The last time we drove a Peugeot 407, it was 2005, and it was our
second ever official test car. It was a 2.0-litre version, and while
we didn’t do performance tests back then, it didn’t take a
rocket-scientist to figure out that it was a slow car. Fast-forward
to 2009, and the 407 has received a tiny facelift, and this time we
got a 2.2-litre version. It really is a better car.
Four years after its release, the 407 still manages to look
different from the crowd. Just look at how many cars have pointy
headlights now, including our Chevy Traverse tester. And yet, the
407 retains its special feline looks, with a bumper-mounted grille
and long front-end.
It is impossible to spot the changes up front. I believe there is
possibly a bit more chrome on the grille. Maybe the rubber
side-strips have been painted. But largely, the car is unchanged.
And the front doors remain huge.
The rear simply has white indicator lamps instead of red ones in
the previous model.
Our tester’s interior looked interesting, going for a unique
gloss-black centre-console design. Combined with the tan interior
and wood trim, the entire setup looked classy, especially thanks to
generous use of premium materials. The multimedia/nav screen had an
attractive graphical interface too.
Like any of today’s midsizers, the luggage boot area is generous,
but a Peugeot specialty is big gloveboxes, and the 407 is no
exception. A few large water-bottles can be stuffed in there. And
even the glovebox cover has soft-touch materials on it.
The coupe-like styling results in rear space comparable to that
of some growing compact cars. Today’s oversized Japanese midsize
sedans offer more space.
