Peugeot 4007 DCS (2009) CAR review

How about the rest of it?

Par for the 4007 course – which is a good thing. Few mid-size SUVs are quite so practical, thanks to seven seats (even if the rearmost bench is more jump-seat than loungechair), a split tailgate with Range Rover-style gin terrace, sliding rear seats that fold and flip at the touch of a button in the loadbay, and a big, square boot. There’s loads of room in the passenger compartment too.

Recent tweaks include a few splashes of chrome about the dash, and GT spec glues a few leather swatches about the place, but it’s still very plasticky and lightweight-feeling.

It drives well though. The steering is remarkably high-geared for an SUV, and very linear in its response. You sit quite high yet there’s little roll, and the ride feels well-damped and buoyant.

It’s showing its age in terms of motorway refinement though, with too much road noise on coarse surfaces, and dominant wind noise at a cruise.

Verdict

Despite its obvious appeal as a self-shifter, DCS fails to show the 4007 in its best light. It’s a decent drive despite it, while economy and emissions suffer slightly too. It’s difficult to recommend when the manual drives so well – and the near-£28k asking seems very steep. Best bet? Enjoy the 4007’s arch practicality and engaging drive, but shift ratios yourself and spend as little as possible. You can definitely live without that leather-edged dashboard, too.

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