France
Citroen has entered the compact MPV market with its most interesting new car launch for years - the Citroen Xsara Picasso. A far cry from the bland-looking hatchback upon which it is based, the Picasso takes on a one-cube car design that maximises on interior space within a compact bodyshell. It is powered by 1.6 and 1.8 petrol engines as well as a direct injection 2.0 diesel. The oil-burning unit is impressively refined and economical, but the petrol units are relatively weak.
Peugeot has finally pulled the plug on its unsuccessful, decade-old 605 executive saloon and replaced it with a much more stylish offering - the 607. Underneath, the 607 retains much of its predecessor's underpinnings, but in many other ways it is a step in the right direction for Peugeot in its long and so far unsuccessful quest to build an executive car which sells well outside its homeland. It feels far better built than the 605, as well as offering an even more comfortable interior and higher equipment levels.
Read more about this topic: 1999 In Motoring
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