2005 Peugeot 407 Reviews

Peugeot is one of those brands that go under the radar for most Australians, it's one to which they rarely give any thought of owning, but for comfort and refined road manners the French brand is hard to beat.The 407 was Peugeot's medium-sized offering and came in coupe, sedan and wagon body styles, with a choice of peppy petrol engines and economical diesels.Its lines were elegant, languidly flowing from tip to tail in a wonderful balance of form and function.The coupe was able to accommodate four in comfort, but the more family friendly sedan and wagon had the capacity to transport five.The cabin was spacious, nicely laid-out with comfortable seats and was sublimely quietThere were three equipment levels, the SR budget model, the ST and the SV.All had an impressive range of comfort and convenience features, particularly the higher spec models.The cabin was spacious, nicely laid-out with comfortable seats and was sublimely quiet. The main criticism was a blind spot created by the heavy A-pillars that at times impeded the driver's view.The 407's 2.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine was a free-revving unit that had sufficient performance for most situations, although at times it had to work hard to get there.For those wanting more than the 2.2-litre engine could muster there was the 3.0-litre V6, which answered the call of most seeking performance.But it's the diesels that were the most popular with 407 buyers, particularly the 2.0-litre turbodiesel, which boasted strong mid-range torque for smooth, flexible driveability, impressive performance, and admirable economy.The 407's suspension was supremely comfortableWith more than 400Nm of torque, the twin-turbo V6 diesel was a powerhouse with an attractive blend of performance and driveability.While there was a six-speed manual gearbox available in the front-wheel 407, the vast majority were sold with automatic transmissions. Early models had a four-speed, but it was later updated to a six-speed across the range.On the road the 407's suspension was supremely comfortable, but at the cost of some handling precision. Anyone wanting the sportiness of a German prestige model should probably look elsewhere for their jollys.Being French the Peugeot needs some getting used to for anyone moving into the brand for the first time. Some people find it quirky, and oddly disconnected, while others find the quirkiness interesting and fun, and the driving experience comfortable and refined.Anyone stepping out of a German car would probably be very disappointed with the somewhat vague ride and handling.Being European the 407 comes with issues that affect most European brands, expensive parts and service spring immediately to mind.The 407 doesn't have any major flaws to noteAnyone thinking of buying a 407 should get on good terms with a mechanic experienced in working on Peugeots. They are usually able to service your car for significantly less than a dealer would, and they should be able to source parts at more affordable prices.For peace of mind it's also worth having a mechanic with specialist Peugeot knowledge check your chosen car for you before purchase.The 407 doesn't have any major flaws to note, but is subject to the occasional and frustrating failures of electrical components, particularly ignition coils.The 407 is relatively complex and needs the attention of someone who is familiar with the brandIt's also important to check for a service record, the 407 is relatively complex and needs the attention of someone who is familiar with the brand.The engines have timing belts, which need changing at specified intervals. On the 2.2-litre petrol engine it needs changing every 80,000km or four years, on the other engines the change interval is 180,000km or nine years.Peugeot recalled the 407 in 2011 for a fault related to the engine vacuum pump that could affect the braking performance.There was also a recall in 2010 to check the clearance between the wiring harness and the cooling fan that could result in damage to the harness.

How times change. The modern diesel is a thing of beauty and a servant of the most prestigious of marques.BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Citroen, Renault ... the list goes on, to the extent that diesels outsell petrol in many European markets.Australia is another story but it is changing and with cars like Peugeot's 407 HDi in the vanguard diesels are moving into polite society. The 407 is a particular car in any event, with the look of a feeding whale shark about the grille and French flair dripping from every curve.In the touring (read "station wagon") the styling becomes even more "particular" with a rear end both sleek and individual.The 2.0-litre turbo-charged diesel's seemingly modest 100kW of power is more than compensated for by an impressive 320Nm of torque which is on tap from just under 2000rpm almost right through to the mid-4000rpm level.That constant urge makes sense in this four-speed automatic with little need for the gears to hunt in search of the meat in the torque curve.Peugeot has a history of diesel innovation and while the rest of the industry has caught up, few have surpassed and the 407's common rail, high-pressure, direct-injection offering is fair proof of that.The engine is quiet, has negligible lag and returns impressive fuel figures in the 6.0l/100km range in combined cycle.That equates to a potential 1000km from the 66-litre tank.Ride comfort in this small car is exceptional without sacrificing too much in the way of body control and the styling of the cabin is something to behold.The huge glass roof – fixed but with interior blinds – almost makes sense of this most ludicrous of motoring features. If you must have one, have a huge one.The seats are embracing and very comfortable with good adjustment for both driver and passenger.Placement of the various controls on the dashboard has resulted from considerable thought with most things readily to hand.There is storage to burn with cup-holders scattered throughout the car, plenty of little – and not-so-little – storage bins and room for all to stretch.Instrumentation is easy to read and clearly displayed, even if the highlight marks on the speedo do not correspond with Australian speed limits. This is not a big issue but something for a driver to take into account.There are many comfort and safety features on the 407 that come as a pleasant surprise. Rain-sensing wipers which adapt to the intensity of the rain, self-levelling xenon headlights with an automatic on feature for low-light situations, an easy to use cruise control and electronic park assistance all add to safety and comfort.Overall, there is very little about the 407 not to like, if you can come to terms with the design. The fit and finish is exceptional, materials scream quality, the French flair for individual styling is evident throughout the cabin and diesel is the icing on the cake.At $54,690 for the HDi Touring Executive the 407 is not a budget car. It does, however, represent good value for its long list of standard inclusions ... and there is also comfort in the knowledge that it is unlikely too many of your associates will have one.

