FOR: Handsome 407 is comfortable and very refined. It's also packed full of safety equipment.
AGAINST: The saloon body shape limits the 407’s versatility in a class dominated by hatchbacks.
ON THE ROAD
Performance *** The 407 now comes with four turbodiesels: a 1.6-litre with 110bhp and 180lb ft of pull, a 2.0-litre with 136bhp and 240lb ft of pull, a 2.2 with 170bhp and 273lb ft, and a twin-turbo 2.7 with 205bhp and 330lb ft of pull. There’s a 2.2 petrol with plenty of urge, along with 1.8, 2.0 and 3.0 V6 petrol motors, the latter with a six-speed auto
Ride & handling ** At low speeds the 407 doesn’t cope well with poor surface conditions. Things improve at higher speeds, but the ride is still not as supple as class best. There is good grip through corners, but the 407 is far from agile and the steering feels wooden and unresponsive.
Refinement **** Road and wind noise are impressively subdued in the 407 to make it a relaxed long-distance machine. The engines stay calm when cruising and only make themselves heard when worked to their maximum. Some diesel grumble is audible at town speeds, but the turbodiesels are not coarse.
OWNERSHIP
Buying & owning **** Our favourite engines in the 407 are the turbodiesels, which are impressively economical; the 1.6 HDI<\p>averages more than 50mpg on the combined cycle, meaning cheap fuel bills. The 3.0 V6 petrol will be heavy on fuel, is unlikely to be a big seller and will lose much more of its value than the other engine variants, so is least favourite.
Quality & reliability **** The 407 has a smart appearance, and the assembly is solid, so it should stand up well to family use. The engines use proven technology, so the car should remain relatively trouble-free.
Safety & security ***** All 407s come with twin front, side and curtain airbags and a knee ’bag under the steering column. Executive models have side airbags in the back. These cost £400 on other versions as part of a safety pack that includes pre-tensioning rear seatbelts and laminated side glass to prevent thieves breaking in. Anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, an alarm and deadlocks are fitted as standard across the range.
IN THE CABIN
Behind the wheel ** The 407’s awkward driving position is one of the worst aspects of the car. Despite steering wheel adjustment for depth and angle, and driver’s seat height adjustment it is still not easy to get comfortable. All of the major controls are well positioned, but the centre console has a profusion of buttons that are confusing to use
Space & practicality *** Peugeot has stuck with a saloon shape for the 407, so it can’t match the versatility its hatchback rivals offer. However, there’s plenty of space for four adults, and three can fit across the rear seat. Rear headroom is tight for those over six feet tall, but kneeroom is generous. The boot is large and suffers no suspension intrusion.
Equipment **** All 407 models come with climate control, electric front windows, a CD player and cruise control. SE models add alloy wheels and powered rear windows, while stepping up to sport trim will earn you part-leather seats, parking sensors and a CD changer. GT models come with satellite-navigation.