2004 Peugeot 407 Reviews

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.

Peugeot has also been doing more and better, without some of the fanfare of its French friends.Its Coupe-Convertible cars, the 206 and 307, are the headline acts and it is still banking the sales from success in the World Rally Championship, though it took a hammering this year trying to match Sebastian Loeb and Citroen.Now Peugeot has its critical newcomer, the 407. The main-meal model in the French line-up, will head the menu for at least the next four years. So it is vital.The look is completely new, from the gaping rounded mouth to the tip of the tail. The 407's frontal treatment could have been copied from some sort of giant fish and definitely sets it apart from its prestige rivals.The styling has polarised people's opinions of the car. Some say it is a mismatch, with a nose that's too long and a tail that is nothing special.We try to avoid styling discussions in Cars Guide because the subject is so personal, but this time around even we have to concede Peugeot has been very brave with the 407.The mechanical package is less confronting, from the combination of four-cylinder and V6 power to sedan and wagon bodies, five-star safety and a super-clean diesel.Peugeot went aggressive with the pricing, rolling in the import duty cut from January 1 to provide a starting point at $42,790 for the 2.2-litre manual sedan. The top end runs to $58,990 for the SV V6 automatic wagon.The equipment makes the car a bargain as well as a good buy. It has everything from anti-skid brakes and eight airbags in a five-star safety package to airconditioning and CD sound, alloy wheels, cruise control and the electric aids across the range from the basic ST.Go all the way to the SV and you get xenon headlamps, a leather cabin with heated electric seats, JBL eight-speaker sound and variable electronic settings for the suspension.The starter engine is a four-cylinder with 116kW of power, but the HDi diesel leads the line-up in pulling power withs 320Nm of torque. The V6 has 155kW.They are an interesting mix and so is the gearbox line-up – six-speed manuals, a four-speed auto on the 2.2 and diesel and a six-speed Tiptronic for the V6 in the SV.The 407 is being pitched into a class that is massively competitive and includes everything from upscale locally made cars to benchmark BMWs and Benzes likely to be on someone's shopping list.ON THE ROAD THE 407 is an exception on the road. It has a distinctive look that screams Peugeot, just as surely as the noses of the latest Alfa Romeos trumpet their Italian design, style and history.Peugeot has given the 407 a new face that will eventually be mirrored across the range.The 407's flagship SV sedan looks more modern, and is definitely roomier than previous mid-sized Peugeots, but the family feel is familiar. It's what you get from the seats, the look and operation of the controls, then the feel up from the road.Peugeots have always been great driving cars for Australia, able to soak up the worst conditions and cover long distances without fuss, and the 407 is the same. We took our time in the V6 SV, which made life enjoyable, but the basics of the car will be like the flagship.That means cushy seats, a quiet cabin, a car that handles pretty well for a semi-luxury car, and that incredible long-legged feel.We wondered at first about the selectable "active" suspension, a gimmick on most cars. But it means you can have a sporty feel and it worked well on a run through one of the toughest roads we know.The brakes are great, the xenon headlamps terrific, the CD sound fine, and we liked the level of equipment at a reasonable price.We are still not convinced about the styling, but the biggest drama for the 407 will come from its opposition. It is a good car, but not a standout when the field runs all the way from the Alfa Romeo 156 to the Volvo S40.We prefer the 407 to the Renault Laguna, but only by a small margin, and we'd also take it well ahead of a Citroen C5. So it's the narrow French champion, but then you have to consider it against cars from Honda and Nissan and the European pacemakers that makes a comparison choice much tougher.The 407 is a great drive and will be an excellent country car, but less impressive in the city. The V6 isn't all that pacey, even if it can be light at the pumps. The tiptronic V6 responds well, but we worry about suburban life with the 2.2-litre four.The turbo diesel, however, could be the sleeper in the 407 range. It has more torque than either the four or six and the rest of the impressive package.We are so intrigued we intend to take a second look at a 407, with diesel motivation, to see if it is actually the car we should be recommending for a French connection.THE BOTTOM LINETHE new Peugeot has raised a lot of questions over its styling, but is a classically French drive.

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.Like all the other gadgets and openings on the Peugeot 407, the doors and boot just need a little gentle persuasion.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.

