PEUGEOT

PEUGEOT’S HEAVY HITTER Peugeot's 407 Coupe offers sleek styling and some serious presence. Andy Enright reports

You would have imagined it would be easy to buy some seriously imposing metal if you had £20,000 to spend. Take a look at the price lists however and you’ll find it’s a little trickier than you first thought. The task of finding a car that looks imposing and which has a certain degree of exclusivity is by no means simple. Peugeot has made that mission a little simpler with the 407 Coupe, a car that’s anything but run of the mill.

This car has quite a bit to live up to. The Pininfarina-styled 406 Coupe was one of the most elegant shapes on the road and although the 407 two door can’t hope to emulate that car’s feline good looks, it counters with a head-turning capacity the old car never gets close to. From certain angles the proportions of the 407 Coupe look rather odd. Perhaps it’s the mismatch in length between the front and rear overhangs that does it, but it’s a complex shape; one that never rests easily on the eye but rewards repeated inspection. The rear three-quarter is probably the most flattering aspect, a flat side profile exacerbating the unusual relationship between wheels and corners. One thing’s for sure. In a market populated by some very anodyne shapes, the 407 Coupe makes an instant impression. One thing that Peugeot were keen to stress is the improvement in handling the 407 Coupe makes over its predecessor and much of this can be attributed to its double wishbone front suspension, which may not mean a great deal to many but in essence sums up the French company’s commitment to handling excellence. Many cars these days have so-called ‘multilink’ rear suspension systems, but most persevere with a simple strut front set up. In offering a more sophisticated front suspension system, the 407 clearly states its commitment. This is a Grand Tourer that won’t fall to pieces when the going gets twisty. Two petrol engines and two diesel units are offered. The entry-level diesel is the 2.0-litre 136bhp unit found in other Peugeot models. This slots below the 2.7-litre V6 diesel that’s been developed in conjunction with Ford, variants of which are found beneath the bonnets of Jaguar S-TYPEs and Land Rover Discoverys. In this guise, it develops a hefty 205bhp. The petrol engines kick off with a lightweight 160bhp 2.2-litre unit with a punchy 211bhp 3.0 V6 24-valve option featuring variable valve timing (VVT) to ensure that power and torque are evenly distributed across a wide rev range. All are fitted with a six speed gearbox except the 2.7 HDi which gets the automatic option as standard. Prices start at £19,530.

"You’ll need to spend a lot of money top find a coupe that turns more heads than Peugeot’s 407"

Peugeot have set something of a precedent to follow with some very good previous Euro NCAP crash test results but the 407 again takes a big step forward. Active safety comes in the form of brake discs with a diameter of up to 330mm and next-generation ESP stability control which is standard on every model. As well as marshalling the anti-skid function, ESP also acts as a controller for the anti lock braking system, the emergency brake assist and the electronic brakeforce distribution to each individual wheel. The chassis itself incorporates not only the highest level of torsional rigidity ever seen on a Peugeot of this kind – as you might expect – but it also features a device known as an impactor that anchors the engine to the subframe and prevents it being shunted into the passenger cell in the event of a crash. Pedestrian protection is a major design criterion these days and the 407 features foam padded bumper bars and a bonnet that deforms to absorb shock, the top of the engine a good distance below that sweeping bonnet line. Up to nine air bags can be specified – twin fronts, side, curtain and steering column units offer optimum protection. The cabin looks very Peugeot - which is possibly the weakest part of the 407 make up. It’s neat and everything seems to work very nicely but there isn’t a great deal of showroom ‘wow factor’ to it. Sophisticated multiplexed electronics allow for a huge amount of individual customisation when specifying your 407, with such features as rear view mirrors linked to reverse gear, parking sensors, self-imposed speed limiters, low tyre pressure monitors and variable cruise control systems all capable of being fitted quickly and, just as importantly, at very modest expense. It’s not often that we comment upon a car’s air conditioning system – most set ups being much of a muchness – but the 407’s deserves special mention. A humidity sensor constantly monitors the air in the interior to prevent fogging and a gentle dash-top diffuser dehumidifies the air without subjecting the passengers to the usual gritty blast. Peugeot have also developed an externally controlled compressor that uses atmospheric conditions to reduce the work the system has to do, thus reducing fuel consumption. A pollen filter also keeps summer trips bearable for those afflicted by hay fever. Some may be a little disappointed that the 407 Coupe is no great beauty, but there’s plenty of merit in its striking styling. Unlike the 406 which, once you’d enjoyed the initial hit of its good looks, never offered much beyond that, the 407 Coupe is initially challenging and constantly asks questions of the beholder. I was at first a little crestfallen when pictures of the 407 Coupe landed on my desk, but as time has gone by I’m beginning to appreciate what Peugeot have done with this car. Think of it as a supremely capable mile-muncher that stands out from the crowd and you’ll soon warm to its attributes. This one could well be something of a grower.

FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Peugeot 407 Coupe range PRICES: £19,530-£23,825 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 15-16 CO2 EMISSIONS: 156-242g/km PERFORMANCE: (3.0 V6)0-60mph 8.4s / Max Speed 151mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (2.7 V6 HDI) (combined) 33mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4815/1868/1399

POWER RangeR Peugeot’s top end 407 models carry GT badges. Steve Ghosley checks them out…

It’s amazing the difference a change of name can make. Take Peugeot’s higher end 407 models, once fitted with ‘Executive’ badges. These days, your dealer will tell you that you need a ‘GT’ instead. Sounds a lot more dynamic doesn’t it? But is there more to this car than simply a spicier name?

Well, you’d have to say that the spec is sharper too. Offered in both the saloon and SW estate versions, GT trim offers a choice of Mistral Black or Cerbere Red leather interiors along with17-inch alloy wheels and the Peugeot RT3 system. This is a package that integrates a CD stereo, GSM mobile telephone, colour satellite navigation and a voice activation system so that you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road ahead. Also included as standard are xenon headlamps, rear seat side airbags, laminated side windows, heated front seats, rear side window sun blinds and a rear screen sun blind on the saloon models. Externally, the GT is distinguished by body colour coordinated bumper and side protection mouldings, complemented with chrome finishers. The main attraction of GT trim however, will probably be the wide choice of engines - one petrol and three diesel units. Yes, you read that right. A car with a supposedly performance-orientated ‘Grand Touring’ label offers diesels as its main engine options. The choice is between a 2.0-litre HDi, a twin turbo 2.2-litre HDi and a 2.7 HDi V6. If you really can’t cope with the black pump, there’s also a 3.0-litre V6 petrol powerplant. The Range-topping 211bhp 3.0-litre V6 petrol unit offers the choice between the six-speed manual and the automatic and it features variable valve timing (VVT) to ensure that power and torque are evenly distributed across a wide rev Range. Top speed comes at 146mph and the sprint to 60mph is achieved in 8.4 seconds. There’s a price to pay however, with emissions registering 233g/km.

"It is significant how the market has changed in that a car with a Grand Touring label now offers diesels as its main engine options"

