Peugeot 607 2.0 HDi : PARTICLE THEORY

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Peugeot's 2.0-Litre Diesel 607 Is Not Only A Technological Showcase But Also An Intriguing Alternative To Mainstream German Fare. Andy Enright Reports

The British public has become accustomed to small French cars. Small French diesel cars are similarly accepted. Large French diesel cars, on the other hand, have British buyers reaching for their barge poles. But finally, theres a model thats definitely worth a punt.

The Peugeot 607 HDi 2.0 could easily change your views on big French cars, but its up against some stiff opposition.

Its a sad fact that here in the UK, the 607s predecessor, the 605, sold fewer models in its ten year life span than six months worth of BMW 5 Series sales. Peugeots optimism for the 605 was therefore unfounded, but its positive attitude towards the 607 diesel may actually be more justified. Nevertheless, there are still many who will question whether the 607 has any hope of tempting executives out of their Saabs or Volvos, nevermind their Mercedes, Audis and BMWs. Those of such little faith could be in for a shock and there are several reasons why.

Despite having a frontal image that resembles a Peugeot 206 with middle age spread, the rest of the 607 shape is very attractive. As is the current vogue for saloons, it has a coupe-like roof line, not dissimilar to Peugeots beautiful 406 Coupe. The alloy wheels look like Audi items, which is no bad thing, and the detailing and overall panel fit is highly impressive. A facelift also brought body-coloured bumper stribs, some touches of chrome and a reprofiled air-intake below the grille.

In short, it doesnt look cheap. Boardroom buyers want to stand apart from their middle managers. With this car, they can do so - and enjoy a touch of exclusivity.

"The 136bhp diesel unit lays claim to being the cleanest unit of its kind ever made"

The 607 2.0HDI diesel will, after all, be a rarity on British roads thanks to sales targets modest to the point of shyness. In comparison, some rivals will be everywhere, something that may just help those all-important residual values so important to both fleet and private buyers. The success of the 406 Coupe and its 407 replacement have proved that Peugeot can match German rivals in this respect.

607 diesel prices start at £24,995 for the 2.0-litre 136bhp model featured here although there is a more powerful 170bhp 2.2-litre twin turbo HDI for £1,500 more. Straight away you can see that you get a lot of car for your money.

In the showroom, you might recognise a few styling cues from other competitors but the svelte lines look a class above the boxier profiles of diesel-powered rivals such as the Vauxhall Signum and Volvo's S80. These rivals sit firmly in the target price bracket the UK importers are aiming at and will suffer most if Peugeot continues to get its price and marketing sums right. The 2.0HDi could be the most satisfying option in the 607 Range, its certainly a better bet than its 3.

0-litre petrol sibling. Direct injection common rail technology maximises the efficiency of the engines combustion cycle, making it more powerful, quieter and cleaner. A smart variable-geometry turbocharger is fitted which senses the throttle position, improving engine response. The 2.

2-litre HDI option would definitely be preferable but it comes at quite a premium and many will make do with the 2.0. All 607 models now come with a slick 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. Inside, the interior stylists have created a spacious cabin with real class.

Driver and passenger are separated by a main console that houses the controls for the standard climate control system, the audio controls and the satellite navigation. There are splashes of chrome and either wood-effect or black applique finish, and the overall ambience is very impressive. This is an interior the quality of which will give Vauxhall salesmen sweaty palms. The only really unattractive item is the blandly bulging steering wheel.

The 607 was one of the first executive cars to feature a multiplex wiring system and has always enjoyed a reputation for pioneering sophisticated electronic functions and the latest model is no exception. A variable cruise control is linked to a variable speed limiter and theres a parking sensor system that displays a bar graph of how far you are from an obstacle on the cars multifunction screen while a flat tyre detector can tell you which of your tyres are under inflated. In fact, the equipment levels are probably the cars big selling point with Peugeot proudly proclaiming that buyers can now tear up the options list as virtually every conceivable feature is fitted as standard. Leather upholstery, heated seats, colour satellite navigation, built-in GSM telephone, CD autochanger, 8 airbags and motorised boot articulation are just some of the highlights.

Driven back to back with the V6 model, the 2.0 HDi feels hardly slower. Indeed, so it proves against the clock, the diesel-engined car tripping the stopwatch to 60mph in an impressive 10.8 seconds, only 0.

9 seconds adrift of the flagship 3.0-litre V6 which is only 0.1s quicker than the 2.2-litre HDI.

The engine has that gutsy feel that a good turbodiesel installation should have and, with Peugeots recent suspension upgrades, rides and handles better too. Still, you are aware of a very heavy weight in the nose, and this should be borne in mind when using the brakes enthusiastically. Although there is some slight clatter on start up, the engine is nonetheless satisfyingly smooth. Whilst not yet up to BMW standards of refinement, the 2.

0HDi unit still falls into the category of diesels which will convert even the most ardent driver. And with a combined fuel consumption figure of 46mpg, it fulfils its initial diesel remit of real world fuel savings. Offered in the Executive trim level, the 2.0HDi 607 is a significant step forward in many ways.

If prestige-conscious people can be persuaded to look beyond the badge, it should do very well. Form an orderly queue here. Anybody?

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Peugeot 607 2.0 HDi Range
PRICES: £24,995- on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 15
CO2 EMISSIONS: 162g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0 HDi] 0-60mph 10.8s / Max Speed 128mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 HDi] combined 46mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags / ABS/ ESP
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height mm 4861/1826/1460