Once a year, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (
SMMT) round up the UK press offices and a selection of their fleet cars for a one-day event at the Millbrook Proving Ground. It's a chance to catch up on colleagues and new personnel as well as an opportunity to drive some of the latest vehicles on the high-speed bowl and entertaining 'Hill Route'.
Some outlets write full 'road tests' from the day's activities, though time in each car is fairly limited. This year I got behind the wheel of no less than 25 different cars, which goes to show perhaps how little time I did spend in each, though that included at least one lap of the challenging Hill Route in each car. There are so many new cars being launched this year that we thought it would be worth compiling my first impressions on these cars. Many we will test in depth at a later date.
Peugeot 407 Coupe
Model tested: Peugeot 407 Coupe 2.2 SE
Price: £24,225 on-the-road.
0-62mph: 9.2 seconds
Top speed: 138mph
Combined economy: 30.7mpg
Kerb weight: 1600kg
Relevant links:
All Peugeot road tests.
We'll be testing the top of the range V6 407 Coupe later this summer, but it was still worthwhile taking a closer look at Peugeot's new looker. The 407 Coupe's styling will divide opinion I think, with some great angles (such as the rear three quarters), but exaggerated overhangs and a gaping mouth grille shared with the saloon and
407 SW. At least the designers have made an attempt to disguise the long chin with sporty 'gills' in front of the rear wheels.
Once sat inside, it is clear that Peugeot has gone to great lengths to deliver a quality car, with the Coupe instantly feeling like a car in a class above the saloon variant. It is comfortable too, though don't expect acres of rear room, despite being based on the same structure as the
Citroen C6 - it's got a shorter wheelbase. On the Hill Route, it is obvious that the chassis is set for comfort above driving enjoyment, though the 407 is quite capable, just a little soft. I'm looking forward to having a V6 under that long bonnet too as the 2.2-litre four-cylinder I tried felt uninspiring, despite the lower kerb weight in comparison to the more powerful derivatives.
Shane O' Donoghue - 13 Jun 2006