3 or 4 years ago, I shared a Peugeot 407SW with a couple of friends over a few days while holidaying in Spain. It was a HDI, 4 cylinder turbo charged direct injection. I don't remember the exact engine specs, but power was ok. What I do remember is that although I had liked the 407SW when it was launched, I grew very critical of the car over course of these days. We had trouble parking the car because the huge front overhang which made curbs very challenging. And I couldn't find a comfortable drivers position. I love panorama glass roofs, but as I couldn't properly sit in the rear, I was excluded from enjoying the view. Driving was ok, but uninspired.
So when this year Europcar upgraded my rental to a Peugeot 407SW, the agency employee was quite surprised that I expressed disappointment about the ride. And I didn't get a Diesel but a normal Petrol engine. I didn't check the papers for the specs as most rentals are boring and feature packages and engines that I never would buy anyway, so why bother. Not surprisingly, I didn't like the spongy and anti-rev engine. It was coupled to a manual which did the job without being a nuisance.
What surprised me was the handling which was maybe not really sporty but overall was far better than the 407 I remembered from those days in Spain. Even more surprisingly, after the kids of my sister got in the back of the car I had to move the seat forward and found that this was a far more satisfying driver's position. The steering feel was quite good for a boring family cruiser, I particularly liked the steering rim thickness. Unfortunately the steering wheel was wrapped in displeasing plastic.
The front overhang had improved a little. I think Peugeot had slightly lifted the front spoiler from the version a couple of years ago, as well as rounded the edges. Therefore there is less risk of scratching the front bumper. Or does my memory fail me?
The big problem is however that as an estate / wagon, the Peugeot disappoints. Looks are interesting, but space is restricted. Open the hatch and you will be surpised how little the boot has to offer.
The navi is somewhat unusual. The screen is bright but I couldn't find a way to change the type of map display. Therefore the map always was shown in a north facing way which is particularly irritating if you are driving south.
After returning the car, I couldn't help wondering about driving the car with a petrol V6 and leather trim. And I am sure that it could be had for far less than the sticker price, because this type of big engine French car is loosing value faster than anything else, it should be a steal as a 3+ year old used car. Not because the engines are bad, but the combination is just not attractive in the used car market and therefore a 407SW V6 are a great bargain for conoisseurs. Peugeot is not offering that V6 engine in the 407 range anylonger and apparently even the V6 Diesel is only available in some countries like the UK and Germany. If you care for a Diesel, maybe you should check out the "RC Line" edition, all black inside-out with nicely Club Sport-like stitched leather and black 18' alloys. As far as I know, the RC-Line was only available in combination with the stronger Diesels.
I usually love coupés, but I don't care much about the current 407 coupé. For an elegant design to work, the front wheels are just too far away from the front of the car. Fortunately this cab forward style is becoming unfashionable.
Anyway, now that the 407 is at the end of the production life cycle, it has become an interesting alternative for used car punters. But... spend a few couple of thousand Euro more and you get get a Ford S-Max with a great 5 cylinder 225 HP, much, much, much more room and possibly more fun. Or how about an BMW-Alpina E39 5 series Touring. Slightly older but classy looking and quite practical, a B10 V8 is definitely fun.
Or spend a few thousand less and get a nice Vel Satis! How about it?
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