Over 50% of all diesel passenger cars sold in Australia come from the Peugeot range, which features two diesel models; the 307 and the 406. As well as being the country’s best selling diesel passenger car, the Peugeot 307 HDi is also the most affordable diesel car on the market, with the 307 HDi 5-door hatch priced at only $29,990 plus on road costs.

With stylish, functional and well equipped cars, Peugeot is dispelling the old myths that diesel motoring conjurs – of being smelly, rattly, smoky and very basic in nature.

With staggeringly low fuel consumption, greater mechanical longevity and environmentally friendly emission levels, the Peugeot HDi engines are well suited for Australian conditions. Their easily accessed torque at all speeds suits our long distance highway travel, making overtaking a simple manoeuvre. And in our increasingly congested cities, the HDi’s amazing flexibility means fewer gear changes and more responsive acceleration.

To illustrate the outstanding fuel economy possible in a Peugeot diesel, in 2002 a 406 HDi set a new Guinness World Record by completing the drive between Melbourne and Rockhampton on a single tank of fuel! The total distance of 2348km’s was covered on less than 70-litres of fuel.

More recently, a Peugeot 307 HDi completed a round Australia drive of 14,634 km’s using only $540.53 worth of fuel. The drive broke two further fuel economy Guinness world records; the Round Australia Diesel Economy World Record and the overall Round Australia World Fuel Economy Record*. The car averaged an amazing 3.49 litres per 100km travelled (81.16 mpg in the old scale).

The world record breaking driver, John Taylor said, “With three fuel economy world records belonging to Peugeot, I truly believe that they build the most economical cars in the world.”

Peugeot is also one of the market leaders in Europe where over 50% of all passenger cars are powered by Diesel engines. Peugeot is consolidating its position as a leader in diesel technologies through its success of direct injection common rail (HDi) engines, which substantially reduce CO2 and pollutant emissions. With more than five million units having been produced since 1998, HDi engines combine environmental qualities with driving comfort.

Coupled with the HDi engine, the Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS) was unveiled in 2000. The DPFS cuts diesel particulates to within barley measurable limits. Peugeot Automobiles Australia is looking forward to being able to introduce this innovation on their diesel models post the January 1, 2005 introduction of low-sulphur content diesel.

* Subject to official confirmation from Guinness Book of World Records