Peugeot Sésame

September 13, 2002 - Sésame represents Peugeot’s vision for a future small car to possibly replace the current 106 and is Peugeot’s most significant concept car by far at Paris Motor Show.

At some 3700 mm long and 1670 wide, Sésame is a vehicle firmly in the B segment, but is notable for being much taller than usual at 1630mm. This is 100mm taller than even recent ‘tall cabin’ cars such as the Citroen C3 or Honda Jazz and gives a very strong presence to this new car. The wheelbase is 2310mm.

The focal aspect centres upon two sliding side doors around which the structure takes shape. Boasting four individual seats with extremely easy access, it is seen as being truly versatile, suitable for driving around town and out on the main roads or motorways. This is a vehicle which caters both for practicality and pleasure.

The frontal design, with its dynamic face, is similar to most recent Peugeot vehicles and is therefore instantly recognisable. The bright, almond-shaped headlamps mounted high up on the front fender corner flank a typical Peugeot grille and are complimented by a wide crescent-shaped lower bumper intake.

The ultra short bonnet leads into a generous-sized windscreen, which flows up directly into the glass roof, as on the previous 307 Promethee concept and 307SW production car. The windscreen pillars are mounted well forward, directly over the front wheel axle, to provide as large an interior package as possible. According to Peugeot, “This has the effect of disguising the engine block and producing a ‘small hatchback’ style of vehicle”. The glass area is extensive and the glass roof is finished with two silver roof bars at the edges. The side view features a simple almond-shaped window graphic, rising to a tip at the rear, which echos the headlamp shape.

The use of powered sliding doors may well be carried over into the production car – a world first on such a small vehicle. The size of each sliding side door represents almost a third of the length of the whole vehicle and provides generous access to all four seats, even in the tightest parking conditions. On each side there is a generous-sized escutcheon panel surrounding the ergonomic door handle. Each sliding side door is guided rearwards by a pad sliding on a visible rail which is sited on the rear wing to assist the movement. This rail continues around the rear of the vehicle, splitting the taillamp and rear screen graphic. To reinforce the leisure and relaxation aspect of Sésame, the streamlined spare wheel cover is sited in the centre of the rear panel.

Simple 17’’ diameter 6-spoke light alloy wheels are fitted.

Sésame is painted in a simple luminous yellow paint with a matching interior of yellow and dark blue. The rear driving mirrors and door opening controls are chrome plated and yellow.

Mechanically the vehicle could accommodate a 1.6 litre engine developing 110 bhp (approximately 80 kW), connected to an electronically-managed manual gearbox.

	Peugeot Sésame
	Click for larger images	September 13, 2002 - Sésame represents Peugeot’s vision for a future small car to possibly replace the current 106 and is Peugeot’s most significant concept car by far at Paris Motor Show. At some 3700 mm long and 1670 wide, Sésame is a vehicle firmly in the B segment, but is notable for being much taller than usual at 1630mm. This is 100mm taller than even recent ‘tall cabin’ cars such as the Citroen C3 or Honda Jazz and gives a very strong presence to this new car. The wheelbase is 2310mm. The focal aspect centres upon two sliding side doors around which the structure takes shape. Boasting four individual seats with extremely easy access, it is seen as being truly versatile, suitable for driving around town and out on the main roads or motorways. This is a vehicle which caters both for practicality and pleasure. The frontal design, with its dynamic face, is similar to most recent Peugeot vehicles and is therefore instantly recognisable. The bright, almond-shaped headlamps mounted high up on the front fender corner flank a typical Peugeot grille and are complimented by a wide crescent-shaped lower bumper intake. The ultra short bonnet leads into a generous-sized windscreen, which flows up directly into the glass roof, as on the previous 307 Promethee concept and 307SW production car. The windscreen pillars are mounted well forward, directly over the front wheel axle, to provide as large an interior package as possible. According to Peugeot, “This has the effect of disguising the engine block and producing a ‘small hatchback’ style of vehicle”. The glass area is extensive and the glass roof is finished with two silver roof bars at the edges. The side view features a simple almond-shaped window graphic, rising to a tip at the rear, which echos the headlamp shape. The use of powered sliding doors may well be carried over into the production car – a world first on such a small vehicle. The size of each sliding side door represents almost a third of the length of the whole vehicle and provides generous access to all four seats, even in the tightest parking conditions. On each side there is a generous-sized escutcheon panel surrounding the ergonomic door handle. Each sliding side door is guided rearwards by a pad sliding on a visible rail which is sited on the rear wing to assist the movement. This rail continues around the rear of the vehicle, splitting the taillamp and rear screen graphic. To reinforce the leisure and relaxation aspect of Sésame, the streamlined spare wheel cover is sited in the centre of the rear panel. Simple 17’’ diameter 6-spoke light alloy wheels are fitted. Sésame is painted in a simple luminous yellow paint with a matching interior of yellow and dark blue. The rear driving mirrors and door opening controls are chrome plated and yellow. Mechanically the vehicle could accommodate a 1.6 litre engine developing 110 bhp (approximately 80 kW), connected to an electronically-managed manual gearbox.