THE official UK launch of Peugeot's 607 executive saloon has been put back to January 2001, six months behind schedule. Fleets had originally been told to expect demonstrator models in the early summer, but full introduction of the three-trim, three-engine range was first put back to late autumn to allow adjustments to the roll bars to correct a stability problem.

Now, Peugeot is struggling to cope with huge demand for the 607 in its home market, which has meant a further postponement of right-hand-drive production.

A spokesman said: 'We're sure the car is now totally OK - feedback has been excellent following the suspension changes. The problem now is huge pent-up demand for it in France and although we will probably have some demonstrator cars for fleets in the autumn we've decided to play it safe and move the UK launch date back to January.'

In its first full year, sales volume is expected to be no more than 4,000 units in Britain, which Peugeot believes will help maintain healthy residual values. The three new engines are 2.2-litre and 3.0-litre V6 petrol and a 2.2-litre common rail diesel fitted with a particulate filter.