British International Motor Show - Peugeot

Superfast supermini
Peugeot has its full complement of cars at the show, but creating the most buzz is the recently launched 207 supermini. Taking centre stage is the 207 RCup, a concept that will probably pave the way for a Peugeot 207 GTI.

The RCup was at the Geneva Motor Show in the spring, but this is Britain's first chance to have a close look at what a sporty 207 will look like.

Under the bonnet of the 207 RCup is a 280bhp engine, but expect something (a little) more modest in the GTI when it arrives early next year. Arch rival Renault has a 194bhp hot Clio so you can be sure Peugeot will have something similar in mind for its 207.

Then there's the UK debut ofthe 500bhp 907 GT supercar. It did some runs at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, but we doubt that a Peugeot will ever put the 6.0-litre V12 monster into production.

It has a carbonfibre body with a full-length glass roof which stretches from the windscreen to the tail, huge side vents and front grille, and a retractable rear spoiler.

Green cruising machine
If all this petrol-headed power doesn't rock your boat, how about a lean, green cruising machine? Peugeot is also showing off its Hybride 307 CC, a coupe-convertible demonstrator powered by a diesel hybrid engine.

Under the bonnet of the CC is a 1.6 diesel coupled to an electric power train. This means the car has an average fuel consumption of around 70mpg and low carbon dioxide emissions.

All this sounds great, but don't expect to see the Hybride in showrooms just yet. 2010 has been muted as a possible release date, but Peugeot say the technology costs at the moment are prohibitively high.

Double-draught diesel
A diesel that you can get your hands on now is a new 2.2-litre diesel for its 407 family car, also on the stand. This is twin-turbo engine that has been co-developed with Ford and you can also find it in Citroen's C5 and the new Land Rover Freelander.

What's next?
Looking ahead to the next major motor show - in Paris in September - we could see the next version of the 207 - a coupe-cabriolet concept.