19 Apr 04
And so to the drive... 4Car's first 407 encounter is with that V6, complete with its adaptive suspension dampers each altering individually through nine settings as needed. This car is in SV trim, with velour seats and pretend walnut. There are also a naffly-named 'Executive' level with leather trim, a sporty SE with a bright metal-look grid pattern in place of mock-wood and darker colour schemes plus the option of black half-leather, and lesser-engined 407s can be had in base S guise.
This SV V6 feels soft and snug inside, the more so with its nine airbags (all 407s have at least seven). The view forward is clear and airy through the vast windscreen, and the screen pillars prove not to be the obstruction you might expect. Nor does the sensor for the automatic wipers, even though it protrudes downwards unusually far; it's amazing how much of the view field an interior mirror can hide.
As well as being deep, having so far forward to extend to the windscreen base, the dashboard is a good-looking creation with its louvers and mesh and bright-rimmed dials, and the steering wheel adjusts for reach as well as rake. This car's electric seats are too high at their lowest setting, but there's plenty of head- and legroom for rear passengers. The rear seats fold forward, too. So, off we set to sample the new dynamic paragon, adaptive suspension set to 'auto'.
Here's a join in the road surface. Ker-thud! And some more ripples, which are making the suspension fidget. Also, a few roundabouts have revealed that the speed-sensitive, electronically-mapped steering feels a touch viscous, adding to the impression of weight and bulk. This is not what I was expecting.
