Peugeot 407 3.0 SV 2004 review

Peugeot has been responsible for some stunningly beautiful – the 406 coupe – and stylish – the 206CC – cars.

The 407 is not one of those. This one is...distinctive.

While the grille makes the 407 recognisable, it is the overall quality and value that will make it unforgettable.

The superseded 406 was a nice chassis under an average car with a dreadful gearbox.

For the 407, Peugeot has retained and tweaked the chassis, made the body individual, buffed up the interior and – in the 3.0-litre SV sedan tested – added a nice six-speed Aisin sequential gearbox.

Ride quality and dynamics are a quality compromise in the car. The ride is plush without any hint of wallowing but retains enough connection with the road to allow some enthusiastic fun.

Extensive use of light alloy suspension components in the double-wishbone front and multi-link rear architecture helps keep the car, while not light at 1660kg, out of the super-heavy category.

Through the bends the 407 resists the temptation to duck and dive under brakes or in cornering. Turn-in feel through the variable hydraulic power steering is good but the general light feel leaves a slight impression of vagueness.

The dynamics of the SV can be enhanced with the push of a button firming the variable damping on Peugeot's in-house developed shock absorbers.

Any "moments" are modified by the latest-generation electronic stability program which incorporates the usual suspects – ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, stability control and traction control.

The 3.0-litre V6 engine is smooth, quiet and spins out willingly without ever threatening to break into class-leading performance.

At a peak 6000rpm there is 155kW on tap with 290Nm of torque centred on the mid-range at 3750rpm providing easily accessible urge. Pop the sport-mode button and the characteristics change enough to be quickly noticeable.

Even without moving to the tiptronic-style shift option, the gears hold through to close to redline before shifting. They also hold longer on the downshifts.

The manual mode tends to become a little messy with the downshift over-ride programming too pre-emptive for real enjoyment.

The real star turn for the 407 is its levels of equipment and the general classy feel of the cabin.

Space is excellent with the feeling of room carried from the wide front seats through to the rear where three can seat in comfort, two in luxury.

The leather seats are almost retro in their style, large and comfortable with adequate bolstering and lots of adjustment. Instrumentation is simple and easy to read and while the array of stalks around the steering wheel are confusing – something that would pass with familiarity – the centre console-mounted controls are clear.

Equipment levels are high with climate-control airconditioning, cruise control, parking sensors, trip computer, integrated sun blinds for the rear windows, rain-sensing wipers, automatic Xenon headlights, premium CD sound, heated seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.

With eight airbags – a ninth, a knee bag mounted on the steering column and available in Europe, is not on the Australian cars – the 407 rates a maximum five stars on Euro NCAP testing.

At $58,990 the 3.0-litre SV is not cheap, but cheap rarely equates to value.