407 SW goes on sale

Less than five months after the 407 saloon, Peugeot is launching its alter ego, the upper medium 407 SW. This is an alternative to the saloon from which it takes its basic design: an attractive and dynamic style, and a high standard of road-holding as well as uncompromised safety - up to nine airbags.

The SW body shape is mainly distinguished from the saloon version by its panoramic glass sunroof with a surface area of almost 1.6 m2 and its two-part rear tailgate opening in response to a customer trend for "recreation - multi-purpose" versatility.

Targeted at active and freedom-loving customers at ease with the complexity of modern life, the 407 SW helps its owner master the paradoxes of multiple "scenarios" - leisure time with the family and friends, professional or private use - while still providing the driving pleasure that Peugeot owners have come to expect and appreciate, as well as a justified sense of pride, whatever the circumstances.

Streamlined, its overall length has been increased to 4,763 mm, or 87 mm more than the saloon. Its overall height is 1.486 m, an increase of 41 mm, due to a new roof design featuring longitudinal luggage rails.

Since April 22 this year, the 407 has already attracted a large number of admirers with almost 70,000 orders, recorded at the end of August, 27,000 of them in France. The sales objective was set at 300,000 units for a full year (27% in France; 53% in Europe outside France) and with 150,000 unit in 2003, the 407 SW has contributed 40% towards this objective.

The 407 SW, like the 407 saloon, is produced at the Rennes factory at a rate of more than 1,000 units per day. It is expected in Malta late next month with the 110 bhp turbodiesel, loaded with standard features, starting at Lm14,650.