Peugeot launches its new small car next year, which it says will change the way small cars are perceived and experienced -- as did the introduction of the hatchback in the early 1960s.

The 1007 will be the first car to use the new numbering system being adopted by the French car maker.

The fitting of a single electric sliding door on each side of the vehicle is unique in the segment.

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.

Peugeot says the 1007 will offer 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 company says the 1007 is a true four-seater, but with a 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 use of space. 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 12 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 horsepower), a 1.6-litre petrol engine (110 horsepower) and a 1.4 litre HDi diesel engine (70 horsepower), 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 Peugeot 1007 will be launched in the UK in May 2005.