Peugeot has introduced into the large-coupe segment the stunning 407 Coupe - an elegant, well-proportioned and extremely affordable car.
If you subscribe to the “big is beautiful” philosophy then you will love the 407 Coupe.
It combines a style that is both elegant and expressive; it can comfortably accommodate four adults and their luggage.
Its interior gives it all the credentials of a genuine contemporary GT touring car.
The appearance begins with the steeply inclined front windscreen, creating a low roofline, which then flows back into the boot, with its integral dynamic spoiler.
The frontal area is a very aggressive one, almost shark like with the large grille and frontal area air scoops; the coupe looks fantastic even when standing still.
The luxurious interior makes reference to the great tradition of GT touring cars, with four ’separate’ seats, real aluminium trim detail and leather upholstery.
Regardless of the engine chosen, the coupe customer will have the choice of three levels of finish, S, SE and GT, with specific equipment levels and trims that place this coupe firmly in the refined world of GT cars.
Opposition will be the more expensive BMW 3 series, the Mercedes CLK, and perhaps the Alfa Romeo GT.
Without doubt it is a large car, it has a length of 4,815mm and a width of 1,868mm. Passengers benefit from these generous dimensions and the compartment easily seats four adults. The huge doors aid easy entrance and exit but, beware, they are very heavy.
The split folding rear seat allows access to the good-sized boot, the only difficulty was an awkward aperture to gain access but it swallowed numerous full rubbish sacks during a tip run.
The 407 Coupe offers a choice of modern, high-performance engines available in both petrol and HDi diesel versions.
The ‘entry level’, four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 2,230cc develops a maximum power of 163bhp at 5,875rpm; this gives a top speed of 138 mph and a 0-60 of 9.2 seconds.
The second petrol engine a V6 has a capacity of 2,946cc developing 211bhp at 6,000rpm; this will enable it to achieve 151 mph and 0-60 in 8.4 seconds.
My test car was equipped with the all-new V6 HDi diesel engine, with a cubic capacity of 2,720. It develops 205bhp at 4,000rpm and a torque of 330 lb ft at 1,900rpm which allows for a top speed of 143 mph and the 0-60 figure is given as 8.5 seconds. This latter figure is quicker than the bigger petrol-fuelled 3.0 litre V6.
Irrespective of engine, the 407 Coupe is fitted with a six-speed gearbox. The 2.2-litre petrol engine has a manual gearbox; the V6 diesel engine an automatic gearbox, and the V6 petrol engine can be fitted with either a manual or automatic gearbox.
The manual or automatic gearbox offers six gears adapted to the specific power and torque characteristics of each engine.
To match its dynamic personality, the 407 Coupe is equipped with large diameter alloy wheels fitted with sports tyres; they vary between 17-inch and 19-inch.
Seven air bags are incorporated as standard, they include a driver’s front air bag, and a bag located in the fascia panel under the steering column to protect the driver’s lower limbs.
The passenger front air bag I am pleased to report can be deactivated in order to install junior’s seat. Chest air bags are incorporated in the sides of the front seats and curtain air bags are in the roof lining above the side windows.
The two rear seats can accommodate an Isofix child seat, thanks to the presence of the latest three-point anchorage system.
Leather seats are fitted as standard on the SE and GT models, with the front seats having electric adjustment and heated cushions for the seat and seat back.
All models are equipped with dual-zone air conditioning with automatic regulation of temperature and distribution.
The S model comes with the latest-generation mono CD RDS car radio a six CD auto-changer is fitted as standard on the SE and GT models.
They also benefit from a dual-tuner and dual-antenna system that amply meets customers’ requirements in terms of reception and sound reproduction. Controls on the steering column include the multi-function display facility as well as the audio.
The driving dynamics of the 407 were always good, the Peugeot engineers have done a very good job on the coupe, at all times it had a reassuring feel to it, the performance from the V6 engine allied to the Auto box seemed at all times to be working in harmony.
I enjoyed my period with the Coupe. At the end of a week, and 600 miles of which 300 were a round trip to Stansted Airport on motorways, I averaged 39 mpg, which I find totally acceptable for a vehicle of this size and performance, and was six mpg better than the Peugeot published combined fuel consumption figure.
The predecessor to the 407 was the stylish 406 coupe and while it never set the world on fire in league tables of sales I firmly believe that the 407 coupe will find a niche in the market and be a rewarding and enjoyable car to own and admire.
All Peugeot 407 Coupes first registered in the UK and purchased from a UK Peugeot dealer benefit from a Peugeot two-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty and a free optional one-year of warranty provided by the Peugeot Dealer Network in the UK subject to the vehicle being driven less than 60,000 miles since first registration.
A 12-year anti-perforation warranty, a three-year paint warranty, and one year’s Peugeot Assistance cover (operated by the RAC) is also provided.
The 407 Coupe is priced between £21,900 and £30,900.
By Bob Hickman
One Comment
Don’t do it.
It’s French, which means it will explode in a shower of cogs and springs as soon as you leave the showroom (take a look at the JD Power manufacturer ratings over the last few years to see how well French manufacturers fare), and it’s got a nose longer than Pinocchio in compulsive liar mode.
Possibly driven by the person who used to drive a Xsara Picasso and has recently gained promotion, there is no better way to broadcast your love of ugly, French cars.