 |
| Don't hold your breath. |
The Interwebz is a-buzz with the news that Peugeot-Citroen is planning to re-enter the States…in 10 years. That’s a long time, there are too many variables and who’s to say they won’t do it poorly, like FCA’s stillborn attempt to bring back Alfa Romeo. But I’ve been wrong before (so the FR-S isn’t dead, as I predicted) and if P-C truly does want to go global, then they’d be crazy not to come back to the second largest population of car buyers in the world.
P-C pulled out of the States in 1991. Can you believe it's been so long? Their final models offered here were the promising but fragile 405 and Sahara-tough but ancient 505. Both of those were offered in station wagon versions. Could P-C see the value of bringing back their wagons?
So here’s another fearless prediction of mine; crossovers are
going to get even more popular and that frenzy won’t dissipate in the next ten
years. Who knows what models they’ll have on tap at the time, but if P-C want
to compete, they’ll need more cars like the current 2008 and 3008. Still, we’ve
been discussing station wagons here on REVolution lately, so let’s take a look
at what they’ve got.
Hey, I can dream.
Hey, I can dream.
The Peugeot 308 SW is a small wagon, at just a tad over 15
feet long. That’s comparable to a Volvo V60. Engines from a 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder
(when are those going to get popular here, for gosh sakes!) with 100 hp and 151
torques all the way up to a 2.0 turbo diesel that pumps out 180 hp and 295
torques. There’s a 1.6 diesel with 120 hp and 221 torques in the middle. 0-60
ranges from a low of 8.6 up to 13 seconds. MPG is awesome, from 60 all the way
up to 88. Expect the expected Euro-firm ride. By all accounts, the 308 SW is
quite nice to drive.
Overseas, MSRP pricing ranges from $19K to $30K (I converted from Euro to US dollars), which strikes me as a pretty compelling deal for a smaller, premium wagon. A new V60 runs around $40K+, so it’s possible that the French could undercut the Chinese-Swedes at their own game. Only one problem; Volvo sells so few V60s that it’s pathetic. Look away! No need to look at the facts. Let me dream the impossible dream!
Tomorrow, we’ll check out the up-market Peugeot 508 SW.
Zut alors! Here is a gift from the Francophile division of REVolution followers:
ReplyDelete[img]http://us.123rf.com/450wm/damedeeso/damedeeso1506/damedeeso150600115/41039317-french-bulldog-with-red-wine-and-baguette-and-french-beret-hat.jpg?ver=6[/img]
Love that pic!
DeleteDude in the video's numbers don't jive with mine. Not sure why.
ReplyDeleteSo the company formerly known as PSA wants back in to Yankeeland? And Renault can't figure out how to slip one or more of its' cars into the Nissan lineup...? Uh-huh.
ReplyDeleteYEAH - what about that?!? You're right Bolo. Tres odd.
ReplyDeleteSo I shouldn't dust off my beret just yet?
My advice for PooGot would be to brie patience or give up on the whole idea and baguette.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Peugeot completes head-to-head with most of the mid- to higher-end brands in Europe, I can't see them convincing Americans of that reality. And frankly those market segments are pretty crowded, so the reputation matters. I would be interested to see them bring in smaller cars and niche items. Sadly, margins are tiny in those categories, so the undertaking would be doomed. A company like PSA is not interested in slowly clawing their way up the ladder like the Japanese and Koreans have done. They would have to come in and be widely successful immediately. Not going to happen. And this is coming from a guy who would love to see it. My gosh, I might even be able to go into the dealership and order 2CV parts! Like I said, not gonna happen...
ReplyDeleteI just got to watch the 308 video. Very nice package! That is about the size of wagon I would be interested in. The diesel obsession in France is purely due to tax policy. That has been in place for several decades, and has led to vast improvement in the behaviour of diesels in every day use. Grudgingly, I have to admit to having driven various cars in France and not being able to tell if they were diesel or not. Nonetheless, I would still want a gasoline engine (starting a diesel at -30C up here still would not be a pleasant thought).
ReplyDeleteOne odd thing I noticed in the video was the counter-rotating tachometer. Curious choice. The only other place I have noticed those is on some snowmobiles.