Peugeot 407 Review
Published: 17th January 2005
Peugeot 407
Ease of Use
The Peugeot 407 is a very intuitive car to drive and visibility is good all round. The cabin is uncluttered, and ergonomically laid out. The controls are easy to use but we found some of the switchgear confusing to operate on the move, as there are just too many buttons that can be pressed, which is especially true when the telematics option is added into the equation.
It is a shame that the 407 is not available as a hatchback, although we were impressed by the amount of flat packed furniture that we could fit into the car with the 60/40 split rear seats folded down, although, we could not fit our television in, because it wouldn’t fit through the boot opening. Perhaps we should have opted for the 407 Station Wagon when moving house. The rear bench seat, splits 2/3 - 1/3 and can be folded to suit space requirements without having to remove the head restraints.
The boot is cavernous and comprises of a large luggage area with two self-contained storage spaces to the side. Its generous width of 1,100 mm is made possible by the multi-arm rear suspension with dampers that are inclined rearwards. Two large suitcases can comfortably be placed side by side or on top of one another.
On a practical level Peugeot have incorporated a wealth of thoughtful interior features including cruise control with speed limiter, electric folding door mirrors, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, one-touch electric front windows with anti pinch feature, automatic headlamps, automatic rain sensing front wipers, electrochrome rear view mirror, 12v accessory power point for row 1 & 2, boot net, door sill illumination, enclosed storage compartment to the right of steering wheel, front & rear door storage bins, front and rear interior courtesy lights, front centre armrest with storage compartment and retractable cupholder, interior boot light and rear centre armrest with storage compartment, 2 cupholder recesses and a lockable glovebox.
Safety and Security 
The Peugeot 407 has been awarded a Euro NCAP rating of 5 stars.
Along with the other six airbags our test car was even fitted with a steering column airbag, which prevents knee injuries in the event of a serious impact. We would have liked to have seen the rear side airbags as standard rather than an option, although there are curtain bags along the whole length of the passenger compartment.
The 2.2 SE features ESP (electronic stability programme), front driver and passenger airbags, side and curtain airbags plus a steering column airbag. Remote controlled central door locking with an ultrasonic alarm (Thatcham Category 1).
Each of the four passenger seats can accommodate a child seat, while both rear outer seats have special fittings for the installation and secure attachment of ISOFIX child seats.
The following additional safety & security equipment is standard on the 407 SE 2.2: automatic door re- locking (if door not opened in 30 seconds), automatic locking of doors, boot/ tailgate and fuel filler flap when driving over 6mph, electrically powered rear door child safety locks, locking wheel bolts for alloy wheels, multi function high frequency plip key, remote control central locking with deadlocks, rolling code transponder immobiliser, security coded in car entertainment, visible VIN number, ABS with EBFD and Emergency Brake Assist, active front seat head restraints, door and boot/ tailgate ajar warning indicator, ESP, with ASR, CBC and Dynamic Stability Control, front seat belt not fastened warning (audible warning and warning light), fuel cut off inertia switch, height adjustable front seat belts, pre-tensioning and force limiting seat belts for front seats, three point inertia reel seat belts on all seats, front fog lights and tyre pressure sensor.
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