THE bold front-end is reminiscent of a Ferrari the suave, ultra cab-forward style is very much in keeping with current Peugeot practices. So, also, are the almost-obsessive attention to passenger comfort, and the accomplished chassis that combines ride quality with sharp handling. Something that hasn’t been a strength – in mid-size V6 Peugeots at least – is responsive engine performance. It is now, however, via a new six-speed automatic transmission that actually proves to be quite intuitive, better able to extract power from the 155kW engine and smooth-shifting into the bargain. The new 407 is in a tough segment of the car market, but it tackles it with style and substance.
Peugeot 406 sedan
Released: August 99
Ended: September 04
Family Tree: 407The all-new 407’s direct predecessor is the 406, which appeared here in September 1996, with the coupe launched in October 1997. Both models were superseded by the facelifted D9 version in August 1999, while an optional automatic transmission was offered in the turbo-diesel ST HDi sedan (and reintroduced wagon) from June 2001. Prior to that was the 405, first released Down Under in February 1989. Four years later the 405 sedan was offered with turbo-diesel power, which also graced the 405 wagon in 1995 (both models known as SRDTs).
Road Test
Facebook Twitter Instagram