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2004 Peugeot 407

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Wheels24 deputy editor Wilmer Muller is currently at the Media launch of the new vehicle, and will give his driving impressions tomorrow. But here are some details to whet your appetite.

The 407 reveals a new identity for the French marque, based on its large air intake and large headlamps.

There's also a long bonnet and a compact rear, rounded off by 2.75m² of glass surface.

With its sleek and slender lines and large inclined windscreen, the 407 has already been described as one of the most beautiful cars ever to come from France.

Initially, customers will have a choice of three petrol engine models. They are the 2-litre ST Comfort, the 2.2 ST Sport, and the 3-litre V6 ST Executive. A 2-litre diesel is in the pipeline before the end of the year.

Entry model

The 4-cylinder 2-litre, 16-valve engine with dual overhead camshafts is rated at 100 kW at 6 000 r/min and 190 Nm of torque at 4 100 r/min. With 170 Nm of torque already available at a low 1 800 r/min it gives the vehicle excellent flexibility at low engine speeds.

Drive is through the front wheels via a manual 5-speed gearbox, or through an electronic 4-speed auto unit.

The 2.2-litre engine is more powerful and develops 116 kW at 5 650 r/min and maximum torque of 217 Nm at 3 900 r/min. Some 92% of maximum torque is available from as low as 2 000 r/min. There's a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The top of the range 407 has a 3-litre V6 with 155 kW and 290 Nm of torque at 6 000 r/min and 3 750 r/min respectively. A 6-speed automatic gearbox is fitted.

To add to this protection, the interior of the 407 is equipped with a host of airbags from front driver and passenger airbags to a steering column airbag, side airbags in the seats, and side curtain airbags.

5-star safety

All these safety features combined allowed the 407 to achieve 5 stars in the stringent European NCAP safety ratings.

The suspension consists of a dual wishbone front axle with drop link, and an integral multi-arm rear suspension with inclined spring and damper assemblies.

Both the 2-litre and 2.2-litre engines make use of an electro-hydraulic power steering system that is controlled according to the speed of the car and the speed of rotation of the steering wheel, while the V6 has variable hydraulic system that takes into account a multitude of data, such as the vehicle speed, engine speed, turning angle and steering wheel manoeuvring speed.

Stopping power will comes from four large discs, the front two ventilated. All three 407 models will feature ABS with electronic brake distribution, plus emergency braking assistance, and the latest generation Electronic Stability Programme.

Inside use of innovative moulding technology means the dashboard and its outer skin and padding can be moulded in one piece, improving the quality of the finish.

Specifications

In keeping with Peugeot's tradition of offerings cars with high specification levels, the 407 is well equipped with additional luxuries and comfort features such as climate controlled aircon, automatic headlights, automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensors, electric foldaway rearview mirrors, a state-of-the-art sound system, an on-board computer, tyre pressure sensors with warning on the instrument panel, and follow-me-home lights.

The 2.2 ST Sport version gets electrically operated front seats, rear parking sensors, and interior with leather trim, while the 3.0 ST Executive is fitted with full leather and heated front seats.

There's a 3-year/100 000 km factory warranty, and 5-year/100 000km full maintenance plan. Service intervals are at 30 000km there's emergency roadside assistance throughout South Africa.

Prices:

Peugeot 407 2.0 ST Comfort R217 900; Peugeot 407 2.0 ST Comfort A/T R229 900; Peugeot 407 2.2 ST Sport R249 900; Peugeot 407 3.0 ST Executive R229 900.

PERFORMANCE

 

2.0 man

2.0 A/T

2.2 man

3.0 A/T

Maximum speed (km/h)

212

206

220

235

0 - 100 km/h (seconds)

10.3

12.2

10.1

9.2

0 - 1000 metres (seconds)

32

33.6

31.5

30.2

CONSUMPTION

Urban (l/100km)

11.4

12.7

12.9

14.5

Inter-urban

6.4

6.4

6.8

7.0

Mixed

8.2

8.7

9.0

9.8

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