Peugeot's 407 Coupé must have reached the halfway point in its life cycle, because the French firm has seen fit to overhaul it. The biggest news is the addition of a pair of new diesel engines that are slower, noisier, emit more CO2 and cost more in VED tax.
Not. They're cleaner and quicker obviously. The 2.0-litre HDi diesel generates its peak 163bhp at just 3,750rpm and has 251lb.ft of twist between 2,000- and 3,000rpm. Its combined cycle economy is 52.3mpg, with CO2 set at 140g/km - an 8.5 percent reduction over the outgoing 2.0-litre HDi claims Peugeot.
Then there's a flagship 3.0-litre diesel, which comes with a six-speed sequential auto 'box as standard and produces 241bhp at 3,800rpm. It gets a tree-tearing 332lb.ft of torque, all available from the depths of the rev range - 1,600rpm, to be precise. The benchmark 0-62mph disappears in 7.7-seconds, it's capable of 39.2mpg and emits 189g/km. That's a full 36g/km less than the outgoing 2.7-litre HDi unit.
What else then? Well, not much actually. It gets some chrome trim around the side windows, bigger wing mirrors and the satnav option includes Bluetooth as standard now. It'll cost you £22,990 for HDi 163 in Sport trim and £27,490 for a 3.0-litre HDi Sport.
Mark Nichol - 8 Jul 2009