What they said when the Peugeot 807 was new… (Feb 11 2003)
IT LOOKED the epitome of civilised motoring.
Along a narrow track cleared through the melting snow came the first of Peugeot's 'family classics' making relentless progress towards its maximum speed of 18mph.
A Klaxon horn sounded and the two candle lamps at the front shone like bug eyes as this magnificent veteran car inched into view.
Just 87 examples of the stately Type 9 were built by the French manufacturer, and as a veteran of countless rallies it remains as good today as when it was built in 1895.
This was the senior member of the family, one which also featured such classics as the robust 404 of the 1960s and 504 Familliale - forerunners of the current crop of Peugeot models, and its latest offering, the 807.
People carriers, or MPVs as they have become commonly known, are hardly what you could call a new phenomenon. But the French manufacturer claims to have re-invented the genre courtesy of the 807.
This full-blown people shifter is built on the same platform as the Citroen C8 and Fiat Ulysse, also new arrivals to the scene, along with Renault's much-vaunted and revamped Espace.
While Citroen attempts to woo buyers via its tried and trusted ploy of lopping money off the price - in this case by a whopping £2,000 from its base level C8 version - Peugeot prefers to offer zero per cent finance over four years, something it believes will ultimately protect rather than harm residual values.
Mindful of the challenge from rival manufacturers, Peugeot set out to ensure the 807 would provide the highest safety levels with systems that had never before been seen in an MPV.
So the entire range starting from the two-litre LX at £18,295 includes curtain airbags for six people, as well as advanced braking systems and a three-point belt on every seat. There's even a retractable 'child check' mirror in the front for keping an eye can on those in the second and third rows.
Entry level models are available with either two-litre petrol or diesel engines, or the excellent 2.2 litre HDi diesel, available only on higher spec models starting at £22,495.
This is the engine to go for. It develops 130bhp and while it feels lusty too, you should be able to achieve a fuel consumption figure of around 38 miles per gallon.
Basic models come with seven seats while the luxury Executive SE trim versions feature six captain's chairs. Eight people can be accommodated if a bench seat is fitted at the rear.
Buyers of flagship models also have the option of a seven-inch colour screen which drops from the roof and allows rear passengers to watch DVDs on the move, listening through headphones.
As to driving, well the 807 is more car than van-like, but it is a big brute and as such is not especially agile. There's a high driving position though, and good visibility.
Words: Mike Torpey
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