A 100% Brazilian vehicle
While the development of the national 207, launched in August 2008, confirmed Peugeot's commitment to create products suited to Brazilian consumers, taking account of their preferences and their particular features, with the Peugeot Hoggar pick-up, the Marque is going even further.
It took almost R$ 100 million, the participation of 320 technicians and engineers, and three years' work to bring this project to fruition. Due to its utility nature, the vehicle had to comply with even stricter specifications than those imposed on private cars, in order to be validated. In all, 573 major trials were carried out, corresponding to thousands of different tests. Overall, the Peugeot Hoggar will have covered over a million kilometres before going on sale.
Peugeot Hoggar is the first model to use a "combined" platform, based on the chassis of the Brazilian 207 and that of the Partner. In this way, Peugeot puts its traditional knowledge of utility vehicles to good use and, by mixing the concepts, offers a model suited to the requirements of the Brazilian clientele, in a new market segment.
The developers were keen to produce a very rigid structure and a more sturdy suspension system, designed to deliver optimum performance, whatever the vehicle's load, while offering a level of comfort and driving pleasure worthy of a saloon.
The project is also notable for having produced a well-balanced compact pick-up, with good interior space and the largest load space in its segment, with a volume of 1,151 litres, able to take a live load of 742 kg.
This is set off by a touch of excitement and dynamism unusual in the pick-up world, underlined by resolutely modern styling and by the quality of the materials used in the passenger compartment, not forgetting the bold, young design, characteristic of the Peugeot marque.
This is the arrival of the "pick-up by Peugeot", a model entirely designed, developed and manufactured in Brazil, intended for sale on the Brazilian market, which strengthens Peugeot's image as national manufacturer.
The Peugeot Hoggar will be launched in Brazil on 15th May 2010, in three equipment levels and two Flex Fuel engine options: 1.4 and 1.6.
Styling that conveys the personality, vigour and dynamism of the new pick-up
Peugeot Hoggar's design, vigorous and modern, was developed with an eye to the inimitable aesthetics characteristic of the 207 family. The façade has a large air intake intersected by an impact bar, and expressive headlights that veer along the wings, accentuating the model's feline look.
There is a protective strip running along the simple, smooth lines of the vehicle's sides, along to the side step, which not only facilitates access to the load space, but also extracts air from the cab and improves acoustic comfort in the passenger compartment, thanks to its location.
A line of trim runs all the way round the load space, defining the symmetrical lines of the rear. This is enhanced by two elements: a strip at the level of the tailgate handle, overhanging the rear lights, and an opening at the lower level. Between the two lines, Peugeot displays the Lion symbol.
The elaborately-shaped rear lights convey the model's strong personality. The three elliptical lights, representing the vehicle's various functions - brake lights, warning lights, indicators, reversing lights - are set into a triangular red glass that continues round the side of the vehicle.
The rear bumper, adding to the pick-up's sturdy appearance, is surrounded by a part that, while helping to protect the lights, has two projections that can be used as steps to gain access to the cab and which can each take a weight of 140 kilos.
Interior: good taste and comfort for the occupants
The interior of the Peugeot Hoggar pick-up, the fourth member of the 207 range in Brazil, has the same contemporary design as the other models in the family.
The undulating console has a variegated grain trim with a pleasant touch. Inspired by the world of motorbikes, the dashboard has three circular dials that evoke precision instruments. The functions are clearly displayed, making it easy for the driver to read them.
The cab has side windows that improve the occupants' peripheral vision and contribute to the model's overall aesthetic harmony. The rear window has a sliding panel, even in the range entry model. A glass-holder can be fitted in the central console and numerous items can be stored in the door pockets.
The interior layout enables the driver to find a good driving position easily, as the steering wheel and the folding and anti-dive seats are height-adjustable.
The interior area can easily hold compact luggage. With the seats folded right down, the capacity of the cab rises to a volume of 120 litres, up to the height of the load space, so the driver can store rucksacks and other items.
The Peugeot Hoggar's cab has plenty of room for a toolbox. Easily accessible (behind the driver's seat and under the mat), a single compartment holds a wheel spanner, a warning triangle, a towing ring and a jack.
The local vision of a hybrid platform produces the largest load space in the segment
To meet the challenge of creating an unusual vehicle in Brazil, Peugeot combined its international experience as leader of light utility vehicle sales in Europe with its 17 years' activity in Brazil.
Over the three years of project preparation, the local team of 320 technicians and engineers studied various vehicle platforms that could be used as a basis for developing a compact pick-up.
