I’m embarrassed to admit that the Peugeot 407 Coupé was just another car on my road test vehicle schedule …. until I drove it. Now it’s one of the most enjoyable cars I’ve ever driven and will probably remain on my list of favourites for a very long time.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why I fell in love with it. After all, it boasts so many redeeming features. It’s elegant, stylish, classy, good looking, comfortable, easy to drive, safe, good looking, well proportioned, powerful, technologically advanced …. and did I mention good looking? I realise I’m rambling but if you ever get to drive the 407 Coupé you’ll understand why.

Sexy sculpting

Seen from the outside it’s blatantly clear that Peugeot know how to build coupés. The long and sleek bonnet, large windscreen, the flowing roofline and the sexily sculpted rear end that would make Beyonce hang her head in shame attest to that. And the interior backs this up by providing all the credentials of a genuine contemporary GT touring car. Add to that the latest technology and you have a car that ensures dynamic road holding, guarantees active safety and provides convenience, comfort and oodles of driving pleasure.

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Classy interior

Despite the fact that there are only two doors and loading in the kids meant sliding the front seat forward every time, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the 407 Coupé. The interior is comfortable and spacious and very classy indeed. Of course, it’s packed with all the necessary mod cons such as air-conditioning, a sound system and the like. And I’ll be lying if I said that I didn’t enjoy the admiring glances and occasional winks I got while cruising around.

A great cruise

Actually, cruising is a very good word to describe driving the Peugeot. It’s big and feels solid on the road and although the fact that you can’t see the nose of the car makes parking a bit nerve-racking, power steering ensures that handling isn’t.

Too soft and sleek to be a diesel?

Two engine derivatives are available locally. The first is a 3-litre V6 powerplant developing 155 kW and 290 Nm of torque. And then there’s a 2,7-litre V6 HDi turbodiesel unit.

Peugeot has always been regarded as a leader in diesel engine technology and takes this field of development very seriously. And it shows in the 407 Coupé. After all, it is the result of the company’s research into developing a diesel racing car for the gruelling Le Mans 24-hour endurance race.

With a capacity of 2 720 cc, the HDi engine of the Peugeot beauty develops 150 kW at 4 000 r/min and maximum torque of 440 Nm at just 1 900 r/min. It combines the latest engine technology to offer the highest specification in terms of performance, economy, environmental protection and drivability. And in a first for South Africa, it features a maintenance free particle emission filter that only needs replacing after 220 000 kilometres.

Let me warn you. Don’t be surprised if the petrol attendant is hesitant to fill up your diesel powered 407 Coupé. It’s hard to believe that a car this good looking (there I go again) and quiet can be a diesel. I even got a “jou man gaan die hel in wees as jy diesel in dié kar gooi” when I tried to fill up.

Incidentally, both engines transmit their power to the front wheels via a six-speed gearbox, a manual in the case of the petrol and an automatic in the HDi.

All adds up to a lasting impression

All this said, I haven’t even come close to explaining why the Peugeot 407 Coupé made such a lasting impression with me. The only other thing I can do is urge you to go down to your nearest Peugeot dealership and have a look for yourself. Feast your eyes on its flowing lines, smell the leather interior and sit in those comfortable seats. Then sign on the dotted line and know that the R365 900 or R399 900 you just forked out for the petrol or diesel model respectively will elevate your driving experience to a level of elegance and class you never imagined possible.

You can thank me later.