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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. In early 2008 the 407 range went all-diesel and received a mild facelift to its styling. A new engine, the 140bhp HDi diesel unit was introduced.

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.

PEUGEOT SHOWS SOME FRONT
The HDi 136 Could Be The Pick Of The 407 Range. Andy Enright Reports

Kick off any discussion regarding the Peugeot 407 and the key theme will always be that styling. Get beyond that to the car’s more tangible qualities and there’s little dissent, especially if you opt for a car fitted with the 136bhp HDi diesel engine. Developed in conjunction with Ford, it’s a very good unit that complements the 407’s smooth ride and relaxed feel perfectly. Peugeot hope to have established a new class benchmark.

Priced from £18,455, the engine is the third most powerful diesel unit available in the 407 saloon and SW line-up. The 2.2-litre HDi 170 starts at over £21,000 while the 2.7-litre V6 diesel as seen in the Jaguar S-TYPE is the range-topping option at well over £25,000 and will be out of reach for typical 407 buyers. All this talk of Ford and Jaguar collaborating with Peugeot may seem a long way distant from the days when Peugeot ploughed a proud and singular Gallic furrow, but the spiralling costs of developing contemporary powerplants means that such joint ventures are usually the most cost effective way of sharing the financial burden. This 2.0-litre common-rail diesel unit first appeared in the Focus C-MAX but it now features a particulate filter to help the 407 meet full Euro4 emissions standards. Accelerate at full bore between 1,500 and 3,200rpm and an overboost facility kicks in, lifting the peak torque to a healthy 251lb/ft. Given that the 407 tips the scales at a hefty 1,505kg, this overboost facility comes in particularly handy during overtaking manoeuvres or when accelerating up a motorway on ramp. The engine isn’t the quietest diesel powerplant we’ve ever come across at idle, but once warmed up it settles to an offbeat thrum that’s not unpleasant. The turbocharger offers a surprisingly linear delivery with none of the lag and surge many such units are afflicted by. Peugeot quote a sprint to 60mph time of 10.7 seconds but the car feels a little quicker. The tall gearing may have something to do with it, blunting the car’s acceleration off the line a little. The six-speed gearbox manual is a little notchy in its action although you’ll be hard pushed to wrong slot a gear. Top speed is pegged at 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 fleet managers will be eyeing the 407 HDi 136 with interest. It’s a car too good to leave to corporate bean counters although the interior shows some evidence of cost cutting in some of the materials used.

"The 407 HDi136 is a car too good to leave to corporate bean counters"

No matter how good the engine is, you’ve got to be able to live with that styling. Designed in-house at Peugeot it’s reasonably conventional when viewed from behind but the front is very unorthodox. The long overhangs go against contemporary car styling trends and the massive gaping grille takes a good deal of getting used to. 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 and the latest models are marked-out by their chromed grilles. Aside from the four-door saloon, we’ve also borne witness to the 407SW estate that 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, 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 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. The seating position feels a long way distant from the scuttle and the windscreen pillars create large blind spots. The problem with seating the driver this far back is limited rear space and the Peugeot also features one of the smallest boots in the class. 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. There are elements in the make up of the Peugeot 407HDi136 that are by no means top of the tree. If interior space, luggage capacity and cabin quality are key priorities, it’s possible to come away a little disappointed. On most other scorecards though, the car excels. The engine is something special, the prices look competitive and the sleek looks are anything but mainstream. Peugeot have been bold with the 407 where it would have been so easy to play safe. They should be rewarded for it.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Peugeot 407 HDi 136 range PRICES: £18,455 - £22,425 on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 10-12 CO2 EMISSIONS: 155g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 129mph 0-60 10.7s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 36.7mpg/ (extra urban) 57.6mpg / (combined) 47.9mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [saloon] length/width/heightmm 4676/1811/1445

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

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 £25,495, 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.

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

The 2.7 HDi 407 Coupe features an automatic gearbox for super-relaxed cruising and 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

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. All the engines in the 407 coupe range are diesel. The entry-level unit is the 2.0-litre 136bhp unit found in other Peugeot models. Next up is the 1.6-litre 110bhp HDi unit. 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.

"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

OLDER BUT BOLDER
Peugeot’s 407 is one of the longer serving participants in the medium range sector but the manufacturer has put the hours in to ensure it stays fresh. Steve Walker reports.

Boldy styled with acres of space inside and a commitment to quality that will surprise many, Peugeot’s 407 is that rarest of commodities – a big French car you might actually spend your own money on. With some great diesel engines and a brilliant SW estate model, it’s a class act.

Rumours of the demise of the medium range family car market appear to have been grossly exaggerated. The future of the traditional large family car looked a little dicey for a while as buyers deserted their saloons and estates in favour of trendier 4x4s and more practical MPVs but an injection of exciting new blood into the sector over recent times has shown there to be life in the old dog yet. Peugeot’s 407 can’t really be classed as new blood having made its debut in 2004 but the distinctive French cruiser has been subjected to a life-giving transfusion of equipment and styling revisions in its latest facelifted guise. The market’s cycles appear to have conspired against the 407 somewhat. It arrived as a brand new model at a time when many of its key rivals were entering middle age. Then was the time for the fresh-faced Peugeot to capitalise, something that it never really managed to do. Peugeot described sales levels over that period as "reasonably successful" which was never going to be good enough. Today, the tables have turned and the mid-life facelift version of the 407 must compete for hearts and minds against all new versions of Ford’s Mondeo, Renault’s Laguna, Citroen’s C5, Honda’s Accord and the Vauxhall Insignia. It’s a tough task but will the 407 be up to it? The 407 has long been regarded as a long distance mile-muncher par excellence that also has the ability to entertain, but if you want something sporty, there are other models which will probably be a better bet. What the 407 can deliver is a genuinely big car feel and big car features for a relatively modest price. The engine range, although all-diesel, is usefully diverse and well-suited to the various demands that 407 owners are likely to make of their cars. Proceedings open with a 110bhp 1.6-litre HDi unit. Then comes a 2.0-litre 140bhp and a 2.2-litre 170bhp HDi. All feature FAP diesel fuel particulate filters and manual transmission. There are two engines available with automatic transmission; a 136bhp unit and the largest engine in the range, the 2.7-litre V6 HDi. If you want to be the alpha-green, a 2.0-litre Bioflex engine is also available that runs on E85 fuel.

