Peugeot’s eye-catching 407 saloon has been launched in South Africa and, based on the Elixir concept, comes loaded with features, a choice of three petrol engines and a Ferrari-like front end!
Peugeot’s eye-catching 407 saloon has been launched in South Africa and, based on the Elixir concept, comes loaded with features, a choice of three petrol engines and a Ferrari-like front end!
The 407’s front end, with its low sloping nose, gaping air scoop and enormous Peugeot badge, strikes quite an imposing figure on the road. Initially, customers have a choice of three petrol engines in the 2,0-litre ST Comfort, the 2,2-litre ST Sport and the 3,0-litre V6 ST Executive, while a 2,0-litre diesel derivative should be available by the end of the year.
The four-cylinder 2,0-litre 16-valve engine produces 100 kW at 6 000 r/min and 190 N.m at 4 100 r/min. With 170 N.m of torque available at 1 800 r/min, the vehicle should have excellent flexibility at low engine speeds while power is directed to the front wheels via the manual five-speed gearbox. A four-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.
The 2,2-litre engine develops 116 kW and 217 N.m at 5 650 and 3 900 r/min respectively, and the 3,0-litre V6 powerplant used in the top-of-the-range models develops 155 kW at 6 000 r/min and 290 N.m of torque at 3 750 r/min.
A six-speed manual transmission is fitted into the 2,2-litre while the V6 comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Peugeot’s 407 uses double wishbone suspension at the front and multi-link rear suspension, instead of the struts used on its predecessor, the 406. Equipped with a host of safety features, the 407 recently received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP.
All models are fitted with ABS, EBD, EBA and ESP as standard as well as hazard lights that automatically activate under emergency braking. Driver and front passenger airbags, a steering column airbag, side airbags in the seats and side curtain airbags are just some of the features on the 407. The front passenger’s airbag can be deactivated to accommodate a child seat, while both side rear seats come equipped with Isofix fittings.
The 2,2 ST Sport has standard electric front seats, rear parking sensors a leather trimmed interior. The Executive model has a full leather interior and comes with heated front seats.
Other features include automatic climate control, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, an on-board computer, tyre pressure sensors and follow-me-home lights.
The Peugeot 407’s pricing starts at R217 900 for the 2,0 ST Comfort (R229 900 for the automatic version), R249 900 for the 2,2 ST Sport and R309 900 for the 3,0 ST Executive.
The 407 is covered by a three year/100 000 km factory warranty and a five year/100 000 km maintenance plan. Services are required at 30 000 km intervals and Peugeot Assistance offers roadside assistance.