They came to the conclusion that, to meet the expectations of this segment of the Brazilian market, they would have to design a specific platform, a combination of the front platform of the national 207 and the rear platform of the Partner, extended by 300 mm. The Peugeot Hoggar pick-up is therefore the largest body shape in the 207 family.
The two platforms were joined using specially-designed structural elements to ensure maximum rigidity for the whole vehicle, allowing the suspension systems to function easily and improving the comfort procured by the vehicle's dynamic driving behaviour.
There is another advantage to the model's design: the "combined" platform meant that the marque's engineers, without compromising the cab's spacious interior, could produce a load space with the largest capacity of its segment, i.e. 1,151 litres. With Pirelli Chrono 175 65 R14T tyres, they have endowed the Peugeot Hoggar with the biggest live load of all its competitors, 742 kg in the X-Line version (660 kg for the XR and 650 for the Escapade).
The Peugeot Hoggar pick-up also has the longest platform of the 207 family, over 653 mm in the hatchback version, 453 mm in the SW and 290 mm in the Passion notchback saloon.
The load space has other advantages, such as the possibility of using almost all its available area. The wheel arches do not project far as the model has been given a new floor. Peugeot has endeavoured to make the vehicle's load space as functional as possible. The latter has ten anchoring points, including six fixed hooks (three on each side) on the sides and four in the centre (two close to the cab and two near the tailgate).
The tailgate is detachable, if necessary, to transport items that are longer than the trailer. The operation is very simple: the tailgate is unlocked with the vehicle key, tilted 45Âş then pulled outwards. It can hold up to 300 kg.
The tailgate has another practical advantage, ensuring the security of the spare wheel, positioned under the load space. To get at the wheel, it is necessary to unscrew a screw protected by a metal part that is blocked when the tailgate is closed. The spare wheel is therefore only accessible to the vehicle key holder.
The suspension enhances driving pleasure
In order to adapt the conditions of use to those of a utility vehicle, Peugeot has designed a reinforced suspension system that, even with a maximum load, gives the pick-up's dynamic driving the level of comfort so dear to the marque.
It has independent McPherson type front suspension with an anti-roll bar. The new firmer calibration of the helicoidal springs enhances rigidity. The shock absorbers (with integral hydraulic brakes) have also been readjusted with the aim of increasing their durability.
The rear suspension system, in constant demand when the vehicle is loaded, was borrowed from the Partner utility vehicle. Renowned on the market for its reliability and strength, the system has low maintenance costs. Compact, composed of shock absorbers that have been readjusted and are positioned almost on the horizontal, it means that the load space has a completely flat floor.
The trailing arms rear axle comprises independent wheels and anti-roll and transverse torsion bars. The hydraulic shock absorbers have been recalibrated, and the suspension arms, given a new geometry, are 10 mm longer so they are in line with the pick-up wheels.
Another specific modification concerns the local development of new suspension stops and suspension arm brackets, adapted to the new brake control system. Partner has one and the Peugeot Hoggar has two. This guarantees a high level of efficiency, enabling the system to operate safely whatever the vehicle's load.
All these modifications, together with the extreme rigidity of the platform, produce a model with precise driving behaviour and excellent running gear. The aim of this design is to ensure high quality stability, comfort and easy driving comparable to a saloon, in line with Peugeot's firm commitment to manufacture vehicles that are benchmarks in terms of driving enjoyment.
The pick-up has other new developments
To ensure the pick-up is suitable for all kinds of uses, the engineers developed a steering oil cooling coil for the hydraulic power steering, which helps to preserve the system's dynamic qualities, including when the vehicle is used in extreme conditions.
The side step is another addition to the model. Not content with simply facilitating access to the load space, it also has the job of extracting air from the cab. It performs this task continually due to its side location. The air in the passenger compartment is renewed when the vehicle is in motion, even when the fan is off. This solution, which also improves acoustic comfort in the cab, is unique in the segment and has been patented by PSA Peugeot Citroën.
Client profile
As a guide in developing the model, Peugeot carried out surveys which enabled it to identify the profile of the potential Peugeot Hoggar buyer as between the ages of 30 and 49, 89% male and 76% married.
The customers thus identified are mainly small traders or company managers who use the vehicle for their professional trips or as a work vehicle (75%). When buying a vehicle in this segment, this type of consumer attaches great importance to its versatility. 41% of them do trips with the vehicle's load space in use.
