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Our spies have already...
Our spies have already caught an early prototype out on test, and the two versions of the new city star, which share the same platform, are tipped to debut at next year"s Frankfurt Motor Show. The pair, seen in this week"s mag, will be built alongside a Toyota-badged version of the car, which will use the same underpinnings and go on sale next to the Yaris.
All three vehicles are the result of a joint venture between Peugeot, Citroen and Toyota to build a new plant in Kolin near Prague in the Czech Republic. By pooling resources, the three manufacturers have reduced the total cost of launching their new small model, which should result in impressively low prices. Our exclusive picture of the prototype shows exactly how tiny these new cars will be. Although they measure only 3.4 metres in length, the designers have still managed to squeeze in five doors - but the incredibly narrow C-pillar indicates that boot space will be tight.
Three-door versions will also be produced, but Toyota is said to have taken the decision to sell only five-door variants, leaving its French partners to market the less practical model. While the city cars will be virtually identical mechanically, designers are keen to add their own distinctive styling cues.
Peugeot"s version - set to be called the 107 and become the long-awaited replacement for the 106, which ceased production last year - has adopted the family look of the new supermini-based MPV, the 1007. However, as more conventional hatchbacks, three and five-door variants of the Peugeot will be far cheaper than the 1007, with prices expected to start at around í‚á£6,500.
Citroen is likely to make its take on the new platform even better value for money. Company insiders have hinted that the double-chevron model will be given a C1 badge to cement its place in the line-up below the larger C2. This could mean that entry-level versions go on sale for as little as í‚á£5,500. The Citroen is set apart from its Peugeot sibling by the marque"s trademark grille, while the new model"s headlamps are inspired by those of the funky C3 Pluriel.
As part of the overall cost reduction plan, the cars that roll out of the Kolin factory will be offered with a choice of only two engines. The cheapest models will come with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder 60bhp Toyota unit, but for customers who want to cut down on running costs even further, a 1.4-litre diesel, offering 70bhp, will also be available.
Once the new plant is up and running, initial production targets are to build a total of 300,000 models a year, with each manufacturer selling an equal share. Expect the first of the new city cars to go on sale in UK showrooms before the end of next year.