Peugeot 407 2.0-LITRE PETROL RANGE
The 2.0-Litre Version Of Peugeots 407 is a Difficult Car To Ignore. Jonathan Crouch Explains Why
Peugeot has no fewer than four different petrol-engined offerings in its 407 line-up. There is, however, no doubt as to which represents the best all-round value: the 2.0-litre version featured here.
This unit develops exactly the same power output (136bhp) as the 2.0-litre HDi diesel model you might also consider. The problem with this diesel variant however, is its £1,200 price premium, an amount that lower mileage users might find hard to claw back at the pumps (where the 2.0-litre petrol model travels 14 miles fewer on every gallon).
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And while were talking of price premiums, lets also talk about the £900
Peugeot are asking for buyers to trade up from 2.0-litre petrol to 2.2-litre petrol motoring. Given that the power output rises by 24bhp to 160bhp, it might seem like a small price to pay but the reality is that the performance gains you get are also small.
Rest to sixty in the 2.2-litre petrol model takes 10.1s (as opposed to 10.3s for the 2.
0 petrol), while maximum speed for the bigger-engined car is just 5mph more at 136mph. Against that, theres a 3mpg penalty in average fuel consumption for 2.2-litre petrol buyers and a massive 20g/km drop in emissions. So, does all of that represent a point proved in the 2.
0-litre petrol 407s favour? Well, of the remaining three engines available to 407 buyers, two are just too slow (the 1.8-litre petrol and 1.6 HDi diesel take a yawning 13 seconds to reach sixty from rest) and one (the 3.0 petrol V6) will prove for most too expensive either to buy or to run (20mpg and £20,000 anyone?)
"Youd have to award a points victory on pricing performance to Peugeot "
Its one thing of course to talk about the 407 2.0-litre petrol model being the best buy in its model range. Quite another, of course, to talk of its being a best buy in its market sector. After all, this is a market sector full of talent, with cars as good as Fords Mondeo, Vauxhalls Vectra, Renaults Laguna, Hondas Accord, Nissans Primera, the
Mazda 6, Rovers 75 and Toyotas Avensis to name but a few.
So how does this 407 stack up against such impressive opposition? Well, lets start with the sticker price. Peugeots 2.0-litre petrol model pricing ranges from £15,750 to £17,750 for saloon models with the choice of three trim levels S, SE and SV. For a premium of around £1,100, theres also a stylish estate variant, the SW, for those in search of extra versatility.
These prices are about the same as those being asked for equivalent versions of the Mazda and the
Nissan but below those being asked for comparable models from all Peugeots other main rivals. All these makers will be prepared to talk turkey when it comes to discounts of course but then, so will Peugeots dealer network. And since Mazda dealers are more restricted in the deals they can do and Nissans product doesnt quite have the same feeling of quality as a 407, youd have to award a points victory on pricing performance to Peugeot. When it comes to on the road performance, the picture is less clear-cut.
The 2.0-litre petrol 407 has one of the higher top speeds of equivalent cars in the sector (131mph) but one of the slower rest to sixty times (10.3s). When it comes to running costs, the figures sit at about the average mark, with a 36mpg fuel consumption average and a 194g/km emissions return.
You could say much the same about handling. Dont expect a 407 to feel as sharp as, say, a Mondeo or a Primera. But, by the same token, dont anticipate it being any less rewarding than an Avensis or a Vectra. This is a scaled down luxury car rather that a pumped-up Family Hatchback and it feels that way to drive.
If youve a long trip in store, theres no other car in this sector you should prefer. Safety-wise, 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 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 saloon 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. So, a well thought-out package then, beautifully styled and carefully priced. If youre after a 407, this is probably the one you should have.
If youre after a Mondeo-sized Medium Range Family Car, its probably one you shouldnt ignore.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Peugeot 407 2.0-litre petrol range
PRICES: £15,750-£18,850 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 12-13
CO2 EMISSIONS: 194g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 131mph / 0-60mph - 10.3s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (average) 34mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS, ESP
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [saloon] length/width/heightmm 4676/1811/1445
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