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Scene stealing trio at 1998 Centenary show

Peugeot has pulled out all stops for this year's Paris Motor Show (October 1 - 11, 1998) highlighting the leisure focused Escapade concept car, much anticipated 206 GTI and alternative fuel 206 Colza.

A vast (3,458 in²) stand, split in three to represent the forests, mountains and oceans reflects Peugeot's role as a global car maker in a rapidly changing world.

In celebrating the 100th Paris Mondial de I'Automobile Peugeot is publicly displaying its new 206 for the first time surrounded by a range of visionary offshoots including the Escapade concept car.

ESCAPADE

The Escapade is a three-door concept wagon combining compact family-car roominess with dynamic off-highway design.

The unique lifestyle vehicle boasts cross country looks and ability built around a space and weight saving front-wheel drive layout.

Sitting five cm higher than the 206 (on which it is based) the Escapade features a rear swing door which incorporates spare wheel stowage.

The leisure theme continues with a large wrap-around glass area including a specially designed windscreen which blends with the leading edge of the first of two electric sliding glass sunroofs.

Finished in clear Grey metallic paint the Escapade is fitted with specially developed Michelin tyres featuring a unique cross-country tread pattern mounted on striking 16" six-spoke alloy wheels.

The Escapade's interior is trimmed with high quality, soft-feel materials in Ochre and Fawn shades while a range of interior parts including the speaker covers, air vents, door handles and gear lever knob have a metallic look.

Purpose built front seats, upholstered in Alcantara leather, are electrically adjustable and fold automatically when the seat back is tipped forward and the split-folding rear seat is sculpted to form a pair of distinct seating positions.

The triangular head restraints have a single central guide and when lowered integrate seamlessly with the seat backs.

No decision has been made as to whether the Escapade vision will become a 206 production reality.

206 GTI

The 1998 Paris show also confirms the creation of a performance variant of the 206 wearing the famous GTI badge.

Powered by a 2.0-litre, 16-valve, twin-cam four cylinder engine the lightweight 206 GTI is the spiritual successor to the 205 GTi, one of the most evocative names in Peugeot's history and a car that set the standard for performance hatches in the I 980s and early '90s.

The three-door only 206 GTI features 15" alloy wheels shod with 185/55 V-rated tyres, upgraded brakes (with ABS) and a suspension tuned for optimum dynamic response.

Exterior changes include re-shaped front wings, twin-parabolic headlights as well as mirrors, door handles and number plate trims in body colour.

Inside standard features include a leather-trimmed sports seats and steering wheel, as well as aluminium gear lever and pedals.

The multi-point, fuel-injected (EW10 J4) engine is distinguished by a more vertical mounting in the engine bay, lightweight timing gear, a range of reduced friction components, optimised ignition and super stiff, light alloy sump cover.

Drive is transferred to the front wheels via a specially geared five-speed manual gearbox and maximum power of 100 kW and peak torque of 183 Nm add up to a standing km acceleration time under 30 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h.

The 206 GTI will be in the Australian 206 range, scheduled for October, 1999 launch.

Automobiles Peugeot is participating in Michelin's alternative energy project The Bibendum Challenge and the latest product of its research is the 206 Colza.

Powered by a 2.0-litre, turbocharged version of Peugeot's new HDI (High-Pressure Diesel Injection) engine the Colza uses a compression-ignition type, rape-oil, bio-fuel.

The use of bio-fuel allows a significant reduction (30 percent) of particle emissions thanks to more efficient combustion through the presence of oxygen in the fuel. Nitrogen oxide emissions are also reduced (by close to 10 percent) and the sulphur free fuel improves the performance and durability of the catalytic converter.

Fuel consumption is improved slightly and the impact of this bio-fuel on the greenhouse effect is very positive, because the CO² absorbed by the plant when it is growing is virtually equivalent to that which it emits during combustion.