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Peugeot

Monday, 21st of July 2008

Powering the 407 SW is a 2.2-litre HDi with 170bhp; the diesel engine is impressively refined. At idle and even when cruising the engine noise is almost inaudible but the 407 SW has a kick when you need it. Press the accelerator, watch the needle pass 2,000 rpm and you can hear a turbo whistle and the car instantly feels more responsive. The gearing is well placed and the shifts are smooth while the six-speed gearbox is quite frugal at 45.5mpg on the combined cycle. The 407 SW is no slouch as it can get from zero to 62mph and a top speed of 137mph.

The 407 SW when on the motorway is a relaxing and easy car to drive and you can do over 400 miles on a full tank of diesel. However when pushed on B-roads there is a little body roll when cornering and like all estates the rear has a tendency to get a little light. Getting back to the 2.2-litre HDi power plant – it is a real find and makes long haul journeys seem short. The steering is electro-hydraulic and feels a little over assisted. Wind noise is minimal as is road roar, which makes travelling a pleasant experience.

Step into the cabin of the 407 SW and you can see that the interior has been carried over from the saloon – which means build quality is good. The controls have a solid feel and the leather interior gives plushness to the cabin. Some view the central console as an eyesore with the cluster of controls but we like it as everything is within easy reach of the driver and it’s easy to use and read. The panoramic roof is brilliant during the day or at night and gives the cabin an airy feeling, making it feel a lot bigger than it is.

Peugeot has made the 407 SW one of the safest cars in its class as it scores high in Euro NCAP ratings. It received five stars in front/side impact, 4 stars in child protection and two stars in pedestrian safety. The car has front airbags for driver and passenger, ESP and ABS. Security is important to the French maker as well as the car comes equipped with remote control with central deadlocks and an ultrasonic alarm.

On the design front the 407 SW is class leading however you’ll pay for this in the space and practicality front. With the rear seats folded you’ll have a luggage space of only – 1,365-litres – this is well behind its rivals. When you come to getting the seats folded the 407 SW proves to be more complicated than necessary - you have to pull the base of the seat and then you need to fold down separately. However, the system in the Honda Accord Tourer, works by pulling a single lever to lower the rear seats, much better if the wife has her arms full of shopping.

The Peugeot 407 SW Sport is powered by the 2.2-litre HDi with RT4 navigation; it is a desirable car and is priced at £22,895. Our car was fitted with options at extra cost, which included metallic paint at £350 and the Security Pack at £400. The 407 SW emits 165g/km, which means a band of D and has a road tax cost of £140 per year. If you have an average size family then this car is too good not to buy but if you have one or more six footers in your family then you’ll need a boxier estate.