The history of Peugeot 2 series during 1930-2010
The 2-series Peugeot is a key model for the brand and provided owners with access to a range to a range of wide range technologies, which normally can't be found in such small cars. Because of the reliability and individual style, the 2-series Peugeot have huge success and are probably the best selling vehicles of the Marque.
All started in 1930, when the first owners received their 201 saloons, which was the first cars from the 2-series Peugeot. However, this was the first car in the world to be fitted with independent front suspension. In 1938 the second car from the series was unveiled - 202, which unfortunately, with the outbreak of World War II production was interrupted but it was the 202 that restarted Peugeot's production in Sochaux after the war.
At the Paris Motor Show in 1948, Peugeot revealed the 203, which was the first tally new post-war car and again this car benefited from a range of technology not normally found in this market segment. One of the main innovations was the use of a hemispherical combustion chamber and inclined valves with a centrally mounted spark plug to grant maximum engine efficiency. Other innovation was a modern body shell design rather than a separate chassis. The 203 model exceeded sales of 500 000 - total produced from 1948 to 1960 - 700 000.
The next was Peugeot 204 introduced in 1965. The model was first FWD car and the first car to have all-round independent suspension. Across the model range were - – saloon, estate, coupe and cabriolet. A total of 1 604 290 Peugeot 204s were sold.
One of the "latest" models was 205, which is known to most of us. It was launched in 1983 and became the first model of Peugeot with sold more than 5 million units.
205 had a real success and the baton was handed on Peugeot 206, which was the first electric folding roof on a mass produced car - the 206 CC. The popularity of the 206 has resulted in more than 6.8 million examples being sold and the vehicle is still on sale today in many markets around the world.
The latest model of the 2-series is 207, which is available in three body-styles – hatchback, SW and CC. The vehicle is dynamic, fuel efficient, versatile and stylish compact car. It offers a wide engine range of petrol and diesel engines with CO2 emission from 99 to 159 g/km.
Peugeot 207 SW provides increased load capacity, class leading practicality, unbelievable interior ambiance due to the full length glass roof and a level of driving enjoyment not normally found in a small "estate" car. It is available with a choice of two petrol engines and two diesel engines.
207 CC Coupe Cabriolet offers unique experience and is available with three different engine and HDi diesel model. The 207 is the king of them all with 26 models in the range qualifying for zero vehicle excise duty and all models benefiting from Peugeot's extensive knowledge of vehicle dynamics. All 207 models registered in June come with a free Nokia 5230 smartphone with inbuilt satellite navigation with free future updates and an in-car mounting kit.
Probably, the only problem of 2-series is the support. If you have a slightest problem with your car, you have to go to authorized Peugeot service. For example - if you need to replace a bulb of a headlight on Peugeot 206, you need to take apart half of the front of the car. However, 2-series are great cars, it is not by chance that there are more than 10 million units sold.
