New tech on the hoof in 206 includes brake-by-wire, NOx catalyst, latest E-Steer steering, oil condition monitor.

n 1999, Peugeot-Citroen (PSA) joined forces with parts supplier Delphi to develop crucial new technologies such as brake-by-wire, stop-start and a new type of electronics catalyst for removing oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from diesel exhaust. And the companies have just revealed the first results of their collaboration.
In all, six new technologies have been built into a Peugeot 206 'environmental demonstration model'. It's powered by the new DV4TED4 90bhp 1.4-litre 16v common-rail diesel that PSA developed with Ford, and which goes on sale in the Citroen C3 and Fiesta this year.

As well as the three developments mentioned above, the 206 uses the latest version of Delphi's E-steer electric power steering, a new type of air-con compressor which uses less energy, and Delphi's Intellect oil condition monitor. By measuring its exact condition, engine oil needn't be changed until absolutely necessary, which should increase oil change intervals by up to 70 percent.

The brake-by-wire uses electromechanical brakes (EMB) that make no use of hydraulics. Inside each calliper, the hydraulic piston has been replaced by a powerful electric motor and gearset to clamp the brake pads to the disc. The challenge has been to prove that electric brakes can work fast enough for ABS, which applies each brake many times a second. But when EMB finally appears, the absence of hydraulics will make car assembly easier with complete, bolt-on, 'plug and play' lightweight suspension corners.

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Electric motor replaces hydraulic calliper piston.

hen we tried the 206 for size, the brakes felt exactly like conventional hydraulic units thought the ABS hadn't yet been enabled. But there was an electronic parking brake operated by a red button between the front seats, which could be set up to handle hill starts automatically.

E-Start consists of an 'Energen' reversible alternator which is so named because it can work as an electric motor. When the car comes to a halt the engine stops, saving fuel, then restarts when the clutch is pressed. It's easy to get the hang of, though at first it seems as though the engine has stalled.

And the new diesel shows great promise, revving cleanly to 5000rpm and pulling like a train.