Peugeot Carts Blanch
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday May 5, 2000
After clearing most of last year's 406 sedans, Peugeot dealers have turned their attention to V6 wagons of the same vintage.
Randwick Peugeot is prepared to carve $8,550 off flagship 406 SV wagons. All are 1999-built but carry 2000 compliance plates.
A $3,750 optional leather pack would normally take the price to $64,350 plus on-road costs. The Randwick dealer has dropped the sticker to $54,900.
Warranty has also been increased to four years/unlimited kilometres with free four-year roadside assistance.
The polished French five-seater is well equipped with dual front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, climate control air-conditioning, power front seats as well as the comfort and convenience items that are customary in this prestige class.
The leather pack adds heated front seats, headlight washers, a rear view mirror that dims automatically and an extra light on each vanity mirror.
Despite the threat of a GST-induced buyer backlash, Peugeot has increased sales by 25 per cent year-to-date.
However, Peugeot is tipped to rationalise its 16-model range when 2001 model year stock arrives in August.
Casualties are likely to include the slow-sellers, incuding some 406 wagons, the basic 306 five-door Style and the expensive 306 GTi6 hot hatch. The top-line 306 XSi hatch is expected to gain leather trim as standard.
The local importer is part of the giant British-based Inchcape group which relinquished the Peugeot franchise in Japan on January 1. This prompted suggestions the French maker could take over direct distribution for Oceania including Australia.
© 2000 Sydney Morning Herald