WHEN the style gurus at Pinifarina were drafted in to work their magic on the Peugeot 406 they created a classic coupe.
Beautiful, flowing lines dipping into a sharply cut nose make this car one of the most desirable forms on four wheels.
What's more it does not cost a fortune, it is a genuine four seater, has a sizeable boot and when it first appeared on the scene it was powered by a 3.0 litre V6 which left nothing short in the performance department.
But that was five years ago, and in that time the 406 Coupe has seen a few changes under the bonnet.
Now it comes not just as a V6 but as a diesel, and with a choice of two smaller petrol engines - a 2.0 litre and a 2.2.
With prices ranging from £20,995 to £25,995 it is aimed at the discerning motorist who wants a car that's out of the ordinary.
Yet only two of the four engines now in the coupe really cut the mustard - and those are the V6 and the 2.2 litre HDi diesel.
The other petrol engines fail to bring out the best in the dynamics of this gorgeous car. The 2.0 litre is certainly on the sluggish side, and while the 2.2 has more legs, it just does not bring out the true pleasure that can be had from the V6.
However at £23,495 the 2.2 in SE trim is £2,500 cheaper than the V6, and with the exception of traction control it shares all the bits and pieces that go to make up the top range model - and that includes satellite navigation as standard fit.
Climate control, automatic headlamps and wipers, a CD player and leather upholstery are all part of the package, as are cruise control and alloy wheels.
Other advantages over the V6 include average fuel consumption of 32.1mpg as opposed to 28, and benefit in kind taxation of 24 per cent - five per cent below the charge levied on the 3.0 litre.
That said, the interior of the 2.2 is not as posh. It misses out on the wooden inserts that break up the trim in a quality fashion, and without them it results in a very black theme on the inside.
Its performance can only be described as adequate. Top speed may be a reported 130mph and the 0 to 60mph time 9.9 seconds, but it feels hard work. The V6 is more than two seconds quicker under acceleration and that tells.
Plus points come with the amount of room inside. Like all versions of the Peugeot coupe it is deceptively roomy, and the back can cater for all but the tallest of adults with a great degree of comfort.
The rear seats are sculptured to give a slight bucket effect and that, with the help of recesses in the backs of the front seats, increases leg room, while comfy side armrests are backed up with a foldaway cushion in the centre of the reat seat.
A hidden storage compartment is in the middle of the back seat, another one on the back parcel shelf, and there is plenty of other stowage space in the shape of front door pockets and a glovebox.
The front seats are electrically operated, can slide forward automatically to ease access for the rear passengers, and there is a double memory function for the driver's seat position.
As coupes go the boot is huge at 14 cubic feet and that makes this a highly practical car.
From a style and comfort point of view the 406 Coupe will always be one of the greats. But it is a car that must be driven to gain its full pleasure - and it is at its best only with potent power under the bonnet.
FAST FACTS
Peugeot 406 Coupe 2.2 SE
Price: £23,495
Mechanical: 160bhp, 2,230cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max Speed: 130mph
0-60mph: 9.9secs
Combined mpg: 32.1
Insurance Group: 15
CO2 emissions: 210g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs antirust