When a manufacturer decides to stop producing petrol variants on one of its most popular model range, you know they are taking the economic climate very seriously. Well, that is exactly what Peugeot have done in the revamp of the 407 SW range for 2009.
The SW is the estate version of the 407. There are four trims, S, SR, SE and top of the range GT that was the trim I was privy too, mated to various diesels engines including the 2.2 litre HDi that was in the heart of my test car for this week. Prices start from just over £17,000 rising to £26,695 for the V6 2.7 litre HDi diesel with the test car I was driving £24,495.
The exterior styling takes the same characteristics as the 407 saloon at the front with those stunning large jewel like Xenon headlight clusters that have become Peugeots new ‘trademark’ along with the large smiley re-designed air intake consisting of a triple row of horizontal chrome bars crossed with vertical chrome bars. 17-inch alloy wheels are standard along with body coloured door handles, protection strips and door mirrors that are also electrically adjustable heated and fold when parked. The SW is fitted with a panoramic glass roof that looks fabulous, floods the cabin with light and keeps the children amused for ages. The rear has been re-styled and now has a lower rear panel and new light clusters. The optional extra on this car was metallic paint at £375.
Whilst the price tag may appear to be expensive for an estate, this GT model is heavily laden with goodies. All seats are leather with the front seats electrically adjustable and heated. The RT5 Multi Media system colour satellite navigation, GSM phone and MP3 music storage has everything you need and if heated arguments occur over what to play, the dual zone climate control should cool everyone down a bit. The leather steering wheel has remote to the said audios as well as cruise control and is a bit complicated so spend time getting au-fair with all the controls before setting off. The instrument panel has been re-sculptured to be more driver friendly and lashings of chrome has been injected all around the cabin giving a feeling of quality.
Helping the driver is automatic windscreen wipers, automatic headlights on, front and rear electric windows, front fog lights, front and rear parking aids plus a very useful tyre pressure-warning sensor.
The 2179 cc diesel engine is pretty punchy sprinting from 0-62mph in just 9 seconds and claims a top speed of 137 mph. Yet fuel consumption is a healthy 45.5-mpg on a combined cycle with further savings to be had, as the CO2 emissions are 165g/km thus falls into VED band D at £145. The six speed manual transmission races through the gears and delivers a very smooth and pleasant drive while the electro hydraulic power steering will glide you beautifully into the numerous parking bays for you can shop till you drop in this SW thanks to the huge boot. This has that oh so useful tailgate window opening so you can simply pop smaller items into the boot without having to lift the whole tailgate.
Being as SW and effectively an estate means there are numerous storage solutions all over the cabin from door pockets, cup holders, large glovebox and bins in the front armrest. For the rear passengers are the rear centre armrest that opens into the boot for long object like skis or makes a great hiding place for the children. The modularity of the 2/3-1/3 folding rear seats on all versions allow for a virtually flat floor aligned with the boot. Combined the ‘modular’ front passenger seat which folds horizontally onto the seat cushion, provides beneficial solutions for the occasional transportation of long objects.
With five Euro NCAP stars in the test of adult occupants, the 407 offers great protection thanks to the front structure with double impact absorption structures, retractable steering and genuine interior shield. In addition are nine air bags including a steering column air bag, active head rests preventing whiplash, seat belts that maintain and respect the body with fasten seat belt warnings. ESP is standard while the brakes are made up of ABS, EBFD and EBA.
Specifically for child protection, two Isofix seats can be installed in the rear outer seats, while electrically-operated locking of the rear doors and windows is available on all versions and de-activation of the front passenger air bag allows the installation of a rear-facing child seat. No wonder the 407 notched up four stars for child protection and two stars for pedestrian protection. Securing the 407 comes in the guises of an ultrasonic alarm, and remote central locking with deadlocks. Insurance groups for the update are still TBA but the outgoing model fell into group 14E. The new Peugeot 407 SW is a distinctive looking estate and it is about time these types of cars are given a shimmer of glamour. For the more cost conscious family, the entry level S on the 1.6 diesel engines at £17,295 is an impressive option.
Jackie Violet - Female First