Equipment levels and engine options
While it is the range entry model, the X-Line pick-up, with a working vocation, is equipped with the Flex 8V 1.4 (1,360 cc) engine, developing maximum power of 82 h.p. when operating on alcohol and 80 h.p. on petrol, at 5,250 rpm. It is economic, with maximum torque of 12.85 mkg at 3,250 rpm, whatever fuel is used.
This engine is combined with a manual gearbox (five speeds plus reverse). Taking the vehicle's utility nature into account, Peugeot has reduced the transmission ratios for first and second gear, rendering the vehicle more agile with any load, and guaranteeing a good performance for hill starts, for example.
The X-Line version has a front bumper in body colour, a gear lever knob with imitation aluminium details, and 14 inch steel wheels. As regards safety, the model has the following equipment: ignition key with "crypto" transponder, smart vehicle maintenance indicator, fog lights built in to the rear lights, windscreen wipers with timer linked to the vehicle's speed, and sump protection, inter alia.
The following options are proposed for the occupants' comfort: height adjustment for the driver's seat and steering wheel, sun visor with courtesy mirror for driver and front passenger, audible alarm if the key is left in the ignition, the lights are not extinguished or the fuel tank is low. In addition, there is the "follow me home" system (rear lights and dipped headlights can stay on for 30 seconds after the vehicle is locked), a socket ready to take audio equipment and four-speed forced-air ventilation.
XR and Escapade models: more sporty versions
The next level up from the X-Line, the intermediate XR version, also equipped with a Flex 1.4 engine, has an extra touch of sportiness, starting with the front headlights set in a black mask that accentuates the model's feline look. The model boasts another equally modern aesthetic element. Two longitudinal bars of innovative design run around the cab. Designed to help when attaching loads, they also facilitate access to the cab, assisted by the side step. They support two dual position transverse bars that can hold certain items and can take a maximum weight of 70 kg.
The jovial look of the Peugeot Hoggar pick-up is enhanced by mixed-use 175/70 R14 H tyres (Pirelli Scorpion ATR), on the 14 inch wheels with sporty trims. The XR version also comes with a digital clock on the dashboard, front fog lights with a surround in body colour and hydraulic power steering.
Escapade version: for the young thirsty for adventure
The high-end version, the Escapade, is equipped with the Flex 1.6 (1,587 cc) engine which develops maximum power of 113 h.p. on alcohol and 110 h.p. on petrol at 5,600 rpm, with 15.5 mkg maximum torque at 4,000 rpm in alcohol mode.
Aesthetically, this is the boldest model in the range. The bumper has a metallic grey front grille that enhances the model's sturdy appearance. The original look of this version is emphasised by the front and rear wheel arch trims that accompany the side furrows, and the 15 inch light alloy wheels (Pirelli Scorpion ATR 185/65 R15 H). The trailer tailgate, on which E-S-C-A-P-A-D-E appears in large letters, leaves no doubt either as to the vehicle model nor the use that its owners plan to make of it.
Inside the cab, the occupants have a high level of comfort: air-conditioning, sequential control electric windows for the driver, front sports seats covered with fabric in a new pattern which lend an extra dimension to the occupants' comfort, and electric external rear view mirrors adjustable from inside.
The fittings also include pouches on the back of the front passenger seat, an external temperature indicator, digital clock and calendar on the dashboard. In this version, the vehicle is also equipped with two loudspeakers in the front doors, an automatic door locking system triggered by the speed and remote control electric locking.
Refined, sporty touches on the door handles, pedals and imitation aluminium air-conditioning vents give the consumer the sensation of being in a higher category model. This model also has a chrome gear lever knob and the dashboard has a white background.
The Peugeot Hoggar pick-up has two option packs available for customers. The first, on the X-Line version, includes heating and air-conditioning. The second, for the XR version, comprises: automatic door locking, electric windows, heating, air-conditioning and multifunction remote control keys. Metallic paint is an option for all configurations and the double front airbag is only available on the Escapade version.
Peugeot offers an exclusive range of accessories for the Hoggar pick-up
With the arrival of its first compact pick-up, the marque is offering a new car concept in this segment, one that combines sturdiness and ease of driving worthy of a saloon.
To reinforce the model's inherent sporty nature, Peugeot proposes a vast range of accessories to highlight its strong personality and improve its equipment level, expanding the offer for the customer who wants to adapt the vehicle to his requirements.
A number of accessories can be found in the marque's sales outlets: trailer protection, canvas load space cover, protective grille for the rear window, brake light on the roof, roof bars, roll bar, front bumper protection, side running board, imitation aluminium door sill, cargo net, opening roof (retractable and electric) and net for transporting objects that extend beyond the edges of the load space.
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