Which is why most eventual buyers with follow Peugeot’s subtle efforts to position them with diesel power. The 2.0-litre common-rail diesel delivers a top speed of 129mph but perhaps more importantly, the wind-cheating shape and efficient powerplant combine to return an average fuel consumption of 47.9mpg; excellent for such a big car. With Co2 emissions rated at a relatively saintly 155g/km, it’s likely that this particular GT will be popular in the business world. Its larger sibling, the 2.2-litre HDi, is a real technological tour de force. The first four-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine in a production car, this powerplant is managed by a parallel sequential induction system to ensure that there are none of those annoying lag and lunge power delivery characteristics that often afflict highly tuned turbo diesel cars. It also serves to broaden the amount of useable torque. The 2.2-litre twin turbo delivers a top speed of 139mph and a sprint to 60mph of just 8.7 seconds. Fuel economy Ranges from 56.5mpg on a run to 34.8mpg in town, with the quoted combined economy figure pegged at 46.3mpg. The emissions figure is favourable too, at only 166g/km. The 2.7-litre diesel engine has been developed in conjunction with Ford, variants of which are found beneath the bonnet of the Jaguars S-TYPE and XJ as well as the Land Rover Discovery. Fitted with an FAP particulate filter in this guise, it develops a hefty 205bhp. By comparing the 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine available in this 407 it is easy to see why the GT majors on diesel power. Just a glance at the torque statistics will show why. Where the petrol-engined 3.0 V6 manages a peak torque figure of 218lb/ft, you get a whopping 330lb/ft from the diesel model. Both V6 models and the 2.2-litre diesel come with a six-speed Porsche-style Tiptronic automatic gearbox as standard, the 2.0-litre offering the only manual gearbox in the GT Range. Peugeot are keen to stress that the 407 is their very first car to feature double wishbone front suspension, which may not mean a great deal to many but in essence, sums up the French company’s commitment to handling excellence. Many cars these days have so-called ‘multilink’ rear suspension systems, but most persevere with a simple strut front set up. In offering a more sophisticated front suspension system, Peugeot have raised the bar again. The French maker has set something of a precedent to follow with some very good previous Euro NCAP crash test results but the 407 again takes a big step forward. Active safety in the form of brake discs with a diameter of up to 330mm and next-generation ESP stability control which is standard on every model. As well as marshalling the anti-skid function, ESP also acts as a controller for the anti lock braking system, the emergency brake assist and the electronic brakeforce distribution to each individual wheel. The chassis itself incorporates not only the highest level of torsional rigidity ever seen on a Peugeot saloon – as you might expect – but it also features a device known as an impactor that anchors the engine to the subframe and prevents it being shunted into the passenger cell in the event of a crash. Pedestrian protection is a major design criterion these days and the 407 features foam padded bumper bars and a bonnet that deforms to absorb shock, the top of the engine a good distance below that sweeping bonnet line. Up to nine air bags can be specified – twin fronts, side, curtain and steering column units offer optimum protection. The top of the Range Peugeot 407 GT makes a compelling case. It finds itself in one of the most competitive sectors of the market and needs to offer something different to attract suitors. Its powerful engine line-up and comprehensive equipment list give it more than a fighting chance.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Peugeot 407 GT Range PRICES: £22,100 - £27,145 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 11-15 CO2 EMISSIONS: [HDi 170] 160g/km PERFORMANCE: [HDi 170] Max Speed 139mph 0-60 8.7s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 34.8mpg/ (extra urban) 56.5mpg / (combined) 46.3mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [saloon] length/width/heightmm 4676/1811/1445

OLE 407 Business User-Choosers Are Increasing Opting For Less Fleet-Orientated Choices When It Comes To Selecting And Paying For Their Own Business Transport. Here’s One Of Them, Peugeot’s Under-Rated 407. Jonathan Crouch Has Been Spending Time At The Wheel…

Life as a rep isn’t so bad these days. The quality of the Little Chefs is better. There’s the Birmingham Toll Road to make cross-country commuting more bearable. And the standard of the kind of medium Range motor the fleet manager’s likely to give you for the journey has changed beyond recognition.

Think back ten years – then ten years before that. Motorway marathons were things you psyched yourself up for with a stock of Mars bars and a few cans of Red Bull. No longer. At the wheel of a car like our Peugeot 407, you’ve the kind of luxury normally reserved for Managers higher up the career ladder. Of course, it helps that our long term car is a Plush 2.2 Sport model equipped with plenty of bells and whistles that you might not bother with if you, rather than your company, were paying the ownership cheque. Having said that, even the most basic repmobile these days comes with things like air-conditioning, front and side airbags and a decent stereo. To these things, our 407 test car added power steering, a CD autochanger player, ABS with EBD, central locking, a colour display screen, half leather seats and body-coloured addenda,. It’s well equipped, as we said. As for the price, well this particular Sport version lists at £19,325 but you can buy 407 models from around the £15,700 mark. As with all the best Peugeots of yore, the lines are elegant, sleek and fluid. The windscreen is steeply raked back, giving a very sporting appearance. A Coupe version is available and aside from the four-door saloon, we’ve also borne witness to the 407SW estate which is, if anything, even better looking. With its canted back C-pillar, the SW looks impossibly fast – an automotive Exocet amid a sea of lumbering trebuchets. The latest cars are identifiable by their chrome grilles.

