Peugeot 407 (2004-) Review

On the road

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Outstanding driving dynamics have been a traditional Peugeot USP, that wonderful balance between a supple ride quality and sharp, responsive handling. To help achieve that with the 407, a car that is considerably heavier than the 406 it replaces, Peugeot has engineered a double-wishbone front suspension that separates vertical suspension travel and deflection. The aim of the suspension design is also to reduce the effect of the engine's torque on the front-wheel-drive 407's steering, and to achieve the best compromise between ride and handling. Indeed, the 407 does ride over badly patched and pockmarked roads with a fine degree of quiet absorption, although there can be a bit too much 'float' over fast motorway crests and dips. Point it around a series of fast, challenging B-road corners, and the Peugeot's resistance to understeer is remarkable - it doesn't seem to matter how fast you go in, the 407 just points its snout around the corner. Lift off the throttle suddenly in mid corner, and the stability control marches in with a heavy hand to brake the appropriate wheel to bring the car back into line. It's not subtle, but it is very effective.

The overall dynamic feel of the Peugeot is of a hugely composed and competent car at just about any speed you care to drive. But the chassis, while safe and reassuring, isn't ultimately as engaging as the best sporting saloons (or the Mondeo). It's just a little dull.

The 407 is offered in the UK with a choice of 1.8, 2.0 or 2.2-litre petrols and 1.6 or 2.0-litre HDI turbodiesel engines, plus the range-topping 3.0 V6 HDI (205bhp), which effectively replaces the 211bhp 3.0 V6 petrol (not as fast or smooth as it should have been, and unpopular due to its high fuel consumption and tax-heavy carbon dioxide emissions). The diesel's a much better bet.

For a cheaper choice, we'd recommend the new 170bhp 2.2 HDI diesel: it's exceedingly quiet and smooth, as well as quick and responsive. Shame about the sticky, awkward six-speed manual gearbox in the car we tested, however. The 136bhp 2.0 HDI - which develops its generous peak torque of 240lb-ft at just 2,000rpm and boasts an additional 'overboost' function at 1,500-3,200rpm - is strong mid-range, too, giving a relaxed driving experience.

We like the 2.2-litre petrol (163bhp/163lb-ft), too; it feels a good match for the 407, with a 0-60mph time of just over 10 seconds and refined power delivery and cruising speeds. The smaller 1.8 petrol and 1.6 HDI diesel engines are rather uninspired, however, given the hefty kerbweight of the 407.