"The look of latest 407 has been altered but in a very measured, non-drastic way…."

The 407 doesn’t feel as planted or responsive on the road as its sportiest rivals but buyers who prioritise comfort could easily be persuaded. The car rides poorly surfaced roads very well and is a relaxing drive on the motorway where it displays a high level of refinement. The engines help keep noise level in the cabin down as does the 407’s slippery shape. The look of latest 407 has been altered but in a very measured, non-drastic way. The chrome grille has been tidied up, there are new bumpers at each end and the one at the rear incorporates a defuser-style insert at its base. Love it or hate it, you can’t have helped but notice the 407 saloon. It’s a car that looks utterly stunning from some angles and decidedly odd from others. Much of this is due to the perceived imbalance between the long front end and the abbreviated tail. Imagine getting shot of the notchback rear and instead stretching the 407 back as if it had been squeezed out of a very big tube of toothpaste. That’s the effect you get with the SW estate version and it looks nothing less than sensational. For those of you accustomed to medium range estates being saloon cars with a hunched fenestration on the back and all the aesthetic elegance of a conservatory mounting your vehicle, it comes as a welcome change. Inside, Peugeot has gone large with the Piano Black finishes. This lustrous black plastic now features in selected models, adding a touch more class to proceedings. The 407’s interior still feels a little dated with some of the materials not quite living up to expectations and those steering column stalks which seem to have featured in every Peugeot and Citroen product since year dot. The central control panel always looks a little busy with its cluster of small buttons but models with satellite navigation get a modern system with an extremely good display. The Peugeot 407 has consistently been one of the better-equipped models in the medium range sector and that looks set to continue. The entry-level S trim features remote central locking, electric windows, a leather steering wheel, climate control, a trip computer and an ultrasonic alarm. Outside you can expect to find body coloured bumpers, side mouldings, door mirrors and door handles and an opening rear tailgate in the touring model. Next up is SR which will get you 16-inch alloy wheels, a Smartnav satellite navigation system and Bluetooth hands-free telephone equipment on top of your standard fare. SE adds a panoramic glass roof, an RT5 multimedia system with colour satellite navigation, GSM phone and MP3 music storage. You also get the practical bonus of front and rear parking sensors and electrically folding door mirrors. If you require the utmost available comfort and have the pocket to stretch to it, the range-topping GT trim upgrades your wheels to 17-inch alloys and adds front heated seats, full leather upholstery and electric seat adjustment. Go for the punchier 2.2 HDi 170 and there’s very little penalty in terms of fuel economy (46.3mpg) but emissions rise to 160g/km. The 2.7 V6 HDi makes all the performance numbers but is fairly costly to run, managing 33.6mpg and falling into insurance group 15. A hefty 223g/km of carbon dioxide emissions will also see it struck off many company drivers’ lists. Building a volume-selling medium range car is a whole lot tougher than it would first appear. Despite the prosaic names that familiarity has caused us to view with a degree of contempt, cars like the Ford Mondeo, the Citroen C5 and the Renault Laguna are all brilliantly fit for purpose and in order to succeed against them, a manufacturer needs to bring something different to the party. Peugeot has exactly that with the 407, a car that’s boldly styled and feels at home on the long journeys that it’s typically asked to do. It’s not the freshest kid on the block but Peugeot has priced it at a level that will keep it relevant for a few years yet. Serious downsides are few. The centre console is still rather busy and the sporting element to the handling that many buyers look for isn’t really present. The penalty for that swooping roofline is tight rear headroom but other than that, the 407 gets a generally favourable report card. The SW estate remains one of the most desirable mainstream estates around with genuine presence.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Peugeot 407 range PRICES: £17,295-£26,495 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-15 CO2 EMISSIONS: 140-214g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.7 V6] 0-60mph 8.5s / Max Speed 143mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [140bhp HDi] (urban) 37.6mpg/ (extra urban) 60.1mpg / (combined) 49.5mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [saloon] length/width/heightmm 4676/1811/1445

TORQUE IS CHEAP
Who needs a V6 when Peugeot’s 407 HDi 170 offers so much for so little? Steve Ghosley reports…

Although there is something to be said for the sort of car that can be serviced with nothing more technical than a screwdriver, a spanner and a lump hammer, the days of home vehicle maintenance are long gone. While some may mourn the passing of under bonnet tinkering with a dewy eye, there is a flipside. A modern engine like that fitted to the Peugeot 407 HDi 170 might not take too kindly to being given the once over by your dad with a wire brush and a set of home-made feeler gauges but it does offer a simply stunning blend of economy and performance that’s hard to beat in this corner of the market.

