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Peugeot 407 Coupe 2.7 V6 HDI Road Test Report

2.7 V6 HDI

Peugeot makes the 407 in three distinct versions: saloon, SW (estate) and this rather luxurious-looking Coupé. To a squinting, untrained eye it could just be a big BMW coupe or even an Aston Martin, but even though it’s neither, this comfy tourer has other cards up it sleeve.

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Performance

The 407 coupe was originally launched with a choice of three engines: a 2.2 litre petrol, a 3.0 V6 petrol – now substituted ed by a 2.0 HDI – and a 2.7 V6 HDI. Given the choice I’d plump for the big V6 turbodiesel. With 205bhp, a mighty 330lb/ft of torque and a 6-speed Tiptronic transmission, this extremely refined HDI can hit 62mph in 8.5secs and reach 143mph. More importantly, noise, vibration and harshness are only noticeable by their absence, its gearchanging is seamless and its on-the-road performance, though not exactly neck-snapping, is impressive. And if you drive long distance, this model’s theoretic 490 mile fuel range could prove useful too.

Ride & Handling

With electronically-controlled suspension, high speed stability and ride quality are both exemplary. Though the steering can’t realistically be faulted, this is a fairly large front-wheel drive car, and no lightweight (especially with the big HDI fitted), so agility and response aren’t in the sportscar category. To be fair, Peugeot doesn’t market the 407 Coupe as a sportscar, but everything about it’s ride and handling is comfortable, well-balanced, predictable and safe.

Build Quality & Reliability

Very hard to fault. In fact, from what’s visible on the outside, there’s nothing to fault. Fit and finish is good, with consistent and narrow door, bonnet and boot shutlines. It’s a similar story inside too, with good quality, tactile plastics, sturdy fittings which impart a general sense of quality and longevity. Modern engines rarely give trouble these days, but this V6 turbodiesel feels particularly unstressed, so I’d expect that it could go ‘round the clock at least once before becoming too tired. In short, this car should still feel like new long after the 3yr/60,000 mile warranty has expired.

Safety & Security

With the max five star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupants, the 407 Coupe offers good protection. Its front end has double impact absorption structures, retractable steering and what Peugeot calls an ‘interior shield’ for added high-speed impact protection. In addition there’s up to nine airbags (including a steering column airbag), active whiplash preventing headrests, Isofix child seat mountings, remote central locking (with deadlocks), an ultrasonic alarm system, and an Electronic Stability Programme which includes all the usual acronyms.

Space & Practicality

If maximum space and practicality really is a high priority for you, then you’d obviously do better with either the saloon or the SW version. This is a coupe and so front seat passengers travel first class (seated a little lower than in other 407s), while those in the rear go economy with comfortable seats (leather all round) but marginal head and legroom depending on their size, despite this car’s generous exterior dimensions. Bootspace is pretty good at 400 litres, and for added practicality the rear seat backs split and fold forward which allows quite bulky items to carried if needed. Handy if it’s your only car…

Ownership & Value

In theory, the 407 Coupe should hold its value well. However, in practice I’d advise that you source a good used example that has already suffered the dreaded depreciation. Fuel consumption is reasonable at 33.2mpg combined, and, as mentioned, that coupled with a 67 litre tank that gives an impressive range. It’s also a fine looking car with sleek and graceful styling from the front axle rearwards, but its looks are impaired by a slightly awkward front end appearance and a very long front-end overhang, so sadly its not the beauty that its 406 Coupe predecessor was. All in all though, this 407 Coupe is a highly capable, well equipped long-distance cruiser for two.

Submitted: 17/11/2008 13:11:05

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