The SV auto sedan has no options...a car doesn't need options when it has everything.And this one has it all, from rain-sensing wipers to auto headlights.There is a six-speed tiptronic auto box, JBL six-CD sound, 17-inch alloys, parking distance control, fore and aft fog lights, side and rear sunscreens, cruise control, xenon headlamps and leather seats.OK, there is one option: You can get a sunroof, on the sedan only.The SV auto is one of five 407 Sedan models and two Touring (wagon) models released with prices from $42,790 to $58,990. A $51,190 diesel wagon is coming next year and should be a beaut, judging on the dynamics, specifications and quality of this French beauty.Fundamental to the attraction is the bold new aerodynamic styling.However, that wedge look where the bonnet slides through the windscreen all the way to the roof line in one sweeping gesture inherently means there will be a thick A-pillar.In other designs this has caused a potentially dangerous blind spot. The Peugeot includes a small strut in the front side window (much like when these windows had separate air vents). It must give the A-pillar enough support without having to resort to a thick lump of metal.The sedan is powered by a three-litre, 24-valve V6 engine which produces a delightful induction howl, 155kW of power and 290Nm of cargo-carrying torque at 3750rpm, which is a bit high and results in a slow getaway at the lights.But, like most French cars, it has long legs that allow it to canter fast and capably on the highway where passing speeds are instantaneous and fuel economy astounding.In the windy stuff, the driver needs to keep the revs high. It's a joyous duty, thanks to the fast six-speed tiptronic. All the same, down-changes are a little jerky – but not unsettling.Suspension and chassis design are what you would expect of the rally-bred company: stiff, yet compliant enough for our roads. There is only a hint of torque steer and understeer.Passenger comfort is good, but space is at a premium. Try three children in the back or two adults.Luggage space also is a little tight, but at least the boot is flat and accessible, and there is the bonus of a split rear seat.Safety is provided by eight airbags, including smart bags in the front which detect passenger size and position for harmless but protective inflation.There also are active front-seat head restraints and pre-tensioners on the front seatbelts.These are the sorts of features you would expect to find in more expensive machinery.And thanks to our strong dollar, French cars are good buying at present.

Peugeot has been responsible for some stunningly beautiful – the 406 coupe – and stylish – the 206CC – cars.The 407 is not one of those. This one is...distinctive.While the grille makes the 407 recognisable, it is the overall quality and value that will make it unforgettable.The superseded 406 was a nice chassis under an average car with a dreadful gearbox.For the 407, Peugeot has retained and tweaked the chassis, made the body individual, buffed up the interior and – in the 3.0-litre SV sedan tested – added a nice six-speed Aisin sequential gearbox.Ride quality and dynamics are a quality compromise in the car. The ride is plush without any hint of wallowing but retains enough connection with the road to allow some enthusiastic fun.Extensive use of light alloy suspension components in the double-wishbone front and multi-link rear architecture helps keep the car, while not light at 1660kg, out of the super-heavy category.Through the bends the 407 resists the temptation to duck and dive under brakes or in cornering. Turn-in feel through the variable hydraulic power steering is good but the general light feel leaves a slight impression of vagueness.The dynamics of the SV can be enhanced with the push of a button firming the variable damping on Peugeot's in-house developed shock absorbers.Any "moments" are modified by the latest-generation electronic stability program which incorporates the usual suspects – ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, stability control and traction control.The 3.0-litre V6 engine is smooth, quiet and spins out willingly without ever threatening to break into class-leading performance.At a peak 6000rpm there is 155kW on tap with 290Nm of torque centred on the mid-range at 3750rpm providing easily accessible urge. Pop the sport-mode button and the characteristics change enough to be quickly noticeable.Even without moving to the tiptronic-style shift option, the gears hold through to close to redline before shifting. They also hold longer on the downshifts.The manual mode tends to become a little messy with the downshift over-ride programming too pre-emptive for real enjoyment.The real star turn for the 407 is its levels of equipment and the general classy feel of the cabin.Space is excellent with the feeling of room carried from the wide front seats through to the rear where three can seat in comfort, two in luxury.The leather seats are almost retro in their style, large and comfortable with adequate bolstering and lots of adjustment. Instrumentation is simple and easy to read and while the array of stalks around the steering wheel are confusing – something that would pass with familiarity – the centre console-mounted controls are clear.Equipment levels are high with climate-control airconditioning, cruise control, parking sensors, trip computer, integrated sun blinds for the rear windows, rain-sensing wipers, automatic Xenon headlights, premium CD sound, heated seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.With eight airbags – a ninth, a knee bag mounted on the steering column and available in Europe, is not on the Australian cars – the 407 rates a maximum five stars on Euro NCAP testing.At $58,990 the 3.0-litre SV is not cheap, but cheap rarely equates to value.