Peugeot offer a couple of lesser HDi diesel units of 1.6 and 2.0-litre capacity good for respectively 110 and 140bhp but with cars like the Toyota Avensis T180 upping the ante in a major fashion, the company needed to respond. The 2.2-litre engine found under the bonnet of this car may not grab the headlines but it’s 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 turbodiesel cars. It also serves to broaden the amount of useable torque. Drive an early performance turbodiesel such as a VW Golf TDI150 and you’ll have about 750rpm of real go, requiring frantic gearchanging and footwork on the pedals that would put Michael Flatley to shame. These days, you get more power and a broader rev range in which to enjoy it. What’s more, it’s available at lower engine speeds too, adding to the car’s muscular feel. With this 2.2-litre engine, the maximum torque figure of 277lb/ft chimes in at just 1,500rpm, which means that when you’re pulling away from the lights or nipping out from a junction or onto a roundabout, you’ve got all the engine’s capability on tap. The twin turbos work one after the other rather than both at the same time. A low inertia blower operates up to 2,700rpm, giving that instant urge. When things are really cooking, the car’s computer switches to a second smaller unit that fills in the power requirements at the top end. Whereas many diesel cars are all done and dusted by 3,000rpm, the throttle merely making more noise rather than propelling the car any faster, the Peugeot 407 2.2 HDi 170 has a much more enjoyable amount of top end about it and the soundtrack to accompany it won’t have you looking for ear defenders on eBay. Indeed, the maximum power output of this model arrives at 4,000rpm, an almost unheard of rev-happiness in a diesel.

"The market for performance diesel midrange cars is going into overdrive. Customers, it seems, want performance but don’t want to pay too much for the pleasure"

The combustion chamber has been redesigned with a reduced compression ratio and a larger diameter as Peugeot realised that fuel in contact with the walls of the cylinder was difficult to burn efficiently. Increase the volume and the efficiency increases, helped by a redesigned piston crown. A third generation Bosch common rail system uses piezo electronic injectors to raise injection pressure to 1,800bar. Compare that to 1,350 bar for the first generation common rail units and you’ll see the precision at work here. This fuel is squirted through apertures that measure just 135 microns. Dad with his wire brush won’t even be able to see them. The average human hair is 90 microns in diameter. Offered in both the saloon and SW estate versions, this engine is only available with Sport and GT trims and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Using the saloon as a reference for our performance figures, we get a top speed of 139mph and a sprint to 60mph of just 8.5 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 asking price for all this? It all kicks off at £23,295 for the four-door in GT trim. 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 Peugeot 407 2.2 HDi 170 emerges as a very complete and credible contender. It’s not for everyone but it’s right there at the forefront of the medium range market. It’s a tough sector to compete in but powerful diesels are more than holding their own against weedier engines from the prestige brands. Peugeot could well clean up with this one.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Peugeot 407 2.2 HDI 170 range PRICES: £23,295 - £24,495 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 11 CO2 EMISSIONS: 160g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 139mph 0-60 8.5s 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

CRUISE MISSILE
If you’re after the sort of car the French do best – big, sophisticated, comfortable continent crushers – try this Peugeot 407 V6 HDi. You’ll soon start finding excuses to cover big mileages. Andy Enright reports

It’s often said that the journey is more important than the destination, and truer words have rarely been spoken. I’ve only just recovered from driving from the French Alps in a mini-MPV with seats that left me laid up in bed with backache and engine noise that made me think ear defenders would have been a sound purchase. With hindsight I needed something a lot more capable, comfortable and refined. Something like a Peugeot 407 HDi V6 would have fitted the bill perfectly.

With a 750 mile journey to cover on almost empty French autoroutes, this Peugeot would have been in its element. The colour satellite navigation would have ensured we didn’t take the unscheduled scenic route through the centre of Grenoble in rush hour and the V6 powerplant could have sat at borderline illegal speeds for hours, easily returning over 40mpg with the engine turning over at little more than 2,500rpm. Like I said, perfect. I’d have had time to enjoy the leather upholstery of the GT trim level and could have fielded calls on the hands free GSM telephone system. The last bit relies on Peugeot trusting motoring journalists not to rack up huge bills telling all their friends at home what a great time they were having, but you get the idea. Xenon headlights make that dawn start on mountain roads that little bit less harrowing while the heated front seats can combat overnight lows of minus ten degrees in seconds. Rear window sunblinds are a boon if you’ve got kids in the back and will help dozy passengers nod off. Better that than the intermittent tuneless accompaniments to iPods that I had to withstand. The French have long been good at this sort of car but rarely has the translation survived the short hop across the Channel. We rarely undertake these mammoth journeys when we can just set the cruise control and concentrate on not falling asleep at the wheel. Instead, we’re usually duking it out, cutting and thrusting, junking and weaving and generally catching breath between road rage incidents with white van men and bouts of explosive gastro enteritis brought on by substandard motorway food. We seek out high tempo vehicles which hype us up still further. It’s time we took a few lessons from the French on how to relax a little. The 407 HDi V6 would make a great start.

"The 407 HDi V6 is a great car for lowering your blood pressure. Breathe and relax"

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 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. You’ll feel the difference out on the open road. This 407 features a six-speed Porsche-style Tiptronic automatic gearbox as standard and the top ratio has been geared very high for super-relaxed cruising. Such is the refinement of the 407 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. It feels an even better installation than in the Jaguar S-TYPE, lacking that car’s rather obvious dip in the low-down manual gearing. 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. 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 V6 HDi engine is also offered in SW estate guise. The 407 SW tacks another 87mm onto the rear overhang and features a tailgate with a very low and practical load height. Lift the fifth door and there’s a respectable amount of room, Peugeot’s designers concentrating on sheer utility. The loadbay is never less than 1,100mm wide and the front passenger seat can fold forwards, allowing items up to 2,700mm to be carried. Two side storage pods in the load area also allow gear to be stowed well out of harm’s way. A solid carpeted cover aids security by keeping what’s in the back out of sight of prying eyes. The rear seats split in a 66:33 fashion and fold virtually flat to the floor without the tedious necessity to remove the head restraints. Thus equipped, there’s a 1,700mm load length. Options include a ski flap and luggage nets. Although it may take more than this impressive Peugeot to convert a British buyer hooked on frenetic hatchbacks, the 407 HDi V6 is a welcome dose of tranquillity. If you need to de-stress, pick a quiet moment and try one. Destination not important.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Peugeot 407 HDi V6 PRICES: £25,295-£26,495 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 17 CO2 EMISSIONS: 223g/km (auto) PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.2s / Max Speed 143mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 33.2mpg (auto) STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and rear seat airbags, ABS, ASC, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [saloon] length/width/heightmm 4676/1811/1445mm

REAR OF THE YEAR
Peugeot's 407SW shows that jaw-dropping looks and estate practicality needn’t prove mutually exclusive. Andy Enright reports

Opt for a medium range estate car and you’re usually somewhere in the automotive hierarchy below white van man but above those who weld written off cars together and sell them to pensioners. In other words, there’s not a whole lot of prestige attached to a load lugger without a premier league badge. Most of the time you’re expected to put up with something dull but worthy, a car that utterly blends into the background. Unless, that is, you’ve just ticked the box marked ‘Peugeot 407 SW’.

