Review
The 407's sleek styling made quite a splash when it was first introduced, and it's still enough to set it apart from most of its dowdy rivals in the hard-fought large hatchback segment.
Not that the nose-heavy design is likely to win universal admiration, but at least the Peugeot is trying to be different. Inside the cabin feels far more conservative, with lots of shiny plastic and some very cheap-feeling switchgear. Good noise insulation makes the 407 an accomplished mile-muncher, but the driving position feels cramped for taller pilots and the sporty lines limit practicality with poor rear seat accommodation and a tight-feeling boot in the hatchback. Even the estate feels cramped compared to boxier segment rivals although the two-door coupe is respectably spacious by the standards of such things.
On the road the 407's chassis offers reasonably enthusiastic reactions, although the dynamic experience is marred by numb-feeling power steering. The ride can get clunky over low speed bumps, too. Engine choice is pretty comprehensive and buyers can decide between one of four petrol motors and four diesels. Of these, the basic 1.8 litre petrol engine feels slightly underpowered but the rest all offer respectable performance. However the vast majority of punters will opt for one of the punchy, economical diesels - the basic 1.6 unit is particularly frugal.