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Peugeot models, news & reviews
3
Handling
4
Performance
2
Usability
Feelgood factor
Readers' rating
2.5
By Richard Aucock
First Drives
07 July 2008 09:24
Peugeot doesn’t really do facelifts. Look at any model over the years, and there is rarely any mid-life new radicalism. But even by these standards, the ‘new’ 407 is hard to spot. New bumpers include a 308-style rear diffuser. All models get the colour-coding previously restricted to V6 models. And – we're struggling here – the tail lights are new.
You reckon? Okay, the 407's massive front overhang is available with much-needed parking sensors, and 18-inch wheels now ruin the ride of the 2.2 HDI, not just the V6. And there are new colours. Oh, and the grille is different too – it seems people didn’t like seeing the cooling fans through it (what, you wonder, do they think a grille is for…).
We’re hardly talking a revolution here; even the revised 407's interior, save for some piano black dash trim and different upholsteries, is the same as before. Which means dated and button-laden, in our view.
Gone are the days when the 405/406/407 made up the bulk of Peugeot's sales. Ninety percent of UK registrations are for fleet sales and the majority of buyers are downsizing, buying German premium makes, or picking cooler SUVs, MPVs or cabrios instead.
So far in 2008, Peugeot has barely sold 2400 of the 407 in the UK. And because it's (relatively) small fry, Peugeot hasn't spent much on the facelift.
There are, however, some mechanical tweaks. So a Euro V emissions-compliant diesel comes later this summer – the 2.0 HDI has software tweaks to give 140bhp, improve economy, plus reduce emissions and noise.
Click 'Next' to read our on-road driving impressions of the facelifted 407
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Peugeot 407 1.6 HDI (2008) CAR review
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rastus407 says
RE: Peugeot 407 1.6 HDI (2008) CAR review
Regarding the 407- I have 2l HDI SW- ride and handling were much improved by filling tyres with nitrogen at Kwikfit- tyre pressure very stable for 12 months- no annoying warnings from pressure monitors- 2.8 bar in front tyres seems to work well.
23 July 2010 17:29
nigel15 says
RE: Peugeot 407 1.6 HDI CAR review
Finally one of the rare very positive reports about 407, congratulations Car magazine. My experience after initial perplexion because of relative indirectness of the steering at slower speeds in comparison to sporty Peugeots of the past, got so much better. Now I have discovered its capabilities, I can say I did not think I would ever value it so highly. It has very neutral handling(despite strong Hdi engine in the front), where ESP actuation can be prevented through use of braking in corners, full throttle on the exit of the corner or similar. At slower speeds ride in fact is not cushionlike like Peugeots of past, but high speeds is what 407 is made for. Than sophisticated chassis shows its metier, steering becoming more direct too. Comparative new Audi A4 pretends it is a sporty car until 6 tenths, but after that it falls into pieces. For 407 can be said the opposite, if driven properly it is capable of much higher speeds in corners, and having more sophisticated suspension it has much calmer ride at high speeds. The only problem is most of the drivers will rarely feel it, even if the road conditions allow it. One very important suggestion-steering feel on 17 inch tyres is so much improved with Michelin Pilot Exaltos in comparison to the disappointing original Pirellis. Also tyre pressure is very important, so when the driver is alone it is higher for the front tyres.
Finally one of the rare very positive reports about 407, congratulations Car magazine. My experience after initial perplexion because of relative indirectness of the steering at slower speeds in comparison to sporty Peugeots of the past, got so much better. Now I have discovered its capabilities, I can say I did not think I would ever value it so highly.
It has very neutral handling(despite strong Hdi engine in the front), where ESP actuation can be prevented through use of braking in corners, full throttle on the exit of the corner or similar. At slower speeds ride in fact is not cushionlike like Peugeots of past, but high speeds is what 407 is made for. Than sophisticated chassis shows its metier, steering becoming more direct too. Comparative new Audi A4 pretends it is a sporty car until 6 tenths, but after that it falls into pieces. For 407 can be said the opposite, if driven properly it is capable of much higher speeds in corners, and having more sophisticated suspension it has much calmer ride at high speeds. The only problem is most of the drivers will rarely feel it, even if the road conditions allow it.
One very important suggestion-steering feel on 17 inch tyres is so much improved with Michelin Pilot Exaltos in comparison to the disappointing original Pirellis. Also tyre pressure is very important, so when the driver is alone it is higher for the front tyres.
27 September 2009 23:47
toofartoofast says
Bought an 07 plate 407 136 hdi SE last week. Very impressed. No its not a Mondeo (yawn) or a Passat (dull) or an Insignia (expensive)but it goes well enough, rides well, does 45mpg and boy was it cheap. Don't ignore the 407, if you can get past the big gob, its good!
12 August 2008 17:44
jer says
I've been recommending 407s to people wanting a mid size car but not wanting to spend German money for years, they've been a bit of a sleeper and SH are a bargain. bear in mind though it's a saloon with marginal space. The facelift should have introduced folding rear seats.
15 July 2008 11:07
livc44411 says
I quite like the 308 Jacomoseven,I think it looks more purposeful and sporty than the 307 ever did,it looks more of a quality item but its also all in the eye of the beholder I suppose...As for the rear,I thought the same thing the very first time I saw one real life but strange how no-one has complained this time round...
09 July 2008 18:06
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