Love it or hate it, you can’t have helped but notice the Peugeot 407 saloon. It’s a car that looks utterly stunning from some angles and decidedly odd from others. Much of this is due to the perceived imbalance between the long front end and the abbreviated tail. Imagine getting shot of the notchback rear and instead stretching the 407 back as if it had been squeezed out of a very big tube of toothpaste. That’s the effect you get with the SW version (priced at an £1,200 premium from £18,495) and it looks nothing less than sensational. For those of you accustomed to medium range estates being saloon cars with a hunched fenestration on the back and all the aesthetic elegance of a conservatory mounting your vehicle, it comes as a welcome change. The latest cars also have a chrome grille to mark them out. It’s not all about good looks either. As Alfa Romeo and Lexus have shown, it’s quite easy to build a great looking ‘sportshatch’ style estate but end up with little or no space advantage over the saloon it was based on. The 407 SW tacks another 87mm onto the rear overhang and features a tailgate with a very low and practical load height. Lift the fifth door and there’s a respectable amount of room, Peugeot’s designers concentrating on sheer utility. The load bay is never less than 1,100mm wide and the front passenger seat can fold forwards, allowing items up to 2,700mm to be carried. Two side storage pods in the load bay also allow gear to be stowed well out of harm’s way. A solid carpeted cover aids security by keeping what’s in the load bay out of sight of prying eyes.

"The 407SW looks like some sort of terrain hugging missile; low, sleek and streamlined"

The rear seats split in a 66:33 fashion and fold virtually flat to the floor without the tedious necessity to remove the head restraints. Thus equipped there’s a 1,700mm load length. A full five seater, the 407SW features a number of thoughtful features designed to make the car easy to live with. As touched upon before, the rear loading lip is only 61cm from ground level and shorter drivers will appreciate the strap that dangles from the tailgate. The luggage bay incorporates a soundproof membrane to isolate road and suspension noise and includes four support bars so that heavy suitcases can easily be slid in and out without risking a herniated disc. Options include a ski flap, luggage nets and a six CD autochanger and JBL bass box which are mounted adjacent to one of the side luggage bins. Peugeot have concentrated on keeping their trademark supple ride and like the saloon, the 407 SW is fitted with 16" wheels with 205/60 R 16 tyres, or 17" wheels with 215/55 R 17 tyres. The 407 is also their 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 407 features a versatile range of diesel engines to choose from. Proceedings open with a 110bhp 1.6-litre HDi unit. Then come a 2.0-litre 140bhp and a 2.2-litre 170bhp HDi. All feature FAP diesel fuel particulate filters and manual transmission. There are two engines available with automatic transmission; a 136bhp unit and the largest engine in the range, the 2.7-litre V6 HDi. If you want to be the alpha-green, a 2.0-litre Bioflex engine is also available that runs on E85 fuel. 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. Up to nine air bags can be specified – twin fronts, side, curtain and steering column units offer optimum protection. The Peugeot 407 SW will sell to many on the strength of its looks alone. It looks like some sort of terrain hugging missile; low, sleek and streamlined. Fortunately it’s not all good looks and no substance. With a cleverly designed luggage bay and a crop of excellent diesel engines, Peugeot could well have a surprise winner on their hands.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Peugeot 407 SW range PRICES: £18,495 - £26,495 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-16 CO2 EMISSIONS: 145-233g/km PERFORMANCE: [3.0] Max Speed 147mph 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?: length/width/heightmm 4763/1811/1445

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 its two diesel engines. Yes, you read that right. A car with a supposedly performance-orientated ‘Grand Touring’ label offers diesels as its engine options. The choice is between a twin turbo 2.2-litre HDi and a 2.7 HDi V6.

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

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 old petrol-engined 3.0 V6 407 model managed a peak torque figure of 218lb/ft, you get a whopping 330lb/ft from the diesel version. Both GT models come with a six-speed Porsche-style Tiptronic automatic gearbox as standard. 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: £23,295 - £26,495 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 14-15 CO2 EMISSIONS: 160-223g/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

STYLISH SENSE
Peugeot’s stylish 407 is a popular choice with the various HDi diesel engines on offer. Jonathan Crouch finds out why….

It’s not hard to see the reasons behind the dawn of the diesel on British consciousness. As soon as the car makers started producing diesels that really did have performance, refinement and low fuel consumption, the stage was set for a sales explosion. Then when the Chancellor started basing company car tax on emissions, interest heightened still further. A look at the figures and it’s not hard to understand why.

So let’s get down to the facts in this case. The latest range of Peugeot 407s features an all-diesel line-up of engines. Entry-level buyers get a 110bhp 1.6-Litre HDi. Here, there’s a choice between two body styles (saloon and SW estate) and three trim levels (S, SR and SE) at prices which range between £17,295 and £26,495. Next up is the 140bhp 2.0-litre HDi, then the 2.0-litre 136bhp HDi which is available with automatic transmission and only available in SE trim. Then there is the 2.2-litre HDi 170bhp unit which, again, is only available in SE trim. Above this, Peugeot offers an even more impressive and powerful diesel – the 205bhp V6 2.7-litre diesel borrowed from Jaguar. This engine comes in at £25,295 in GT trim but delivers rapid performance thanks to 447Nm of torque at just 1,900rpm.

