Peugeot 407 Coupe 2006 Pictures

VANITY FLAIR

The Peugeot 407 Coupe has certainly put a bit of zest in to the family car sector but are its merits more than just skin deep?

Despite the fact that it will probably be a popular company car, there is nothing demure and run of the mill about the looks of this coupe. It’s got more fascinating angles than Jimmy Hill’s jaw line, yet paradoxically its finish is velvety smooth. Those lights are neatly incorporated in to the bonnet’s aerodynamic lines and the pillars are also subtly concealed in to the bodywork.

There’s little to be desired inside the cabin either, the quality of the upholstery and plastics prove that the gap is closing between the French and German marques. Over all it seems to be pretty solidly built too.
With its revised double wishbone front suspension, integral multi-arm rear suspension and impressive torsional body rigidity, expect it to be as intimate with corners as a bow to a cello. Dynamically it would seem that there is a lot of substance behind it and it is likely to be a familiar sight both on motorways and country lanes.

In accordance with all other 407s, the Coupé has as standard active safety specification which includes ABS, ESP, EBFD, ASR, seven airbags and active front head restraints.
Its performance stats are also pretty impressive; there will be a choice of three engines when it arrives in the UK early next year. The entry level 2.2-litre 16-valve petrol power plant produces160bhp, then there’s the 2.7-litre 24-valve HDi diesel variant that churns out 205bhp. Topping the table though is the feisty 3.0-litre V6 24-valve petrol engine which is good for 211bhp. All models are equipped with six speed gearboxes and depending on the model you’ve got the option of manual or automatic.

So bring on the French beauty and let’s see how she fares over a few years and a few thousand miles of service.

Verdict
FOR:
AGAINST:
CONCLUSION:

Spec
ENGINE: 3.0 litre V6 24v
POWER: 211 BHP
0-62mph (sec): 8.4
TOP SPEED: 151
TRANSMISSION: 6 speed manual or automatic
PRICE: £21,925 - £30,945