The factional disputes in the automotive arena have been going on for a long time. Although the homogenization phenomenon has become more and more serious as the entire industry has become more consolidated, French cars still go their own way, maintaining romantic feelings while defending the arrogant Gallic rooster. As an important member of the French car lineup, Peugeot under PSA has a unique analysis of romance, and the 407 is the leader of the French Lions. The so-called "brothers and sisters", Peugeot has now introduced the core members of the 407 four-door sedan, two-door hardtop sedan (Coupe), and station wagon (SW) into the Chinese market. Although these three heroes have little momentum, their strength should not be underestimated. They are absolute alternatives in the chaotic Chinese car world, and they also protect the dignity of the French romantic faction.
More beautiful than Paris fashion
There is no denying the beauty of the Peugeot 407, like the gorgeous dress of the Champs-Elysees, you will never forget it. Although this generation of 407 has been on the market for three years, it will still be hard to refuse the fresh and smooth smell when it passes in front of you. Maybe you are already accustomed to the design of the "big mouth", but the front face of the 407 is guaranteed to make you pay attention to the details for a while – what an elegant and unrestrained mouth! The huge air intake is quite imposing, and the horizontal chrome trim resembles the rows of teeth in the big mouth, which is very aggressive. The position of the front fog lamp has changed to the posture of the domestic new 307 moving closer to the center, but it has shifted to the sides instead, and there is no sense of stinginess anymore, which makes me even wonder if the designers of Peugeot are particularly biased towards the 407. I particularly appreciate the sharper and slender headlights than the new 307, which is not only a popular design direction nowadays, but also makes the 407 look more handsome. The lines on the side are smooth and smooth, and the shape of the tail is actually a highlight. Through simple straight lines and planes, it outlines a strong and powerful feeling without falling into the cliché. Looking at it as a whole, the 4-door version 407 has no extra decoration, but every detail can withstand scrutiny.
The titanium-silver style all-black interior is Peugeot’s consistent style. The metal-textured decorative strips play a good role in embellishment, and the sense of movement is vivid. Of course, Peugeot has also prepared an ivory-style milky-white leather interior for car owners who like to be quiet and warm, but it is only standard on luxury models. The design of the dashboard is ingenious, the 5-ring type is concise and clear, and the red pointer is eye-catching and refreshing when driving at night. There is also a red bright spot corresponding to the light pointer on the periphery of the dial. The simple design shows a novel effect, and the designer’s wisdom is admirable. In addition, excellent ergonomic design can also be seen everywhere, such as the center armrest in the front row, on which the right elbow rests when driving the vehicle, and the steering wheel and shift lever can also be operated. The position, softness and hardness are just right, which deserves praise.
The design of the tail is simple and crisp
The 2008 Peugeot 407 4-door version is equipped with 2 different power units. The top model uses a 3.0 L ES9A engine with a maximum power of 155 kW and a maximum torque of 290 N ? m. The model tested this time is equipped with a 2.2 L EW12J4 E4 engine with a maximum power of 120 kW and a maximum torque of 220 N ? m. The overall performance of this 2.2 L engine is relatively docile and quiet. The response to the throttle is not very agile at the beginning of the speed. After 2 000 r/min, the power output of the engine is significantly improved, and the speed increase is also faster. Looking at the working condition diagram of this engine again, it turns out that starting from 2 000 r/min, the engine can provide 200 N ? m of torque, which is equivalent to 92% of the maximum torque, and this torque output can be maintained until 5 500 r/min. Matching it is the well-known 4-gear/automatic integrated transmission. In actual driving, the performance of this transmission is commendable. The first is the smooth shifting process. I have a deep understanding of the impact of the 4-gear/automatic integrated transmission equipped with the new 307 model in shifting, so I don’t have much expectations for this hand/automatic integrated transmission after the displacement is increased, but in fact its delicate handling of power is far beyond my imagination. The meticulous and smooth shifting process even made me suspect at first that this was the 6-gear/automatic all-in-one transmission.
The dark interior is Peugeot’s consistent style, and the central control panel is slightly more complex
Unfortunately, the 2.2 L model is not equipped with the Active Adjustable Electronic Vibration Absorption System (AMVAR), and the rigid suspension adjustment is too direct to the feedback of the ground conditions. When passing through speed bumps or deeper ravines, the tough suspension makes the occupants in the car less comfortable.