"Peugeot’s 407 needed a strong diesel range. It has just that…."

Impressive though it is, premium pricing will restrict sales of this flagship unit, so let’s look in more detail at some of the less-expensive HDi diesel models as they are likely to appeal to a wider audience. The 1.6-litre HDi costs from £17,295 and can do the 0-62 in 11.7 seconds in saloon form on its way to 117mph. Its maximum torque of 240Nm is reached at 1,750rpm. The HDi 136 with automatic transmission costs from £21,295 and has a maximum torque of 320Nm at 2,000 rpm. In saloon guise it can get from standstill to 62mph a second faster. The fuel consumption figures delivered by the 1.6-litre are 50.4mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 140g/km. The larger engine returns 39.2mpg and emits 189g/km CO2. Even with the more powerful engines installed, the 407 feels like a car built more for luxury than speed. It’s an open secret that the French maker wanted to create a scaled down executive saloon rather than a pumped up Family hatchback. So it has proved. The marketers say that this is what potential buyers want and they’re probably right. 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. Take a test drive and right from the outset, the investment in quality is manifest. The fabric seating of our test car felt better and seemed of higher quality than many of the bargain basement leather trims fitted to upper-spec mid range saloons and the seats had both enough lateral grip and were comfortable enough. The steering wheel is trimmed feels good to hold and features neat cut outs for the thumbs. The dashboard follows the trend for ‘waterfall’ centre consoles on which most of the major instruments are placed and sees a welcome move away from the rattly hard plastic ventilation and air conditioning controls that have blighted many Peugeots of yore. Expensively slush moulded plastics yield to the touch along the top of the dashboard whilst there are classy looking appliqué strips along the dash and doors to brighten the interior ambience a little. The Peugeot staple of chrome-ringed dials and a chrome and leather trimmed gear knob are also evident. Thankfully the steering wheel is a little better looking than some of the blandly bulging tillers fitted to many Peugeots. Some thought has gone into this cabin. In the final analysis, provided speed isn’t your be all and end all, these diesel-engined 407 models make a strong case for themselves. If you click with that individual styling and don’t mind the initial price premium then it might be easy to imagine one of these filling your driveway.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Peugeot 407 HDi range PRICES: £17,295-£26,495 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-12 CO2 EMISSIONS: 145-155g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.0 HDi] 0-60mph 11.0s / Max Speed 129mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 HDi] (average) 48mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS, ASC WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [saloon] length/width/heightmm 4676/1811/1445mm

WELL OILED MACHINE?
Peugeot has a good record with its diesel cars can the 407 HDi 140 continue that trend? Steve Walker reports.

Peugeot’s 407 HDi 140 ticks the boxes that the car’s core of fleet and company car buyers look to. It’s got the power and pace to tackle long journeys while the economy and emissions should keep costs down. The styling won’t be to everyone’s taste but the 407 is well equipped and temptingly priced and that will swing it for many.

The French have long held a soft spot for diesel and these days the fuel from the black pump is almost as popular on this side of the channel. It all bodes well for cars like the Peugeot 407 HDi 140 which sets out to showcase the latest French expertise in the art of burning heavy oil. You’ll pay a bit more for a diesel engine compared to an equivalent petrol in most cars but its superior economy and lower CO2 emissions will eat into that premium as the miles tick by and a diesel car’s residual values are likely to be stronger too. Cover a medium to high annual mileage and the diesel should pay for itself in relatively short order. Of course, there’s more to most car-buying decisions than the bottom line and Peugeot hopes its latest 407 can do a lot more than simply help to balance the books. HDi common-rail diesel engines feature in models from across the Peugeot range and they tend to be very adept units characterised by their smoothness and plentiful torque as well as their economy. The HDi 140 engine in the 407 sits above the entry-level 1.6 HDi and is a progression on from the 136bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine which served the 407 very well until it was superseded. In fact, that 136bhp unit still soldiers on in the 407 mated to the automatic gearbox. The HDi 140 produces its 140bhp at 4,000rpm and a sizable 320Nm maximum torque output at 2,000rpm. That kind of torque rating promises some serious overtaking urge and with the 0-62mph sprint being dispatched in 9.8s the 407 HDi 140 is no slouch away from the lights either. The top speed is 129mph and if you go for the slightly heavier SW estate model, it’s 127mph and a 10.1s time for the 0-60mph sprint.

"In the wider market the 407 HDi 140 looks competitive"

