The new Peugeot 1007 is a new concept, which will change the way small cars are perceived and experienced – as did the introduction of the hatchback in the early 60's.

The fitment of a single electric sliding door on each side of the vehicle is unique in any segment, particularly on a B segment vehicle. The arrangement offers unparalleled access that is little short of revolutionary. A simple press on the remote control plip and the electric doors slide rearwards, providing unrestricted access, as though no barrier existed between the outside and inside.

When open, the electric doors require only a small lateral clearance, roughly equivalent to that of the door mirrors, thereby enabling the car to be parked in very narrow spaces that are inaccessible to vehicles with traditional doors.

The 1007 offers class leading safety equipment that ensures enhanced impact protection. This includes up to seven airbags, one of which is mounted on the steering column, and, for child protection, Isofix fixtures that comply with the new three-point fixing standard.

The 1007 is a true four seater, but with a truly innovative flexible interior. The two independent rear seats govern the numerous ways in which the 1007 can be used and are an integral feature of the car’s innovative modularity. For example, the interior space can be adapted to seat four people, provide maximum boot space or carry long loads.

The possibility of interior personalisation on mainstream vehicles is usually limited by decisions made by the manufacturer. The Peugeot 1007 changes this by providing customers with the possibility of choosing an individual interior for their car.

The interior of the vehicle can be transformed by the availability of twelve different trim kits consisting of replacement trims for the seats, doors, rear side panels, air vents and the fascia. These kits offer striking decorative patterns and/or vivid colours to create an interior that can freshen and invigorate, express contrasting themes and bold, original statements, or reflect a restrained and classic elegance. The kits are quick and easy to install and remove without the use of any tools.

With an overall length of 3.73 m and a height of 1.61 m the size of 1007 gives the vehicle great on-road versatility as well as providing the driver and occupants with good visibility.

Available with a choice of three engines, a 1.4 litre petrol engine (75 bhp), a 1.6 litre petrol engine (110 bhp) and a 1.4 litre HDi diesel engine (70 bhp), the engine options ensure around town the vehicle is dynamic and responsive, but also ensure excellent performance on the open road and on motorways.

The 1007 will also introduce a "2-Tronic" gearbox on petrol engine versions, which will see Peugeot using controlled manual gearbox technology for the first time.

The 2-Tronic gearbox offers two gear change modes: one entirely automated, eliminating manual gear changes in favour of "automatic" driving; the other sequential, offering the enjoyment of going through the gears manually with either the gear lever or the steering wheel control paddles.

It's, naturally, too early to predict the 1007's Australian future.