Other aspects have not changed much from the 2007 407, but the configuration has increased. For example, the new car has added Zhirui multimedia communication and navigation system, 9 airbag safety configuration, xenon headlights and other equipment, further improving the cost performance of the product.
There have been rumors of Peugeot 407 domestic news, if you prefer the identity of imported cars, while this elegant, unrestrained 407 sedan favored, then 2.2 L luxury version models 364,800 yuan, 3.0 L luxury version models 414,800 yuan price should be accepted with peace of mind.
Animals are ferocious, please do not enter
If the four-door Peugeot 407 is an elegant French gentleman, then the 407 Coupe is more like a man of temperament, going his own way and being rebellious.
No one will complain about the appearance of the 407Coupe anymore, unless you are an extreme conservative, this fierce appearance will definitely inspire the arrogance in your heart. It is still a big mouth, but the position is lower and "grin" is larger, and the wide air intake grille adopts a split type, which makes the front face of the 407Coupe unique, and even the domineering back exudes a trace of "evil". Compared with the 407 sedan model, the 407Coupe’s headlights are more slender and smooth, the front fog lights are changed to round, and the lines on the engine cover are also changed from concave to convex. The most obvious difference is the gill-like vent on the front bumper, which makes the 407Coupe seem to be a combination of a running lion and an attacking shark. The lines on the side are more fluid, the large curved A-pillar extends to the roof, while the C-pillar integrated with the roof shows a near-perfect arc. The design of the taillights is very commensurate with the style of the entire 407 series, and the straight and short luggage compartment gives the whole car a feeling of low altitude. Of course, this 400L luggage compartment is unique in the coupe. In addition, the shape of the tail does not adopt the traditional hatchback of the coupe, but adopts a separate opening. Perhaps this design is more beneficial to ensure the overall feeling of the roof, but the resulting reduction in practicality is inevitable. Fortunately, the opening method is still to press the "0" word in the "407" logo at the rear, and the family characteristic is retained.
The purple interior is calm and domineering, which can arouse the driver’s desire to drive
Opening the heavy doors of the 407Coupe, the familiar interior immediately "jumped" into view. The same transmission shift lever, the same three-spoke sports steering wheel, the same aggressive style, but I still felt something different. After closer inspection, I found that in addition to the new GPS function display, the color of the seat interior panel has also evolved. The original orange interior color was changed to Jiang purple, the aggression was significantly enhanced, and the feeling of beating in the car was also reduced, resulting in a sense of stability. The dashboard is also a 5-ring type, but the style of the pointer has changed. The complex center console seems to be out of place on the coupe. Stop nitpicking, "sharks" and "lions" are not for viewing static – quickly get the 407 Coupe cruising and running is the top priority.
The rear of the 407 Coupe does not use the hatchback of the general Coupe model
The surging power of the 3.0 L V6 engine is not only reflected in the 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 8.7 s and the top speed of 235 km/h. If you are sitting in the driver’s seat of the 407 Coupe, ensuring that you do not exceed the speed will be a must-do and difficult task. The 6-gear hand/automatic integrated transmission will release the maximum torque of 290 N ? m delicately and smoothly. The tight gear ratio makes the shift impact weaker and the shift delay is smaller. The pedaling force of the accelerator pedal is relatively hard, which creates a good ability to stick to the soles of the feet, allowing the driver’s tendon movements to react more directly with the body. Powerful power gushes out while deeply pressing the accelerator pedal, and the sound of the engine can also make people excited. Peugeot has always favored corners, and the 407Coupe is even more enthusiastic about this. The grip of the four Dunlop tires is extremely ideal, and the steering wheel maintains Peugeot’s consistent accurate directivity and track. High-speed cornering has become an exciting game. The speed of attacking cornering has been refreshed again and again, and finally you can hear the scream of the tires "scratching the ground". Of course, these extreme games are equipped with ABS + EBD + ESP + ASR + EBA and many airbags and air curtains. Under the premise of 407Coupe’s safety.