In general, the 407 doesn’t feel as planted or responsive on the road as its sportiest rivals but buyers who prioritise comfort could easily be persuaded. The car rides poorly surfaced roads very well and is a relaxing drive on the motorway where it displays a high level of refinement. The look of the latest 407 has been altered but in a very measured, non-drastic way. The chrome grille has been tidied up, there are new bumpers at each end and the one at the rear incorporates a defuser-style insert at its base. Love it or hate it, you can’t have helped but notice the 407 saloon. It’s a car that looks utterly stunning from some angles and decidedly odd from others. Much of this is due to the perceived imbalance between the long front end and the abbreviated tail. Imagine however, getting shot of the notchback rear and instead stretching the 407 back as if it had been squeezed out of a very big tube of toothpaste. That’s the effect you get with the SW estate version and it looks nothing less than sensational. For those of you accustomed to medium range estates being saloon cars with a hunched fenestration on the back and all the aesthetic elegance of a conservatory mounting your vehicle, it comes as a welcome change. Inside, Peugeot has gone large with the Piano Black finishes. This lustrous black plastic now features across the range, adding a touch more class to proceedings. The 407’s interior still feels a little dated with some of the materials not quite living up to expectations and those steering column stalks which seem to have featured in every Peugeot and Citroen product since year dot. The central control panel always looks a little busy with its cluster of small buttons but models with satellite navigation get a modern system with an extremely good display. The 2.0-litre HDi 140 engine can be obtained in three of the 407’s four trim levels. The S model opens proceedings with a detailed specification that includes electric windows, climate control, cruise control with a speed limiter, remote central locking and a trip computer. Buyers at this level certainly shouldn’t feel short changed, especially with standard safety equipment that includes ESP stability control plus front, side, curtain and steering column airbags. The SR model has body-coloured bumpers and side mouldings and 16" alloy wheels to improve its exterior look but it also has satellite navigation and a Bluetooth hands free phone kit. The SE is the plushest model and has headlights and wipers that function automatically, parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and the RT5 Multi Media system. The Peugeot 407 has consistently been one of the better-equipped models in the medium range sector and that looks set to continue. It will certainly need to have a strong value proposition in light of the ferocious competition it faces in the sector. Mondeo, Insignia, Laguna, Citroen C5 - all of these big guns are battling it out for a finite number of sales and the fleet customers which form the mainstay of this market will be driving as hard a bargain as ever. More power tends to mean a bigger thirst but the HDi 140 is actually more fuel efficient that the 136bhp unit it replaces. The combined cycle economy of 49.5mpg is excellent for a car of this size and Peugeot’s FAP particulate filter also helps to kerb emissions of the nasties that diesel engines have a tendency to chuck out. In terms of CO2 emissions, the engine registers 150g/km which will go down well with the 407’s tax-sensitive core market of fleets and company car drivers. Diesel engines will account for the major part of the Peugeot 407’s sales and of its diesel units, the 2.0 HDi 140 is the standout choice. Committed cost-cutters will prefer the entry-level 1.6-litre unit but the mixture of pace and parsimony laid on by this 2.0-litre engine makes it a more satisfying all-round choice. In the wider market too, the 407 HDi 140 looks competitive. Its equipment levels are tough to better anywhere else and although the looks are slightly gawky from some angles, the car is a distinctive choice that stands out visually from its contemporaries. A comfortable, relaxed driving experience also adds to the 407’s appeal and together, these factors should be enough to underpin its continued success.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Peugeot 407 HDi 140 PRICES: £18,295-£21,495 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 10 [est] CO2 EMISSIONS: 150g/km PERFORMANCE: ?: [saloon] 0-60mph 9.8s / Max Speed 129mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: ?: [saloon] (urban) 37.6mpg/ (extra urban) 60.1mpg / (combined) 49.5mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [saloon] length/width/heightmm 4676/1811/1445

REAR OF THE YEAR
Peugeot's 407SW Shows That Jaw-Dropping Looks And Estate Practicality Needn’t Prove Mutually Exclusive. Andy Enright Reports

Opt for a medium range estate car and you’re usually somewhere in the automotive hierarchy below white van man but above those who weld written off cars together and sell them to pensioners. In other words, there’s not a whole lot of prestige attached to a load lugger without a premier league badge. Most of the time you’re expected to put up with something dull but worthy, a car that utterly blends into the background. Unless, that is, you’ve just ticked the box marked ‘Peugeot 407 SW’.

Love it or hate it, you can’t have helped but notice the Peugeot 407 saloon. It’s a car that looks utterly stunning from some angles and decidedly odd from others. Much of this is due to the perceived imbalance between the long front end and the abbreviated tail. Imagine getting shot of the notchback rear and instead stretching the 407 back as if it had been squeezed out of a very big tube of toothpaste. That’s the effect you get with the SW version (priced at an £1,200 premium from £16,900) and it looks nothing less than sensational. For those of you accustomed to medium range estates being saloon cars with a hunched fenestration on the back and all the aesthetic elegance of a conservatory mounting your vehicle, it comes as a welcome change. The latest cars also have a chrome grille to mark them out. It’s not all about good looks either. As Alfa Romeo and Lexus have shown, it’s quite easy to build a great looking ‘sportshatch’ style estate but end up with little or no space advantage over the saloon it was based on. The 407 SW tacks another 87mm onto the rear overhang and features a tailgate with a very low and practical load height. Lift the fifth door and there’s a respectable amount of room, Peugeot’s designers concentrating on sheer utility. The load bay is never less than 1,100mm wide and the front passenger seat can fold forwards, allowing items up to 2,700mm to be carried. Two side storage pods in the load bay also allow gear to be stowed well out of harm’s way. A solid carpeted cover aids security by keeping what’s in the load bay out of sight of prying eyes.

"The 407SW looks like some sort of terrain hugging missile; low, sleek and streamlined"

The rear seats split in a 66:33 fashion and fold virtually flat to the floor without the tedious necessity to remove the head restraints. Thus equipped there’s a 1,700mm load length. A full five seater, the 407SW features a number of thoughtful features designed to make the car easy to live with. As touched upon before, the rear loading lip is only 61cm from ground level and shorter drivers will appreciate the strap that dangles from the tailgate. The luggage bay incorporates a soundproof membrane to isolate road and suspension noise and includes four support bars so that heavy suitcases can easily be slid in and out without risking a herniated disc. Options include a ski flap, luggage nets and a six CD autochanger and JBL bass box which are mounted adjacent to one of the side luggage bins. Peugeot have concentrated on keeping their trademark supple ride and like the saloon, the 407 SW is fitted with 16" wheels with 205/60 R 16 tyres, or 17" wheels with 215/55 R 17 tyres. The 407 is also their 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. Three petrol engines and four 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), a 2.2-litre 170bhp unit with twin turbocharged performance 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. 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. Up to nine air bags can be specified – twin fronts, side, curtain and steering column units offer optimum protection. The Peugeot 407 SW will sell to many on the strength of its looks alone. It looks like some sort of terrain hugging missile; low, sleek and streamlined. Fortunately it’s not all good looks and no substance. With a cleverly designed luggage bay and a crop of excellent engines, Peugeot could well have a surprise winner on their hands.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Peugeot 407 SW range PRICES: £16,900 - £26,250 on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-16 CO2 EMISSIONS: 145-233g/km PERFORMANCE: [3.0] Max Speed 147mph 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?: length/width/heightmm 4763/1811/1445

2.2 GOOD TO BE TRUE
Prepare To Have Your Preconceptions Of What Makes A Mid Range Peugeot Challenged By The Striking 407, Especially In 2.2-Litre Guise. By Andy Enright

Medium range saloon cars can be any number of things. Cheap, pretty, bland, quick, slow, comfortable, and sporty all have their place. One attribute that mass manufacturers have shied away from is challenging. Safe sells in a sector where the key purchaser was often a beady eyed fleet manager.

