Shark-like 407 holds its own

Dec 1 2008 Peter Hayward

AMID all the hype about Vauxhall's new Insignia and Ford's excellent latest Mondeo, Peugeot's shark-like 407 has taken a back seat.

But in this class where so many are company cars, the big Peugeot holds its own without any bother at all.

The best seller is probably the 1.6 diesel I drove some time ago, but I have also recently spent time with the 2.0-litre oil burner and if it fits into your price range, don't buy anything else until you've tried it.

It really is a cracking car to drive and most owners and users are going to get well over 40mpg in the real world with a careful foot on the accelerator.

It's no slouch, with a sub-10 second time from zero to 60 miles an hour, and even better punch in the low to mid-range where you need it most out on the road.

Comfort is marvellous and road holding and handling are right up there with the good ones.

Interior

Trim quality around the interior is excellent and there's plenty of space for five.

In a world of hatchbacks, it's also good to see someone sticking to the more secure saloon format.

Equipment is excellent and safety is right up with the very best.

FAST FACTS

Peugeot 407 SE HDi 4dr

Price : £20,695

Mechanical : 140bhp, 1,997cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 129mph

0-62mph : 9.8 secs

Combined mpg : 49.5

Insurance group : 12

CO2 emissions : 150g/km

BiK rating : 20%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust

Marks : 9/10

Main rival : Ford Mondeo