A new trim level on the 407 range, the Sport XS, combines the 2.2-litre HDi 170 diesel engine with a sportier exterior. In addition to the equipment found on the standard 407 SW Sport, the Sport XS features 18-inch 'Soleil' alloy wheels (as found on the V6 HDi versions), front bumper spoilers, a rear tailgate spoiler, twin sports exhaust and a sports mesh front grille. The 407 SW Sport XS will be available in just four metallic colours: Onyx Black, Aluminium, Iron Grey and Halcyon Blue. All 407 SW Sport XS models will come with 'Zino' half-leather interior as standard, or with optional full leather in either Mistral Black or Cerbere Red. Finally the new RT4 Multi-Media system is available to order for £995.

The 2.2-litre HDi 170 diesel engine is a further evolution (the fourth phase of the diesel engine cooperation between PSA Peugeot Citroen and the Ford Motor Company since 1998) of the existing 2.2-litre DW12 TED4 engine. With four valves per cylinder, direct injection and two fixed geometry turbochargers, this engine is fully compliant with Euro 4 regulations yet develops 168bhp and the maximum torque of 277lb.ft is achieved at just 1500rpm. The turbochargers operate sequentially; the first is a low inertia type and operates up to 2700rpm giving an immediate response to the throttle pedal. The second, smaller turbocharger seamlessly kicks in at higher engine speeds to provide good top-end performance as well.

With a standard six-speed manual gearbox, the 407 SW Sport XS has a maximum speed of 137mph, with 0-62mph taking just 9 seconds. As it's a diesel, the economy is top notch with a Combined Cycle figure of 45.5mpg.

As with all the Peugeot 407 range, the 407 SW Sport XS has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating thanks in part to seven airbags.

The price of the 407 SW Sport XS starts at £23,995 on-the-road.

Trevor Nicosia - 23 Feb 2007