Nowadays, things are a whole lot different and in order to differentiate themselves in a tough market place, these cars need to have a distinct edge. The Peugeot 407 certainly weighs in with ‘distinctive’ on its side. The latest car features a chrome grille to mark it out from previous iterations but elsewhere, the looks will continue to divide opinion. From some angles the 407 looks utterly sensational. Viewed in profile, that long bonnet and stub tail have definite elements of Ferrari, even if the car was styled, not by Pininfarina (who do most of the styling work for the Maranello company and a bit on the side for Peugeot) but by a team of in house stylists. Whether you deem it a homage or a knock-off, there’s little doubt that the 407 has genuine head turning aesthetics. Walk a few degrees off the side view and things get a little less easy on the eye, the long front overhang looking a little lugubrious and the gaping maw of a grille dominating the frontal aspect. The tail end is very neat indeed although as a result of the stylish truncation at the back, the 407’s boot isn’t the biggest in class. The 160bhp 2.2-litre petrol engine that powers the mid-range 407 Sport model we’re looking at here will be familiar to 406 customers, powering as it did the sporting SRi version, and it’s a very good unit. Zippy enough to entertain in a straight line, it’ll make 60mph in 10.1 seconds and run on to a top speed of 136mph, helped in no small part by the 407’s very slippery shape. Fuel economy is surprisingly good for a peppy petrol powerplant in what is a deceptively large car, the 407 2.2 returning a creditable 31mpg on the combined cycle. Emissions aren’t this 407’s strongest suit, although the 214g/km figure won’t preclude it from business buyers who are genuinely sold on the look and feel. The 407 marks a very definite sea change in Peugeot’s philosophy towards mid range cars. Whereas before, cars like the 405 (and, to a slightly lesser extent, the 406) were imbued with the small car liveliness upon which the French company has latterly forged its reputation, the 407 feels as if it has a whole lot more ‘big-car’ Peugeot in the DNA. Given that the 607 from which these genes are passed on hasn’t exactly been a stellar success for Peugeot, is this cause for concern?

"Right from the outset the investment in quality is manifest"

Perhaps Peugeot have merely been very astute in seeing where this section of the market is heading. For a few years now, what’s been termed the ‘medium range mainstream sector’ has been steadily diminishing, sales eroded by smarter and more practical mini-MPV style vehicles from below, smaller prestige models from above and shrinking fleet volumes. Cars like the 406, the Ford Mondeo, the Vauxhall Vectra and the Renault Laguna which were once some of the UK’s strongest selling cars have seen sales dwindle. It must be frustrating for the manufacturers who, having poured enormous budgets into creating what are some of the most impressive vehicles on the road today, saw profits vaporising before their very eyes. It didn’t help that the current crop of Japanese rivals such as the Honda Accord, the Mazda6 and the Toyota Avensis are looking stronger than ever. With this in mind, Peugeot realised that in order for the 407 to make respectable sales, it couldn’t be just another bland repmobile. As a result the styling is bold, the interior quality is unarguably better than an entry-level Mercedes and the driving characteristics have matured to suit a customer who neither wants to corner on the door handles nor feels the necessity to have a prestige badge as an ego prop. In order to carry off this tricky balancing act, the 407 needed to be very carefully priced and the 2.2-litre model looks to have this right on the money, so as to speak. Prices for the well-equipped Sport model kick off at £19,350 for the saloon and SW estates are offered at a £1,200 premium. When stacked up against rivals from Ford, Vauxhall and Renault, those prices look reasonable - especially when you check out the Sport equipment list which delivers half leather seats, a CD autochanger, rear parking sensors and a Bluetooth hands free telephone kit. Right from the outset, the investment in quality is manifest. The half leather seating of our test car felt better and seemed of higher quality than many of the bargain basement full leather trims fitted to upper-spec mid range saloons and the seats had enough lateral grip and were comfortable. The steering wheel is trimmed in leather but featured neat cut outs for the thumbs. The dashboard follows the trend for ‘waterfall’ centre consoles on which most of the major instruments are placed and sees a welcome move away from the rattly hard plastic ventilation and air conditioning controls that have blighted many Peugeots of yore. Expensively slush moulded plastics yield to the touch along the top of the dashboard whilst there are classy looking appliqué strips along the dash and doors to brighten the interior ambience a little. The Peugeot staple of chrome-ringed dials and a chrome and leather trimmed gear knob are also evident. Thankfully the steering wheel is a little better looking than some of the blandly bulging tillers fitted to many Peugeots. Some thought has gone into this cabin. The simple view that this car will stand or fall on the basis of its styling perhaps underestimates Peugeot’s appreciation of what today’s medium-range saloon customer is after. In a market where conservatism has traditionally been the watchword, the 407 looks like a breath of fresh air. What’s more, it makes the latest Audi, BMW and Mercedes junior executive models look like the conservative old guard. The 407 2.2-litre emerges as a car that’s genuinely desirable in ways you would never have originally expected. Challenging, surprising, and beautifully built will be more than enough to give Peugeot a sizeable slice of the cake.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Peugeot 407 2.2-litre petrol range PRICES: £19,350-£20,550 on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 13-15 CO2 EMISSIONS: 214g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60 10.1s / Max Speed 136mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 31mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [saloon] length/width/heightmm 4676/1811/1445

TWO’S COMPANY
The 2.0-Litre Version Of Peugeot’s 407 is a Difficult Car To Ignore. Jonathan Crouch Explains Why…

Peugeot has no fewer than four different petrol-engined offerings in its 407 line-up. There is, however, no doubt as to which represents the best all-round value: the 2.0-litre version featured here.

