For the first time in 2005, Peugeot changed its own three-digit model numbering system by launching its first cross-over SUV with two zeros in the middle, the unusual 1007, a compact city car with sliding doors. Although this model was something of a sales flop, Peugeot continued its double-zero numbering system for other SUV models, such as the 2008, 3008, 4007 and so on...
Over the past 90 years, Peugeot’s numbering system has usually worked effectively, although the French manufacturer has tripped itself up once in a while. For example, when the charming Pininfarina-styled 104 entry model was replaced by the incredibly successful 205 in 1983, logically the B-segment hatch should have been called the 105 as a logical direct successor to the 1972-88 104. However, for reasons unknown, Peugeot chose to begin its popular new 1983 hatchback’s numbering with the number ‘2’, following the lineage of the larger C-sector 204 saloon and estate that was produced from 1965 to 1976.
This decision in turn screwed up the nomenclature of the larger C-segment 305 saloon and estate, with was replaced by the 405 (the model’s 402, 403 404 predecessors all being larger executive D-sector models) and after the subsequent 406 and 407, the latter was replaced by the 508 (missing out a 506 an 507), just to add to the confusion and lack of logical continuity.