What they said when the Peugeot 407 was new… (May 18 2004)
STRIKING and adventurous are the words which spring to mind to describe the all-new Peugeot 407 saloon which goes on sale next week.
Peugeot says the newcomer will be used in the main by the fleet and company car market - up to 70 per cent, but I believe its sporty style, solid build quality and safety features will appeal to the family car buyer as well.
It's also competitively priced to compete with main competitors such as the Mondeo and Vectra, which by comparison look slightly stale.
I first saw the 407 at the international reveal in Paris last year and was impressed by its stylish looks.
Having driven it this side of the Channel I'm more than convinced the new Peugeot upper-medium sector motor will hit its sales target of 16,000 in the UK this year and will probably top the 28,000 estimate for 2005.
By September this year an estate (SW) version - which is even better looking than the saloon - will also be on offer and should appeal to even more private buyers.
So what does the new 407 offer, beside bags of Gallic style?
It's roomy inside with plenty of space for five adults and a boot which will take a fair amount of luggage.
Fitted with very comfortable seats and an excellent driving position, the 407 will offer those who rack up the miles a stress-free ride.
The interior has uncluttered, easy to understand knobs and buttons and the fascia trim feels solid. It's obvious Peugeot has splashed out on high-quality materials for the new car.
Under the bonnet, Peugeot is offering a choice of nine engines, based on four petrols ranging from 1.8 to 3.0-litres and two powerful HDI diesel units - 1.6 and 2.0.
Diesels will probably make up around 70 per cent of sales, which is no surprise.
The 136bhp 2.0-litre HDi unit in the six-gear model has adequate power available and returns a claimed 49mpg on a combined run, which will attract the high-mileage company car driver.
An added bonus is the fact that both oil-burners are Euro IV compliant saving company drivers some tax.
Top speed of the 2.0-litre diesel is claimed at 129mph and the 0-62mph sprint at eleven seconds exactly. Not blisteringly fast, but probably adequate for most drivers.
Behind the wheel the Peugeot feels refined and offers a comfortable ride. The French company is renowned for its superb suspensions and the 407 doesn't disappoint on this front with its multi-link suspension and new damping system.
Steering is sharp on bends with good feedback, but at times I felt the new 407 was a much bigger motor than it is.
Safety has been well looked after. The 407 has up to nine airbags - one of them a steering column airbag which is supposed to protect the lower limbs.
There's also a choice of rear side airbags mounted in the door panels coupled with pre-tensioning seat belts.
Anti-lock brakes, anti-skid system, emergency brake assist, individual wheel brake force distribution and stability control are all included in the safety package.
Equipment levels are high with most items such as remote central locking, immobiliser, CD player and air conditioning coming as standard.
Prices start at £14,750 for the 1.8-litre, 117bhp petrol model, and top out at £20,250 for the 3.0-litre 211bhp V6 version fitted with automatic gearbox. The 1.6-litre diesel costs from £15,550 and the 2.0 HDi £16,450.
Words: Stewart Smith
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