This unit develops exactly the same power output (136bhp) as the 2.0-litre HDi diesel model you might also consider. The problem with this diesel variant however, is its £1,100 price premium, an amount that lower mileage users might find hard to claw back at the pumps (where the 2.0-litre petrol model travels 14 miles fewer on every gallon). And while we’re talking of price premiums, let’s also talk about the £2,000 Peugeot are asking for buyers to trade up from 2.0-litre petrol to 2.2-litre petrol motoring. Given that the power output rises by 24bhp to 160bhp and the 2.2-litre comes in dynamic Sport trim, it might seem like a small price to pay but the reality is that the performance gains you get are small. Rest to sixty in the 2.2-litre petrol model takes 10.1s (as opposed to 10.3s for the 2.0 petrol), while maximum speed for the bigger-engined car is just 5mph more at 136mph. Against that, there’s a 3mpg penalty in average fuel consumption for 2.2-litre petrol buyers and a massive 20g/km drop in emissions. So, does all of that represent a point proved in the 2.0-litre petrol 407’s favour? Well, of the remaining three engines available to 407 buyers, two are just too slow (the 1.8-litre petrol and 1.6 HDi diesel take a yawning 13 seconds to reach sixty from rest) and one will prove too expensive for most to buy, in the case of the 2.7-litre V6 HDI.

"You’d have to award a points victory on pricing performance to Peugeot …"

It’s one thing of course to talk about the 407 2.0-litre petrol model being the best buy in its model range. Quite another, of course, to talk of its being a ‘best buy’ in its market sector. After all, this is a market sector full of talent, with cars as good as Ford’s Mondeo, Vauxhall’s Vectra, Renault’s Laguna, Honda’s Accord, the Mazda 6 and Toyota’s Avensis to name but a few. So how does this 407 stack up against such impressive opposition? Well, let’s start with the sticker price. Peugeot’s 2.0-litre petrol 407 model is available solely in SE trim at prices starting from £17,390 for saloon. For a premium of around £1,100, there’s also a stylish estate variant, the SW, for those in search of extra versatility. These prices are the roughly the same or lower than those being asked for equivalent versions of the competition. All makers will be prepared to talk turkey when it comes to discounts of course – but then, so will Peugeot’s dealer network. Not many of the rivals have quite have the same feeling of quality as a 407, however, so you’d have to award a points victory on pricing performance to Peugeot. When it comes to on the road performance, the picture is less clear-cut. The 2.0-litre petrol 407 has one of the higher top speeds of equivalent cars in the sector (131mph) but one of the slower rest to sixty times (10.3s). When it comes to running costs, the figures sit at about the average mark, with a 36mpg fuel consumption average and a 192g/km emissions return. You could say much the same about handling. Don’t expect a 407 to feel as sharp as, say, a Mondeo or a Mazda6. But, by the same token, don’t anticipate it being any less rewarding than an Avensis or a Vectra. This is a scaled down luxury car rather that a pumped-up Family Hatchback and it feels that way to drive. If you’ve a long trip in store, there’s no other car in this sector you should prefer. Safety-wise, 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. The latest 407 models feature a chrome grille. So, a well thought-out package then, beautifully styled and carefully priced. If you’re after a 407, this is probably the one you should have. If you’re after a Mondeo-sized Medium Range Family Car, it’s probably one you shouldn’t ignore.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Peugeot 407 2.0-litre petrol range PRICES: £17,390-£18,590 on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 12-13 CO2 EMISSIONS: 192g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 131mph / 0-60mph - 10.3s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (average) 34mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [saloon] length/width/heightmm 4676/1811/1445

407TH HEAVEN?
The Entry-Level 1.8-Litre Version Of Peugeot’s 407 Is A Distinctive Alternative At The £15,700 Price Point For Medium Range Family Cars. Jonathan Crouch Checks It Out

You don’t get much for around £15,700 these days when it comes to Medium Range Family cars. Not in terms of real roadgoing presence anyway. Entry-level versions of compact executive cars like BMW’s 3 Series and Audi’s A4 are several thousand pounds away – and in any case, everyone seems to have one of those.

The cars you can afford – or more likely the cars that do appear on your company car choice sheet – at this price point, certainly aren’t the ones you promised yourself back when you took your first shaky steps on the motoring ladder. Entry-level variants of photocopier salesman’s favourites like Ford’s Mondeo, Volkswagen’s Passat and Vauxhall’s Vectra all beckon. Before you resign yourself to one of these, there’s a car you should check out. A car you should remind your Fleet Manager about if, by chance, he or she has left it off the list. It’s the entry-level 1.8-litre S version of Peugeot’s 407. The styling is very different from Peugeot medium range offerings of the past and so are the dynamic qualities of this car. Whereas the 407’s predecessor, the 406, was a scaled up Family Hatchback – at least in terms of its terrier-like handling – this car is more of a scaled-down 607 executive saloon. Which is disappointing for driving enthusiasts but more likely to be what probable customers want.

"Entry-level models are often disappointing. This one isn’t.…"

Not that this car isn’t enjoyable to drive. Peugeot are more or less incapable of producing a duffer in this department, so it comes as no surprise to find the 407 more than capable of lifting up its skirts for a cross-country dash as and when the situation demands it. Mind you, if you’re likely to be doing this