"To overlook the 407 as a compact alternative for the business user-chooser would be a mistake. Any Sales Rep who’s tried one will tell you that….."

Four petrol engines and three diesel units are offered, the diesels including a particulate emission filter rendering them compliant with Euro4 standards. These HDi diesels consist of a 1.6-litre unit that cranks out 110bhp and 240Nm of torque (260Nm of temporary ‘overboost’), a 2.0-litre powerplant that develops 136bhp and 320Nm of torque (340Nm on overboost) and a 2.7-litre V6 with 205bhp and 447Nm. It’s through a strategic link with Ford that Peugeot have access to this 2.7-litre V6 HDi engine, a unit that first saw service in Jaguar’s S-TYPE. Petrol buyers are well catered for with a Range that opens with a 16-valve 1.8-litre unit with 117bhp, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Step up to the 2.0-litre engine and you’ll have access to 136bhp and the choice of either a conventional five-speed manual ‘box or a four-speed automatic ‘autoadaptive’ gearbox with Porsche Tiptronic System control. The 160bhp 2.2-litre engine is probably a better candidate and it features a six speed manual gearbox. The Range-topping 211bhp 3.0-litre V6, like the big diesel, is offered only with the automatic. It features variable valve timing (VVT) to ensure that power and torque are evenly distributed across a wide rev Range. Peugeot have set something of a precedent to follow with some very good previous Euro NCAP crash test results but the 407 again takes a big step forward. Active safety in the form of brake discs with a diameter of up to 330mm and next-generation ESP stability control which is standard on every model. As well as marshalling the anti-skid function, ESP also acts as a controller for the anti lock braking system, the emergency brake assist and the electronic brakeforce distribution to each individual wheel. The chassis itself incorporates not only the highest level of torsional rigidity ever seen on a Peugeot saloon – as you might expect – but it also features a device known as an impactor that anchors the engine to the subframe and prevents it being shunted into the passenger cell in the event of a crash. Pedestrian protection is a major design criterion these days and the 407 features foam padded bumper bars and a bonnet that deforms to absorb shock, the top of the engine a good distance below that sweeping bonnet line. Up to nine air bags can be specified – twin fronts, side, curtain and steering column units offer optimum protection. The cabin looks very Peugeot - which is possibly the weakest part of the 407 make up. It’s neat and everything seems to work very nicely but there isn’t a great deal of showroom ‘wow factor’ to it. Sophisticated multiplexed electronics allow for a huge amount of individual customisation when specifying your 407, with such features as rear view mirrors linked to reverse gear, parking sensors, self-imposed speed limiters, low tyre pressure monitors and variable cruise control systems all capable of being fitted quickly and, just as importantly, at very modest expense. In a market sector dominated these days by excellence, it’s easy for motoring journalists and Fleet Managers alike to ignore manufacturers like Peugeot when considering alternative choices for business user-choosers seeking an alternative compact car choice. That would be a mistake. Any sales rep who’s tried a 407 will tell you that.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Peugeot 407 Range PRICES: [4dr/Est] £15,700-£27,145 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-16 CO2 EMISSIONS: 155-233g/km PERFORMANCE: [3.0 V6] 0-60mph 8.4s / Max Speed 151mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [110bhp HDi] (urban) 36.9mpg/ (extra urban) 57.9mpg / (combined) 48.1mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [saloon] length/width/heightmm 4676/1811/1445

SMOOTH OPERATOR Peugeot's 407 Coupe is at its best when packing serious diesel power. Andy Enright reports

Every once in a while, I come across a car which, were I capable of signing a cheque for the requisite amount, would prove sorely tempting. Not for one moment did I expect Peugeot’s 407 Coupe to be one of them but when fitted with a 2.7-litre V6 HDi diesel engine, it becomes a rather charming and endearing proposition. It doesn’t try too hard to be sporty, instead playing the mile-munching Grand Tourer card very well indeed. I must admit to being slightly underwhelmed when pictures of the two-door 407 first dropped across my desk but this is a car that works so much better in the metal.

