Peugeot 407 diesel manual 2005 review

Petrol prices are on an upward trend here again so diesel cars are looking more attractive despite a rapacious diesel tax.

Peugeot is partially responsible for popularising the diesel passenger car – it's been making them for decades and recently introduced a 2.0-litre, common rail turbo diesel to the new 407 range.

This stunning looking car that quietly appeared on the local market late last year is available in a number of configurations including a 2.2-litre petrol four cylinder, the turbo diesel and a 3.0-litre petrol V6.

While the V6 is smooth and sweet, Peugeot seems better at making fours. Apart from costing less, they gel in all the right ways and the diesel in particular has many endearing features, not the least being a touring range of up around 1000km on a tankful.

It's not bad in a medium size luxury sedan with a five star NCAP safety rating and heaps of equipment to be able to fill up in Sydney and not need a refill until Brisbane or complete the Melbourne – Sydney run with no bowser stops.

The diesel cranks out a handy 100kW of power and 320Nm of torque 340Nm on "overboost". Maximum torque is available at a low 2000rpm. Best fuel consumption is a claimed 4.9 litres/100km on the highway cycle and it also passes the stringent Euro IV emissions regs.

The base diesel goes for about $48 grand but we were able to sample the high range six speed manual model which sells for a bit over $50 grand. It includes leather upholstery, electrically adjustable driver's seat, climate control and plenty more.

As expected, handling is confident with flat cornering and a supple ride. There's a new double wishbone front, multi-link rear suspension taking care of that.

Performance is impressive thanks to all that torque and well chosen gear ratios, Even sixth has plenty of pull on the highway despite using only 1750rpm at 100kmh.

The engine is a little raucous at idle but innocuous once underway.

From a practical point of view, the 407 offers a large boot with a full size spare, plenty of interior room and a modern, technical ambience spoiled only a bit by mock woodgrain trim. There are some clever features like exterior mirrors that fold in when the car is centrally locked, rain sensing wipers and plenty of storage and convenience compartments are dotted throughout the cabin.

The 407 has a big visual impact that owes nothing to any generic styling theme currently used. It has a long nose and bobbed tail but the shape is sleek and practical.

The auto is a four speeder which is a little disappointing because a six speeder is available with the V6.

But things will change when Peugeot eventually adopts the 2.7 V6 turbo diesel it jointly developed with Ford and that is currently used in the new Land Rover Discovery and Jaguar diesel. It's tipped to make an appearance in Ford Territory too.

Peugeot is in a strong position to take additional sales with the 407 as buyers become more aware of its strengths, style and value for money. Lineup changes to some of its European competitors will also make the 407 more financially appealing.