Peugeot 407 Review
Published: 17th January 2005
Peugeot 407
Comfort and Refinement
The front seats ensure comfortable posture thanks to their ergonomic design and generous range of adjustment. Unfortunately the 407's seat recline is altered by a lever rather than a rotary dial and this is one of our pet hates about seat design. We can only assume that it is a cost issue, we are very fidgety at carpages.co.uk and we are always finding that we need to adjust the drivers seat; until we find the optimum position, then when it is achieved inevitably we change drivers. Levers are dangerous and you cannot adjust the seat on the move in case you end up facing the roof flat on your back. We wish car manufacturers would stop this practice - rant over!!
Otherwise we found the 407 to be very comfortable and both head and leg room is excellent all round. The driver and front passenger seats have fore / aft adjustment and the drivers seat is height adjustable with lumbar support. The leather trimmed steering wheel is adjustable for height and reach enabling you to attain the perfect driving position.
The 2.2 SE model we tested was fitted with dual climate control, so that the driver and front seat passenger can select their own temperature choice. The car also featured all round electric windows, both one shot up and down - powered folding door mirrors, so that you can fit into a garage or protect your mirrors when parked. Follow me home headlights are standard - so you are not left in the dark after exiting your car. The driver’s rear view mirror automatically dims at night, so that you are not dazzled by following motorists. The headlights automatically come on when you enter a tunnel or at dusk. And should it rain the wipers automatically come on, and select the appropriate wiping pattern, matched to speed and rain flow.
How It Looks - Exterior
'Purposeful' is the word that best describes the exterior styling of the 407. The stylists have created a balance that is achieved through a long bonnet and a compact rear. Viewed from any angle, the 407 has uncluttered, taut lines and possesses a look that is truly unique in the market place
One thing that Peugeot have always done well is to produce cars that are avantgarde. But there has to be conformity otherwise, the generally conservative British public are not going to drive their cars. Unlike Renault who plough ahead with models such as the Vel-Statis and Avantime, both ahead of their time in design, but do not sell.
There is no doubt that from the outside it is instantly recognisable as a Peugeot - from the front grille to the rear badge. We liked the exterior which is elegant, yet sharp, more coupe like than saloon. It is very hard to believe Ferrari’s favourite design house Pininfarina did not pen the 407 - rather it was done in house.
