence; Renault Latitude; Renault Wind; Saab 9-5; Suzuki Kizashi; Suzuki Swift; Volkswagen Passat; Volkswagen Sharan/Seat Alhambra; Volkswagen Touareg; and Volvo S60/V60.
A shortlist of seven nominees will be published on November 2nd with the winner announced on November 29th.