Peugeot has expanded the 308 hatchback range with the introduction of eight new models.

Peugeot’s award winning 308 range now benefits from the introduction of a new six-speed manual gearbox, available on the S, Sport and SE HDi 110 models. This new gearbox has been designed in-house and compared to the original five-speed manual gearbox, under certain driving conditions not only optimises fuel consumption but also enhances the 308’s already impressive interior comfort levels.

When fitted with 15” or 16” Michelin Energy Saver tyres, 308 models fitted with the new gearbox have a combined fuel consumption of 62.7 mpg and CO2emissions of 129 g/km.

• On sale June 2008
• Improved modularity
• Powered by eight engine options
• Four trim levels - S, SR, Sport and SE
• Range starts from £14,395 on-the-road
  

Peugeot’s new 308 SW builds on the strengths of its predecessor the 307 SW and develops them even further. For example, the panoramic glass roof is now 27% larger, the modularity is easier to operate and improved and there is now a new six-speed manual gearbox.

2008 Peugeot 608 Preview
Peugeot is working on a replacement for the current 607. Peugeot will inspire the 608’s design from the 908RC concept car’s shown at 2006 Paris Auto Show. The frontal shape of the 908 should give you some ideas of the new Peugeot 608. The 608 will be developed from the Citroen C6 platform. It will debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show.

Wet weather spray caused by heavy goods vehicles is amongst the most serious everyday driving hazards with which road users have to contend. Now, a patented innovation by a British company, Spraydown Limited, has achieved a major reduction in spray obscuration – over and above the performance of existing mandatory spray suppression equipment. The device, which will make its debut appearance at next month’s Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, has been granted full type approval under EU regulations.

The system comprises a rigid panel, made up of a series of fixed, vertical, lightweight, extruded vanes. Each vane incorporates three shaped channels which, when assembled in sequence, form a progressive series of water trapping gullies. The spray plume around the vehicle is also significantly reduced, lowered and controlled and associated aerodynamics effectively draws the air swirl and excess water spray back within the vehicle envelope.

Spraydown Managing Director, Steve Nesbitt says, “Improving visibility for following or passing motorists is about to take a step change and that is important both for road safety and for the image of the road transport industry and its operators. If we can deliver the predicted reduced drag and fuel savings as well, then the adoption of our new technology spray suppression system will also make a contribution to the environment. Most of the current spray suppression devices date back to the original mandatory requirement in 1991. Traffic density, vehicle design, aerodynamics and the performance and technology of composite materials have all moved on and these factors have had a significant influence in the development of the Spraydown system.”

It can be easily used by unscrewing the tyre valve cap from the commercial vehicle tyre and replacing it with the P-eye monitoring device. The P-eye measures the preset minimum tyre pressure and passes this on to the signalling LED. If the tyre pressure drops more than 5 per cent below the ideal pressure the LED lamp starts blinking. The driver knows then that the pressure of this particular tyre is too low and the tyre should be inflated.

As such, when a fleet of vehicles are parked on site, it is not necessary to check every single tyre, but action is only necessary on tyres where the LEDs are blinking. Statistically it has been found that approximately a quarter of all commercial vehicle tyres are not sufficiently inflated.

This increases wear with about 15- 20%. Practically all blowouts and resulting accidents are caused by a too low tyre pressure. This patented new device which can make commercial vehicles safer, and saves money for the operators, is being launched in the UK at the Commercial Vehicle Show, Birmingham