It’s certainly a complex shape. The relationship between the front and rear overhangs takes a little getting used to, weaned as we are on cars that use every inch of their wheelbase to pack in a massive passenger cell. The 407 Coupe is unashamedly profligate in its use of passenger space, offering just about enough in the back and little more. The rear three-quarter view is probably the most flattering aspect, the clean styling of the back of the car showing off the sleek glasshouse to best effect. On the occasion of its launch, the 407 Coupe looked expensive, there’s no two ways about it. Prices for this range-topping 2.7 V6 version started at over £29,000 with the plush GT variant tipping over the 30,000 barrier. On the face of it, these prices seemed unsustainable. A quick glance at the price list of other coupes shows the Mercedes CLK 220CDI to be similarly priced and that BMW’s all-conquering 330Cd is in the same ballpark. What chance did the big French car have against these premium quality German offerings? The answer rapidly dawned on Peugeot; very little. Fortunately, the French marque was big enough to take this on the chin and after reshuffling the range to encompass just one trim level, prices were brutally slashed. At £23,825, the 2.7-litre HDi 407 Coupe makes wonderful sense. If you’re rather sick of coupes harping on about their ‘sports’ credentials, the 407 Coupe comes as a breath of fresh air. It will hustle happily through a set of fast sweepers and its body control is always unflustered but this is not a sporty car. You’ll know within ten yards of setting off that the quiet helm and velvety ride quality instead focus on refinement and civility rather than balls-out aggression. The Peugeot is a better car for this mature and genteel attitude. The 2.7-litre diesel engine has been developed in conjunction with Ford, variants of which are found beneath the bonnet of the Jaguars S-TYPE and XJ as well as the Land Rover Discovery. Fitted with an FAP particulate filter, in this guise, it develops a hefty 205bhp. By comparison, the petrol 3.0-litre engine that’s also fitted to the 407 Coupe feels weedy. Just a glance at the torque statistics will show why. The petrol-engined car manages a peak torque figure of 218lb/ft versus a whopping 330lb/ft for the diesel model.

"This is a real feel-good sort of car"

You’ll feel the difference out on the open road. The 2.7 HDi 407 Coupe features an automatic gearbox for super-relaxed cruising but the petrol gets a manual gearbox as standard. Where the big petrol-engined car, would require a drop down to fifth or even fourth on some motorway gradients, the automatic diesel just keeps ploughing on regardless. Such is the refinement of the 407 Coupe that you’ll often find yourself travelling far faster than you at first imagined, something worth bearing in mind when coming into a hairpin bend! The combination of engine smoothness and noise insulation (helped by features such as laminated side windows) also means that this is one of the only diesel engines I’ve ever driven that feels happy being driven right to the redline. Whereas most oil burners sound very harsh and cease to produce meaningful go as you approach the rev limiter, the Peugeot’s big V6 just keeps pulling. Peugeot have set something of a precedent to follow with some very good previous Euro NCAP crash test results but the 407 again takes a big step forward. Active safety comes in the form of brake discs with a diameter of up to 330mm and next-generation ESP stability control which is standard on every model. As well as marshalling the anti-skid function, ESP also acts as a controller for the anti lock braking system, the emergency brake assist and the electronic brakeforce distribution to each individual wheel. The chassis itself incorporates not only the highest level of torsional rigidity ever seen on a Peugeot saloon – as you might expect – but it also features a device known as an impactor that anchors the engine to the subframe and prevents it being shunted into the passenger cell in the event of a crash. Pedestrian protection is a major design criterion these days and the 407 features foam padded bumper bars and a bonnet that deforms to absorb shock, the top of the engine a good distance below that sweeping bonnet line. Up to nine air bags can be specified – twin fronts, side, curtain and steering column units offer optimum protection. When this car was launched, I opined that if Peugeot could swipe £4,000 or so off the list price of the 407 Coupe, it would undoubtedly be in with a shot. Now that they have, the 2.7 HDi 407 Coupe could really make an impact. This is one of the most appealing and self confident cars I’ve driven for a long while but those qualities will likely escape much of the target clientele. A test drive will do much to convert the sceptics and the sticker price should be enough to seal the deal.

FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Peugeot 407 Coupe V6 HDi PRICES: £23,825 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 17 CO2 EMISSIONS: 226g/km (auto) PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.2s / Max Speed 143mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 33.2mpg (auto) STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/width/height 4815/1868/1399mm

SLEEK SENSE Now that Peugeot’s 407 Coupe has been priced correctly, it starts to make a lot more sense, especially in 2.0-litre HDi 136 diesel form. Jonathan Crouch reports

Pretty, prestigious sports coupes are also pretty pricey. BMW’s 3 Series Coupe starts at around £25,000. Audi’s A5 begins from around £30,000. And that’s before you equip your car properly. Against such a background, Peugeot’s 407 Coupe stacks up rather well. Yes, it will depreciate more, but then when you take your initial savings in upfront pricing and specification into account, you can budget for that. Particularly attractive is the HDi 136 2.0-litre diesel variant that we’re looking at here.

This entry-level diesel model has been introduced into the line-up to try and make it more accessible to British buyers who find it difficult to stomach paying well over £20,000 for any type of Peugeot. Hence a 407 Coupe line-up which now starts at £19,530 (for the 2.2-litre petrol model) or £19,995 for this HDi 136 variant. True, 136bhp is a lot less than you’d find in diesel variants offered by German rivals: there’s the 205bhp 2.7-litre V6 HDi model on offer for around £4,000 more if that’s an issue (though you can’t have that car with a manual gearbox). But should it be? After all, this car manages the rest to sixty in 10.1 seconds on the way to a maximum of 129mph. In a BMW or an Audi, you might find yourself yearning for more power. In a 407 Coupe, it’s really about as fast as you want to be going. Not that there’s anything wrong with the handling balance of this car. It’s just that it’s intentionally been set up as a Grand Tourer than a B-road blaster. With some rivals, it’s hard to know which of the two the designers and engineers had in mind, these cars falling between the two stools and achieving neither end. In the 407, you always know where you stand. With the pressure off the need to drive like Lewis Hamilton, you can settle back and enjoy this car for what it is. You could spend three or four times as much and still come up with no more comfortable way of covering very long distances in extreme comfort. Just as well then that RT4 satellite navigation is fitted as standard. So, on the single Sport specification on offer, are alloy wheels, xenon headlamps, an electrochrome anti-dazzle rear view mirror, cruise control with a built-in speed limiter, rear parking sensors, laminated side windows, dual-zone climate control, central door locking, auto headlamps and wipers, tyre pressure sensors and ESP stability control. If you didn’t know this car’s raison d’etre, you could guess it from a glance at the specification list.

"In a 407 Coupe, you always know where you stand…"

Coupes are brought more on aesthetic values than any other type of car. So what of the styling attributes of this one? As ever, beauty is in the eye of the beholder but few would call this car pretty. Equally well, few would object to the lines. It’s certainly a complex shape. The relationship between the front and rear overhangs takes a little getting used to, weaned as we are on cars that use every inch of their wheelbase to pack in a massive passenger cell. The 407 Coupe is unashamedly profligate in its use of passenger space, offering just about enough in the back and little more. The rear three-quarter view is probably the most flattering aspect, the clean styling of the back of the car showing off the sleek glasshouse to best effect. On the road, this car will hustle happily through a set of fast sweepers and its body control is always unflustered but, as we’ve said, this is not a sporty car. You’ll know within ten yards of setting off that the quiet helm and velvety ride quality instead focus on refinement and civility rather than balls-out aggression. Such is the refinement of the 407 Coupe that you’ll often find yourself travelling far faster than you at first imagined, something worth bearing in mind when coming into a hairpin bend! Peugeot have set something of a precedent to follow with some very good previous Euro NCAP crash test results but the 407 again takes a big step forward. Active safety comes in the form of brake discs with a diameter of up to 330mm and next-generation ESP stability control which is standard on every model. As well as marshalling the anti-skid function, ESP also acts as a controller for the anti lock braking system, the emergency brake assist and the electronic brakeforce distribution to each individual wheel. The chassis itself incorporates not only the highest level of torsional rigidity ever seen on a Peugeot in this sector – as you might expect – but it also features a device known as an impactor that anchors the engine to the subframe and prevents it being shunted into the passenger cell in the event of a crash. Pedestrian protection is a major design criterion these days and the 407 features foam padded bumper bars and a bonnet that deforms to absorb shock, the top of the engine a good distance below that sweeping bonnet line. Up to nine air bags can be specified – twin fronts, side, curtain and steering column units offer optimum protection. Now that Peugeot has correctly priced the 407 Coupe and added this important HDi 136 2.0-litre diesel model to the line-up, this car begins at last to make all kinds of sense to the right kind of buyer. But will any of them notice? Or is it all too much, too late? It will be interesting to see.

FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Peugeot 407 Coupe HDi 136 PRICE: £19,995 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 15 CO2 EMISSIONS: 156g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 10.1s / Max Speed 129mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 48.0mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4815/1868/1399

GAME, SEPT AND MATCH Models Covered: Saloon, Coupe & Estate – 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 3.0 petrol 1,6, 2.0, 2.2, 2.7 turbo diesel [S, SE, Sport, SV, SE Luxury, Executive, GT, X-Line, Zenith]

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Replacing the much-loved 406 was no easy task for Peugeot. Not only did the car have to live up to the lofty standards set by its predecessor, it also had to compete in a market that was being squeezed from above by premium marques like BMW and Audi and from below by increasingly sophisticated family hatches. In order to stand out, Peugeot needed to create a car that made a definitive statement and the 407 did just that. A return to a more French kind of car, the 407 offered very good build quality, excellent ride and refinement and distinctive styling. Used examples are now beginning to appear in meaningful numbers and can represent a very cost effective way of landing a high quality modern medium range family car.

Although it was common knowledge that the medium range family car sector was struggling, few expected a mainstream manufacturer to come up with something quite as bold as the 407. Launched to an expectant public in May 2004, the 407 saloon’s styling instantly divided opinion. An SW estate version was launched soon afterwards with even audacious styling. The much-awaited 407 coupe model followed at the end of 2005, bringing a welcome breath of elegance and maturity to a coupe sector increasingly fixated on sporty handling. In the Spring of 2006, the range was enhanced with the arrival of the 2.7-litre HDi engine which was developed in conjunction with Ford. A Sport trim level was also introduced at the same time and all models received chromed grilles. A more important development came in the summer of 2006 with the arrival of the 170bhp 2.2-litre HDi diesel to sit below the 2.7 unit.

The 407’s front is dominated by a gaping maw the like of which has not been seen since Jonah commented on surprisingly heavy swell conditions. As with all the best Peugeots of yore, the lines are elegant, sleek and fluid. The windscreen is steeply raked back, giving a very sporting appearance. A Coupe version is available and aside from the four-door saloon, there’s also the 407SW estate which is, if anything, even better looking. With its canted back C-pillar, the SW looks impossibly fast – an automotive Exocet amid a sea of lumbering trebuchets. Peugeot are keen to stress that the 407 is their very first car to feature double wishbone front suspension, which may not mean a great deal to many but in essence sums up the French company’s commitment to handling excellence. Many cars these days have so-called ‘multilink’ rear suspension systems, but most persevere with a simple strut front set up. In offering a more sophisticated front suspension system on this car, Peugeot raised the bar again. Peugeot have set something of a precedent to follow with some very good previous Euro NCAP crash test results but the 407 again took them a big step forward. Active safety in the form of brake discs with a diameter of up to 330mm and next-generation ESP stability control which is standard on every model. As well as marshalling the anti-skid function, ESP also acts as a controller for the anti lock braking system, the emergency brake assist and the electronic brakeforce distribution to each individual wheel. The chassis itself incorporates not only the highest level of torsional rigidity ever seen on a Peugeot saloon – as you might expect – but it also features a device known as an impactor that anchors the engine to the subframe and prevents it being shunted into the passenger cell in the event of a crash. Pedestrian protection is a major design criterion these days and the 407 features foam padded bumper bars and a bonnet that deforms to absorb shock, the top of the engine a good distance below that sweeping bonnet line. Up to nine air bags could be specified by new buyers – twin fronts, side, curtain and steering column units offer optimum protection. The cabin is neat and everything seems to work very nicely but there isn’t a great deal of showroom ‘wow factor’ to it. Sophisticated multiplexed electronics allowed for a huge amount of individual customisation for buyers when specifying their 407s, with such features as rear view mirrors linked to reverse gear, parking sensors, self-imposed speed limiters, low tyre pressure monitors and variable cruise control systems all capable of being fitted quickly and, just as importantly, at very modest expense.

