The French may be starting a revolution with electric sliding doors. It's the main feature of the new Peugeot 1007 which will be presented at the Paris motor show in September and go on Irish sale next summer.
This means an end to squeezing out of the car in cramped parking spots. Another novel feature allows the interior to be transformed by swapping various trim panels which come in 12 colours. The 1007 will sell here with 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines and a 1.4 diesel.
The 1007 is being marketed in its native France under the slogan La vie facile - the easy life. Peugeot chief executive Frederic Saint-Geors says: "It's a car to make life easier. You control it with your finger tips. It reacts to your needs."
The 1007 is just four inches longer than a 206, marginally wider but seven inches taller and it accommodates four people easily.
The seats adjust fore and aft by 8 inches, the rear pair fold and tip to boost luggage space and the front passenger seats fold to form a writing surface.
The 1007 could bring a whole new meaning to recreational motoring. With close enough access to a river bank, you could sit inside to fish if it happened to be raining. It could also be ideal for picnics or viewing sporting events.
Sensors stop the doors if they encounter an obstacle or a person and also prevent the fuel filler cap from being knocked off if it's left open.
In styling, the 1007 stands out because of its very large grille mouth. The side profile has definite hints of the Mercedes A-class but the baby Merc offers more interior space because of engine location.
This niche product fulfils Peugeot's belief that the small car market needs more choice.