Peugeot 407 V6 sedan 2004 review

The introduction of probably Peugeot's best sedan – the 407 – carries with it the curse of Cyrano de Bergerac.

Yes, in all its glory, the Peugeot is immediately identified by a long nose and a wide-mouthed radiator grille.

Numerically, it's not that big. Physically, it's noticeable.

The long nose is courtesy of upcoming US and European laws which require extra car body crumple zones to minimise pedestrian injuries.

The grille maximises engine cooling needs.

Though the styling is constrained by Cyrano hanging off the front, the rest of the car is sweet and could be penned by Ferrari-stylist Pininfarina.

It works well, too, with wide doors that give access to a spacious and well-decorated interior.

Depending on which model you can afford, the fabric and colour themes differ, but there's no escaping that welcoming interior.

It's conservative in a way befitting the expecting clientele, with a dominant binnacle supporting chrome-edged gauges, a polished centre section that supports the automatic's gear lever, and splashings of faux wood.

The upholstery is leather and, typical of the French, is soft like an armchair, giving levels of support directly proportional to the occupant's body weight.

Visibility is woeful, but it's not out of whack with industry trends. You learn quickly that it can be an expensive exercise to misjudge parking against a brick wall.

You also learn that the 407 is quite a remarkable machine.

On a brisk run from Perth to Northam, it soaked up the bumps so well that you'd think it was a glide down a deserted Mitchell Freeway.

Through the corners it showed precise steering and neat handling.

The V6 engine gets it right by balancing strong low-end torque with plenty of upper rev-range excitement, putting it close to the sporting-car league.

One reason for the engine's flexibility and the pleasing performance across a wide range of road conditions is the six-speed automatic box. Fitted with a Tiptronic function so you can play at manually changing gears – though, why bother? – the cogs slide up and down quickly and smoothly, with excellent kick-down response for overtaking in the country.

Again, it is the quietness and comfort of the car while it's being pushed hard that makes it such an enjoyable drive.

If I was picky, I'd be complaining about the oddly angled handbrake lever and asking the French boffins to straighten it up a bit. And I'm sure they would respond, in time.

I wouldn't complain about the five-star accommodation, or the big boot. Or the engine that is deliciously responsive, though we'd all want better fuel economy.

Yes, definitely one to think about as one of 2004's better releases.