Peugeot 407 2004 review: snapshot

I've been testing a theory of mine that it is only people who don't drive who slam the doors on cars. And if there's one car you never need to slam the door on, it's a Peugeot.

But my almost-a-teenager son and his mate just can't seem to close doors gently, even on this elegant sports car. Nor can my ageing neighbour or the several other non-drivers who took a ride in this futuristic silver streak.

For example, the single cup holder unfolds gracefully from a silver compartment. Yes, only one cup holder in the front. Terribly logical, of course, because the passenger can hold his or her own drink.

And if the cup-holder count is down, then the airbag one certainly is not. There are nine, yes nine, airbags protecting driver and passengers. Sort of like driving around in an automatic padded cell. There's even one under the steering wheel to protect your legs.

Peugeot has reclaimed some of the oldest styling and comfort features for its latest design in the 407.

And inside, there are sun blinds secreted in the rear passenger doors and for the rear window. Experts tell me several cars 40 or 50 years ago had these.

With a toddler stowed at the rear left, I cannot tell you how convenient these pull-up blinds were for her sun-sensitive eyes and skin; or how much fun she had making me put them up and down for her again and again.

The sports features are plenty on this powerful car, with retro dash design, sport steering wheel, alloy wheels, Porsche Tiptronic gears for when you feel like really driving it, and even an "s" button which resets the automatic transmission to sports mode.

But in the charmingly odd way of the new hybrid sports-family cars, there are all the conveniences for family comfort: the aforementioned blinds, a huge boot with cargo net to keep your shopping from flying about, automatic wipers and lights, rear airconditioning vents and even electric outside mirrors which tuck neatly to the side of the car as you lock it.

The list of features is endless: dual climate control, heated electric seats, reverse parking assist, cruise control, steering-wheel controls for the music system, and so on.

I like my seats the way I like my men; not soft but very supportive. Peugeot delivers.

It was like a family treasure hunt to find the next cute feature, but my personal favourite is the button to open the boot. It's cleverly hidden in the centre of the silver "407" logo.

Declaration of interest: The author owns a Peugeot – old but graceful. The author's father has owned many Peugeots. The author believes she finally has found her dream car.