Let’s get it out in the open… The Peugeot 407 two-door is a very attractive coupé, but it’s not a sports car! Its styling certainly attracts second glances from passers by, although critics will argue that the low-slung profile accentuates the car’s long front end and gaping grille. The rear of the car is very racy, almost Nascar or Skyline GTR-like thanks to the sporty bumper. Beautiful rims, a recessed rear window and gills on the front bumper help to dress the 407 up as a sports car, but that’s as far as the illusion goes.
The Pug is so well padded (insulated from road and mechanical noise) that you don’t experience the 3,0-litre V6’s aural characteristics to the fullest. The familiar PSA powerplant is ever-willing (produces 155 kW and peak torque of 290 N.m), adequately responsive and hustles the sizeable 407 coupé body along without complaint. However, the gearlever’s travel distances between (six) cogs are too long and shifts work best when you drive in a relaxed manner. Braking feels a bit remote, but it’s still reasonable by passenger car standards. The car’s turn-in is direct and the steering nicely weighted, yet the 407 coupé feels like a noticeably bigger car than some its rivals and simply doesn’t beg you to drive it enthusiastically.
Having said that, if I had to pick a R350k car with which to undertake a long journey, the 407 Coupé would be near the top of my list. Its interior is plush, almost Swedish in its simplicity and the cabin airy. The switchgear is very neat and well-illuminated – if a little fiddly (overly detailed) to some – and I particularly liked the unbroken stretches of brushed aluminium in the doors and simple steering wheel (the multifunction controls are on a stalk). Furthermore, the car’s luggage capacity is good, rear passenger space reasonable and there is a long list of standard equipment to be had with this flagship 407 model.
Boy racers need not apply. It’s hard to judge outright performance capabilities of the Pug because it is such a refined package. The car positively glides over the road and absorbs imperfections and bumps with ease. It is a grand tourer and ideal for those who have owned sports cars, but have grown weary of their shortcomings… I can’t see many young blokes or gals falling into that category.
In conclusion, the 407 Coupé is a very good all-rounder and will appeal to those who seek a sophisticated cruiser with stand-out styling, but also the ability to push on with confidence if required. Given its refinement and grace, I would’ve preferred the 3,0 V6 to be mated with an auto ‘box – most people probably will.