The 2.2-litre HDI engine in the 4007 is the most powerful four cylinder diesel in the Peugeot fleet, beaten only by the V6 turbo diesel that powers the 407. It offers 115 kilowatts of power, and the torque is a very good 380 Newton metres at just 2000 rpm.
This is a lovely engine that offers the oodles of mid-range torque that helps make driving modern-day diesel engines such a pleasure. When mated to the twin-clutch auto, it is even better - and an added bonus is that the Luxury version has great big paddles on the steering wheel that can be used to operate the transmission manually.
In the past, I seem to have made a habit of prattling on about the excellence of Volkswagen's very good DSG twin-clutch auto. This Mitsubishi version is in the same league (they're probably related, knowing how all the car companies share their technology these days) and it is a joy to have it aboard the vehicle.
In exactly the same fashion as the Outlander, the 4007 is an on- demand all-wheel-drive, which means it will automatically transfer the torque to all four wheels when conditions warrant, and there is also a central knob that can be used to lock the vehicle in permanent 4WD when needed.
Standard specification is high, with all models getting climate control air conditioning, CD stereo, trip computer, cruise control, electric folding and heated door mirrors, and front foglamps.
Standard safety specification includes ABS brakes and electronic stability control, which is excellent when combined with the obvious safety benefits of all-wheel drive.
The Luxury model we tested also boasted full leather upholstery, heated front seats, reversing sensors, a multi-disc CD system, and xenon headlights with washers. And as mentioned earlier, there's all that chrome on both the inside and outside.
This Luxury version - and indeed the Sport model below it - has seven seats, with the rear two seats able to be easily folded by pulling on a toggle.
When all seats are in use, the load space is a tight 184 litres, which wouldn't go anywhere near providing sufficient room for the golf clubs. But when the third row folds down, that increases to a much more reasonable 441 litres.
And if the 4007 is operated as a two-seater by folding down all the rear seats, then the load space grows to a capacious 1686 litres, which frankly is about big enough to accommodate anything.
This new Peugeot 4007 is more expensive than the Mitsubishi Outlander - compare the Luxury version's $59,990 list price to the $53,990 tag for a VRX V6-powered Outlander - which a cynic might say is quite a bit more to pay for the cachet that comes with French product.
But the 4007 isn't French - not really. The engine is, but pretty much all the rest is care of Mitsubishi.
However, it's that diesel that is the important difference. Combine that with the claim that this can be said to be a Peugeot, and suddenly the new 4007 is an appealing buy.
PEUGEOT 4007 HDI LUXURY
POWER PLANT: 2.2-litre four cylinder DOHC diesel engine, 115 kW at 4000 rpm, 380 Nm at 2000 rpm. RUNNING GEAR: Selectable 2WD, 4WD and 4WD Lock system. Six-speed double clutch automatic transmission with manual over-ride. HOW BIG: Length 4635mm, height 1715mm, width 1805mm, wheelbase
HOW MUCH: $59,990. WHAT'S GOOD: Lovely engine and transmission combination. Luxurious interior.
WHAT'S NOT: Not a lot of room in the back when all seven seats are in use.
OUR VERDICT: It's that diesel that makes the 4007 appealing. Now wonder if Mitsubishi New Zealand can supply the same?
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