Peugeot 407 Coupe
You would have imagined it would be easy to buy some seriously imposing metal if you had £20,000 to spend. Take a look at the price lists however and youll find its a little trickier than you first thought. The task of finding a car that looks imposing and which has a certain degree of exclusivity is by no means simple. Peugeot has made that mission a little simpler with the 407 Coupe, a car thats anything but run of the mill.
This car has quite a bit to live up to. The Pininfarina-styled 406 Coupe was one of the most elegant shapes on the road and although the 407 two door cant hope to emulate that cars feline good looks, it counters with a head-turning capacity the old car never gets close to. From certain angles the proportions of the 407 Coupe look rather odd. Perhaps its the mismatch in length between the front and rear overhangs that does it, but its a complex shape; one that never rests easily on the eye but rewards repeated inspection.
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Many cars these days have so-called multilink rear suspension systems, but most persevere with a simple strut front set up. In offering a more sophisticated front suspension system, the 407 clearly states its commitment. This is a Grand Tourer that wont fall to pieces when the going gets twisty. Two petrol engines and two diesel units are offered.
The entry-level diesel is the 2.0-litre 136bhp unit found in other Peugeot models. This slots below the 2.7-litre V6 diesel thats been developed in conjunction with Ford, variants of which are found beneath the bonnets of Jaguar S-TYPEs and Land Rover Discoverys.
In this guise, it develops a hefty 205bhp. The petrol engines kick off with a lightweight 160bhp 2.2-litre unit with a punchy 211bhp 3.0 V6 24-valve option featuring variable valve timing (VVT) to ensure that power and torque are evenly distributed across a wide rev range.
All are fitted with a six speed gearbox except the 2.7 HDi which gets the automatic option as standard. Prices start at £19,530.
"Youll need to spend a lot of money top find a coupe that turns more heads than Peugeots 407"
Peugeot have set something of a precedent to follow with some very good previous Euro NCAP crash test results but the 407 again takes a big step forward. Active safety comes in the form of brake discs with a diameter of up to 330mm and next-generation ESP stability control which is standard on every model. As well as marshalling the anti-skid function, ESP also acts as a controller for the anti lock braking system, the emergency brake assist and the electronic brakeforce distribution to each individual wheel. The chassis itself incorporates not only the highest level of torsional rigidity ever seen on a Peugeot of this kind as you might expect but it also features a device known as an impactor that anchors the engine to the subframe and prevents it being shunted into the passenger cell in the event of a crash.
Pedestrian protection is a major design criterion these days and the 407 features foam padded bumper bars and a bonnet that deforms to absorb shock, the top of the engine a good distance below that sweeping bonnet line. Up to nine air bags can be specified twin fronts, side, curtain and steering column units offer optimum protection. The cabin looks very Peugeot - which is possibly the weakest part of the 407 make up. Its neat and everything seems to work very nicely but there isnt a great deal of showroom wow factor to it.
Sophisticated multiplexed electronics allow for a huge amount of individual customisation when specifying your 407, with such features as rear view mirrors linked to reverse gear, parking sensors, self-imposed speed limiters, low tyre pressure monitors and variable cruise control systems all capable of being fitted quickly and, just as importantly, at very modest expense. Its not often that we comment upon a cars air conditioning system most set ups being much of a muchness but the 407s deserves special mention. A humidity sensor constantly monitors the air in the interior to prevent fogging and a gentle dash-top diffuser dehumidifies the air without subjecting the passengers to the usual gritty blast. Peugeot have also developed an externally controlled compressor that uses atmospheric conditions to reduce the work the system has to do, thus reducing fuel consumption.
A pollen filter also keeps summer trips bearable for those afflicted by hay fever. Some may be a little disappointed that the 407 Coupe is no great beauty, but theres plenty of merit in its striking styling. Unlike the 406 which, once youd enjoyed the initial hit of its good looks, never offered much beyond that, the 407 Coupe is initially challenging and constantly asks questions of the beholder. I was at first a little crestfallen when pictures of the 407 Coupe landed on my desk, but as time has gone by Im beginning to appreciate what Peugeot have done with this car.
Think of it as a supremely capable mile-muncher that stands out from the crowd and youll soon warm to its attributes. This one could well be something of a grower.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Peugeot 407 Coupe range
PRICES: £19,530-£23,825 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 15-16
CO2 EMISSIONS: 156-242g/km
PERFORMANCE: (3.0 V6)0-60mph 8.4s / Max Speed 151mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (2.7 V6 HDI) (combined) 33mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS, ESP
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4815/1868/1399