Glancing at the rearview mirror, the rear row seems to have a lot of space? Yes, as a Coupe coupe, the 407Coupe provides a rare "spacious" space in the rear row. Since the model itself is designed for four people, the elbow space of the two occupants in the rear row is quite ample, and the 2 725mm wheelbase also makes the rear legroom less cramped, and the head space is much better than expected. The credit should be credited to the rear seat – the rear seat that slopes below the hip will give the occupant a sofa posture. In addition, in order to facilitate the rear passengers to get on and off, there is a handle on the "shoulder" of the two front seats. As long as you gently pull up the handle and push it forward, the front seats will be electrically adjusted forward, and the humanized and careful yelling is evident.
Large suitcase
If I can afford to be a Peugeot 407 owner, then the 407SW must be my first choice. The four-door sedan is too modest, and the 407Coupe is too flamboyant, which is even more detrimental to practicality. Because I am a family man, the SW, which is comfortable, spacious and can carry people and objects, will become the one in the garage.
The front face of the 407SW is almost the same as that of the four-door version of the sedan. The visual focus is still the integrated air intake grille, and the highlight on the side is the overhead luggage rack. The exciting part is actually the tail. The tail light looks familiar, which is a style commonly used in today’s urban compact SUVs. In fact, this tail is not simply filled in the stepped back of the sedan, but has undergone a new styling design. The shape of the C-pillar is unique, and the protruding rear bumper is plump and dynamic. Overall, the 407SW’s tail is not only more coordinated, but also really increases the luggage storage space. The luggage compartment space of 455 L is also the champion in the 407 series. Also as a station wagon, the 407SW has a lot less space change in the seat than the 307SW, which makes me a little regretful. However, the rear seat of the 407SW can still be folded 4/6, which can be fully reclined and flush with the luggage compartment floor, making it a more spacious space for transporting some extra-long items. In addition, the front passenger seat can be completely flattened forward, although the back of the backrest is not designed as a small table board, it also increases the way the seat in the car can be changed. The rear row is not only arranged with air conditioning out of trend, but the bulge on the floor is minimal, which obviously improves the leg comfort of the rear passengers.
The interior is identical to the 407 sedan 4-door version
Let’s take a look at this bright sunroof! Panoramic sunroof is no longer uncommon, but Peugeot’s panoramic sunroof has always been known for being "large", and the 407SW is also the largest roof glass on the Chinese market today! There is no doubt that the lighting is good, and the opening and closing are not the button type on the 307SW, but the ordinary knob type, which is more convenient to use.
Although the 407SW sold on the market in the future is a model with a 2.2 L engine and a 4-gear/automatic transmission, the model for this test drive is still matched with a 3.0 L V6 engine and a 6-gear/automatic transmission. It may be because of the larger body, or it has been re-tuned for the station wagon designer. The 407SW is equipped with the same 3.0 L engine, but the power of the 407SW is softer than that of the 407Coupe. No wonder, who would pull a car of items and their family to go crazy!
The 407SW’s braking efficiency is commendable. The first section is gentle and cautious, the body’s response to the brake pedal is not obvious, and the second section is sharp and decisive, capable of responding quickly to emergency situations. The overall chassis is very strong, and the latest version of the AMVAR Active Adjustable Electronic Vibration Absorption System can more effectively control the vehicle’s roll, turbulence, and longitudinal swing.
As a station wagon, comfort equipment is naturally indispensable. Automatic dual-zone air conditioning, front electric heated seats, CD + radio (can read MP3 files) + 6-disc CD changer, manual rear sunshade, and xenon headlights with cleaning and automatic level adjustment are all equipped with 407SW. The Zhirui multimedia communication and navigation system will work hard on the 7-inch 16:9 color LCD screen. Unfortunately, there is still no video function when reversing. In addition, the "SOS" button and the "Lion Mark" button on the central control panel allow the system to automatically dial the 112 emergency number or get in touch with the Peugeot China customer service hotline in a timely manner.
The three brothers of the same origin have very different personalities, the 407Coupe is fierce and radical, the 407SW is pragmatic and comfortable, and the 407 is gentle and elegant. In fact, they also represent three different car concepts, sensibility, rationality and intelligence. If the PSA is serious about the domestic 407, the 4-door sedan version is probably the first choice – after all, people’s car concept should be both face and practicality.
Without further ado, there are still three lions waiting for me to drive in the parking lot downstairs. I hold three identical car keys in my hands. Which one will I drive today?