Although trade prices are still fluctuating a little, a glance to the marketplace shows 2004 04-plated 407 2.0S saloons starting at around £9,250 with the SE models commanding another £500. The 1.8-litre models are a little more affordable but are harder to come by, most buyers recognising that the small (£500 new) step up in price to the 2.0-litre car made a lot of sense given that the 407 is no lightweight and the difference between the cars was a not inconsequential 21bhp. The 2.2-litre saloon models tend to open at around £10,625 in SE trim with SV models adding £300 to that price. Range-topping 3.0-litre petrol models are currently kicking off at £13,750. Opening book price for a 1.6-litre turbodiesel is currently £10,350. The SW estates have seen steady demand and are holding value reasonably well, a 54-plated 1.6 turbodiesel starting at £11,950. Coupe versions are still too rarer to fix a working used price to.

Peugeot have really upped their game when it comes to build quality and there are aspects of the 407 that would put many premium rivals to shame. The mechanicals are largely tried and tested units and the interior trim is hardwearing. The good news for used buyers is that the 407 doesn’t attract the sort of buyer who tends to flog their car to death, instead attracting a more genteel clientele. Sophisticated traction control helps preserve front tyre life on more powerful models. No significant problems have yet raised their heads but insist on a properly stamped up service book and if in doubt opt for an HPI check.

(Based on a 2004 407 2.0) A new exhaust will set you back about £475, while a replacement headlamp should be around £165. A new clutch is about £155. As for front brake pads, expect to pay about £45 front and £40 rear.

Four petrol engines and three diesel units are offered, the diesels including a particulate emission filter, those with manual gearboxes compliant with Euro4 standards, thus neatly sidestepping the three per cent benefit in kind surcharge. These HDi diesels consist of a 1.6-litre unit that cranks out 110bhp and 240Nm of torque (260Nm of temporary ‘overboost’) and a 2.0-litre powerplant that develops 136bhp and 320Nm of torque (340Nm on overboost). Through a strategic link with Ford, Peugeot also offer a gutsy 2.7-litre V6 HDi engine which is by far the most desirable pick for most customers. Petrol buyers are well catered for with a range that opens with a 16-valve 1.8-litre unit with 117bhp, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Step up to the 2.0-litre engine and you’ll have access to 136bhp and the choice of either a conventional five-speed manual ‘box or a four-speed automatic ‘autoadaptive’ gearbox with Porsche’s Tiptronic System control. If you do fancy the automatic gearbox, the 160bhp 2.2-litre engine is probably a better candidate, although if you prefer a manual gearbox, this model boasts a six-speeder. The range-topping 211bhp 3.0-litre V6 also offers the choice between the six-speed manual and the automatic and features variable valve timing (VVT) to ensure that power and torque are evenly distributed across a wide rev range. Although the 407 does corner tidily, it’s a big car and never feels particularly comfortable when taken by the scruff of the neck. The weight issue becomes noticeable if you opt for one of the entry-level engines, so our advice would be to consider sacrificing a trim level or two from your budget in favour of a bigger engine.

As a used buy, there’s a lot to like about Peugeot’s 407. A car that works a lot better in the metal than in many pictures, it’s slightly undervalued by the trade and you should be able to pick up a low mileage example with a hefty percentage of its new value wiped out. The 2.2-litre petrol engine and the 3.0-litre diesel units are the pick of the range although the 3.0-litre petrol is an attractive choice if you can stomach the fuel bills.