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Model tested: Peugeot 407 Sport Saloon HDi 170
Price as tested:£21,300
Range price: £15,700-£25,925
Insurance group as tested: 14E
Insurance group range 8E-16E
Tested: December 2006
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 79%

Peugeot claim the 407 is the “stylish alternative” to other saloons on the UK’s roads.

We drove one for a week to put this boast to the test and see whether it should tempt you away from a Vectra, Mondeo or Passat.

Read on for the full report or hit the links for the specific areas you want to research.

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor

1. Looks

The first test of “stylish alternative” claims - what does the car look like externally.  Style is a somewhat subjective quality but we liked the now familiar Peugeot gaping mouth on the 407, angled headlights and, in a nutshell, that it just looks different.  The Sport model we tested came with colour-coded bumpers and 17” alloys and seemed nice enough to attract regular admiring glances through our week-long loan. Stylish alternative? So far so good.
8/10

2. Looks inside

I love the white dial/red needle combination which features on sportier Pugs and particularly the saloon’s version’s red pin points to mark the needle position on the outer rim. It’s simple, easy to read and stylish. This contrasts with the central console which is very busy with controls – and, on a week-long loan, can be confusing. Obviously buyers will benefit from the time needed to get accustomed to the layout. The car doesn’t quite live up to the expectations raised by the exterior but is very liveable with simple silver and grey styling,
7/10

3. Practicality

We took the 407 on a 500-mile motorway-based round-trip and packed in  three passengers and their overnight luggage too. The six-footers in the back were so comfortable we didn’t even stop on the first leg, while the boot’s 407-litre capacity (yes it really is that capacity) easily swallowed four overnight bags. Inside the car there is a sensible amount of storage - cupholders for all, central storage and a decent glovebox – without losing the saloon feel.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling

The 407’s ride was put to the test on the return leg of our 500 mile round trip. While the driver was the height of sobriety, a night on the tiles meant the same cannot be said for the passengers who soon complained when the ride wasn’t up to scratch. Fortunately this only happened once when the Sat-Nav sent us down a road we can only assume led to Mr Bump’s house. Other than this extreme case the 407 was fine, taking most lumps and bumps in its stride – the proof was the three sleeping passengers. Responsive steering means the car is fun to drive too with good handling. Life in the car is improved by minimal engine noise which gives the car a more luxury feel.
8/10

5. Performance

There is a choice of four diesels and four petrol models. We drove the six-speed twin-turbocharged HDi 170bhp (only available with the Sport trim). Go for this one and you’ll be able to go from 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds with a maximum speed of 139mph. It won’t necessarily be first away at the lights but it’s more than capable of finding the oomph to overtake quickly at speed.
8/10

6. Running Costs

Choose the HDi 170 we drove and you’ll be looking at an average consumption of 46.3mpg, your annual tax bill will be £135. Servicing occurs every two years or 20,000 miles. Buyers get a three-year warranty and a year’s Peugeot Assistance Cover. Depreciation is likely to leave your car worth only a third of its original price three years down the line. The insurance rating varies considerably according to model chosen.
7/10

7. Reliability

The 407 seems well-built and reliable with few problems reported since its launch three years ago. Its predecessor the 406 had a good reputation for reliability with most problems occurring after 50,000 miles when axle and suspension problems often surfaced.
8/10

8. Safety

The 407 was awarded the top five star EuroNCAP rating. Seven airbags - two front, two side, two curtain and one steering column - are standard, as are front active head restraints. Drivers aids ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) and ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) contribute to a safe car which locks you in when you drive off.
9/10

9. Equipment

There are four well-equipped trim levels: S, SE, Sport and GT. Even the entry trim comes with plenty of goodies including cruise control, seven airbags, drivers’ aids ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) and ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and an alarm. The SE adds 16” or 17” alloys depending on engine size, Bluetooth, automatic wipers and lights, dual zone air conditioning and leather steering wheel and gear knob. The Sport version we drove adds CD auto-changer, rear parking aid and a colour display screen while the GT also includes heated seats, sat-nav and xenon headlights. The Sport model we drove featured sat-nav as an extra. One niggle, we found we could use the sat-nav or the CD player but not both at once, so would probably have taken the CD changer option.
8/10

10. X-Factor

Looks, looks looks. It might not be quite as eye-catching as the coupe version but the 407 is still a head turner. Factor in its quiet engine and you might even be able to hear the compliments. A stylish alternative indeed.
8/10

Rivals

You might want to consider:

Skoda Octavia
Volvo S40
Volkswagen Passat

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