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.

The French marque has used a large supercar-like air intake and trademark feline headlights to set the scene for a chic, sophisticated profile, which looks alluring from any angle.But styling is only one element of this outstanding vehicle which rides, drives and handles in near flawless manner.The 407 comes to the market crammed with equipment at a most reasonable price – underscoring its relevance.The entry model 407 sedan costs $42,790, rising to $55,990 for the top model, while the touring (wagon) models range from $47,990 to $58,990.An amalgam of excellent mechanicals, finely-tuned chassis and sporty interior give the replacement for the hugely-successful 406 heart and soul, which – along with the appealing 307 – should spearhead the brand's following in 2005.The new car and wagon line-up arrived in Australia only five months after its European debut – backed by a five-star European crash test rating to commend it as one of the world's safest vehicles.This illustrates the general integrity engineered into the flowing body lines, plus such live-saving aids as anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, electronic brake force distribution and no fewer than eight airbags across the range.Even the hazard warning lights are activated under emergency braking.So the 407 is safe, swish and sophisticated – not to mention a joy to drive, whether cruising around town or lighting up the mechanicals in enthusiasts' country. The 407 line-up offers a choice of 2.2-litre and three-litre engines, and a two-litre common-rail turbocharged diesel.Buyers get a choice between standard six-speed manual gearbox or electronically controlled four-speed automatic with manual control on the 2.2-litre model, four-speed auto only for the diesel version and a six-speed auto is fitted to the V6.The test model was the range-topping SV powered by a 155kW, three-litre V6, which features variable valve timing and a clever dual-mode exhaust system for optimum emission evacuation and noise insulation.The engine the 407 shares with the Citroen C5 is a lively, free-revving unit, which is whisper-quiet when strolling around town.When asked to perform in the grand manner, the smart exhaust allows a nice, throaty roar to develop, totally in keeping with a sports sedan.Peugeot has bought in a new six-speed automatic from Japan for the V6 which is perfectly compatible with the engine.As with all modern sequential autos these days, the 407 allows the driver to change gears with throttle pressure or take charge manually.Whichever style of driving is used, gear changes are impressively smooth. There is a fail-safe mechanism which prevents selection of low gears when engine revs are high. The drivetrain operates efficiently without any irritating shift shocks along the way.The V6 also benefits from its own suspension and steering for pin-sharp response at high speed.Variable electronic suspension features four independently, electronically controlled dampers with nine individual settings, plus variable-rate power steering.Everything works with a sky-high level of efficiency.The body retains an admirable flat attitude even when cornering forces load up the chassis, and steering is precise.Meanwhile, ride comfort maintains lounge-room comfort – surprisingly even when the stiffest settings are selected.The 407 interior is a sumptuous study of generous proportions, comfort and features.Wrap-around seating offers a wide range of adjustments as well as good support for relaxed driving.When cornering, the seats hold the driver and front seat passenger in position.The thick-grip, small steering wheel will appeal to enthusiast drivers.And the dashboard has been cleverly designed to ensure everything is at hand and intuitive.Peugeot has taken everyone's needs into account with lots of storage space, cup holders, courtesy lights and illuminated vanity mirrors for both the driver and front passenger.The SV gets a full leather-trimmed cabin with electrically-operated and heated front seats.To enhance the comfort of rear-seat passengers, there are roll-up blinds in the side doors and a retracting blind on the back window – for privacy or to reduce the sun's rays. Designers have blended the old with the new with analogue dials and a digital information panel.One small criticism. The speedometer is calibrated in odd-numbers leaving Australian drivers guessing where 60km/h really is. With such a spirited vehicle, it is too easy to find oneself driving at a speed which can earn a speeding ticket.The 407 has a number of features which deserve mention.Rain-sensing windscreen wipers automatically activate, then adapt to the intensity of the rain.The cruise control is particularly user friendly.Headlights come on automatically when light deteriorates. They are self-levelling xenon with clear glass and headlight washers.The car comes fitted with electronic park assistance. Four sensors measure the proximity of the car to other objects when reversing, with audible warnings assisting the driver.Fit and finish deserves special merit marks. The narrow panel gaps tell their own story that Peugeot is confident the car will not flex.IN SUM: A car which reflects its Parisian birthright with looks and panache which commands admiration.The car rides and drives impressively enough to rate comparison with the best from Germany – the global benchmark for automotive brilliance.Peugeot has a long history in Australia. A 203 won the first round Australia reliability trial in 1955 and has built a faithful following of owners who have never had cause to regret ownership.Models like the 307 and 407 are certain to grow the brand's sales Down Under.