Peugeot's previous large family car, the 406, sired one of the prettiest coupes of its generation. The Pininfarina penned car was a true beauty and sold accordingly with buyers seduced by the looks alone equally pleased to find a decent driving machine lying under the skin. The new 407 Coupe features significant dynamic advances over the 406; a chassis aimed at improved handling lies beneath a contemporary body (equally as striking as its predecessor) that houses a vastly improved interior.
The Coupe shares the same mouth agape face as the 407 saloon and
SW. In fact, as far back as the A-pillar, the cars look very similar; but from there things are different. More rakish lines, befitting of a coupe, are instantly evident in profile, although the front overhang does rather dominate proceedings. The rear end is nice as well, LED effect lighting adding to a smooth sculpted shape that flows from the rear buttresses. It isn't a classic beauty by any means but it is very distinctive and you can't help but gawp at it out of the office window, or sneak glances in large shop windows while you pass.
Peugeot says the styling is "Ferrari inspired" and indeed you can see some of the cues as a result, but there are details aplenty that are reminiscent of other coupes. Looking at the car through the lens of a camera these are isolated down to single elements such as Aston Martin rear lights for example. It stays just on the right side of being overly fussy in our eyes.
Opening the huge doors the interior is a pleasant surprise given the external profile. Spacious and light, there is plenty of space for four adults and a large boot for their luggage. The leather seats are comfortable, with electric adjustment and heating, and they provide support in the right places. The well finished leather trim also extends into the door linings and dashboard and is complemented well by the finishing of the soft plastics and crafted aluminium trim.
The minor controls are mainly around the centre console with interfaces for the upgraded JBL audio system, excellent dual-zone air conditioning, phone and integrated satnav all accessed via the screen using a series of short cut buttons and menus. The stereo also has controls mounted on the steering column, along with cruise control, to minimise driver distraction. It all adds up to a nice place to be while accumulating miles.
Turning the key of this petrol V6 model resulted in a slight murmur from under the bonnet. The engine is very well isolated, in fact all but silent at idle, the tachometer needle being the main indication that the engine is running. Slotting the automatic gearshift into drive and easing on the throttle the 407 steps away smartly and silently. Performance is not startling, the 407's fairly portly kerb weight taking the edge off the 211bhp the three-litre V6 pushes out.
The six-speed auto shifts smoothly in most contexts although it can be a little reluctant to kick down or hold onto a gear unless the driver is aggressive with the throttle. We found judicious use of sport mode, or the manual Tiptronic mode, was the best way of merging with motorway traffic or overtaking.
Surprisingly, that V6 engine feels a little short on torque at times as well and needs to be worked hard to produce a turn of speed, emitting a suitably refined roar as you do so. Peugeot quotes 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds and a maximum of 146mph which are adequate rather than benchmark figures. This isn't a car for sprinting though; it is much more of a cruiser and a wafter. It's a smooth, quiet and refined car in almost all conditions, ideal for long distance travel, GT style.
Interestingly, the 407 Coupe is also available with an excellent 2.7-litre V6 diesel, as found under the bonnet of the hugely refined
Jaguar S-Type. We can't help thinking that that torquey engine may suit the Coupe's character even better than the petrol. It should also improve significantly on the petrol's economy figures.
On the road the 407 Coupe drives well. The steering is light, but direct and the auto box makes for a very relaxing driving experience. The brake pedal is (unusually for a Peugeot) a little mushy but for the most part the controls are good to use. Passengers enjoy an equally comforting journey thanks to generous interior space and quality.
The Coupe features switchable damping with automatic and sport settings. For most conditions auto works well, adapting quickly and working well around town and on bumpy surfaces. Where road conditions allow the sports setting offers a stiffer setup allowing the driver to exploit the Coupe's sportier side to the full. The 407 is no sports car or pulse racing back-road charger, but it is competent and enjoyable in the right circumstances. The Coupe's main strengths lie in fast sweeping roads and motorway cruising.
It should be noted that the rakish lines make for a car that can be a little challenging to position on the road, at least in confined spaces, something borne out by the standard parking sensors fore and aft. Sat low in the body the driver can see very little of the extremities of the car from the driving seat, and the mirrors offer little assistance in tight gaps. You have no choice but to drive with due caution with the preservation of that far flung front overhang and sculpted rear end in mind.
For those looking for a more traditional GT coupe with good manners and relaxed continent crushing cruising ability the 407 is a breath of fresh air. Not as sporting as something such as the equally stylish
350Z it offers a cosseting ride and refinement the Nissan simply cannot.
Scouring the new car lists it is clear the 407 Coupe offers something different in the class. Compromising outright sporting ability for traditional GT virtues in a distinctive and stylish body, the 407 lines up against opposition such as the Mercedes-Benz CLK rather than overtly dynamic cars such as the Nissan 350Z.
In isolation, £29k looks like a lot of money for a Peugeot, but once driven the comparison with the CLK becomes a valid one, and a contest that the 407 could win in many buyers' eyes. It's a fine GT in the classic sense; elegant and soothing. The personality matches the looks.
Peugeot 407 Coupe UK range overview
- Peugeot 407 Coupé S 2.2 Petrol 6 speed manual : £21,925
- Peugeot 407 Coupé SE 2.2 Petrol 6 speed manual : £24,225
- Peugeot 407 Coupé SE 3.0 V6 Petrol 6 speed manual : £26,745
- Peugeot 407 Coupé SE 3.0 V6 Petrol 6 speed automatic : £27,745
- Peugeot 407 Coupé GT 3.0 V6 Petrol 6 speed manual : £28,445
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Peugeot 407 Coupé GT 3.0 V6 Petrol 6 speed automatic : £29,445
- Peugeot 407 Coupé SE V6 HDi 6 speed automatic : £29,245
- Peugeot 407 Coupé GT V6 HDi 6 speed automatic : £30,945
