Peugeot: The Engineering Purist

Peugeot took a third path, focusing on engineering excellence and understated design. While Citroën amazed and Renault democratized, Peugeot refined. The 504 of 1968 won the African Rally four times, its rugged construction and sophisticated suspension conquering terrain that destroyed competitors. In Africa and Asia, "Peugeot" became synonymous with reliability.

The company's diesel expertise transformed European motoring. While others saw diesel as suitable only for trucks, Peugeot engineers developed smooth, efficient diesel engines for passenger cars. The 1975 604 diesel luxury sedan proved that compression ignition didn't mean compromise. By the 1990s, Peugeot's HDi engines had made diesel mainstream in Europe, offering superior fuel economy with acceptable performance.

Peugeot's design philosophy, particularly under Paul Bracq and later Gérard Welter, emphasized timeless elegance over fashionable excess. The 205 of 1983 saved the company from bankruptcy with its perfect proportions and driver-focused dynamics. The 205 GTI became a performance icon, proving that French manufacturers could match German engineering while adding Gallic flair.