Peugeot 407 HDi; Review

 

Like many European car manufacturers, Peugeot's diesel engine output compared to petrol engines is far greater in terms of numbers built.

Sadly, here in New Zealand, we don't get the best Euro diesels, our poor fuel quality means they simply just would not run efficiently.

However, we do get some good oil burners, and over the years the PSA group, Peugeot and Citroen's parent company, have provided us with a turbocharged diesel which has given good service. It has mostly been seen in 2-litre and 2.2-litre form in Peugeot's 306, 307 and 406 series, although Citroen have also had it in some of their models with much the same capacity.

As more variants are offered, the New Zealand buying public are fast coming to learn that diesel is a fuel of the future and it's only a matter of time before we as a population buy more diesel-fuelled models. According to Peugeot, 70% of their current engine output are oil burners.

The latest diesel powered car to come my way was Peugeot's brand new 407 sedan with a new-generation 2-litre engine hooked to a four-speed automatic gearbox, the combination is better than brilliant, impressing me greatly with its smoothness, performance and economy.

Peugeot describe their automatic as an autoadaptive system, and it does impart decisive gear changing protocols as it learns the driving style and remembers how the accelerator has been applied during sustained momentum, the adaptive sequences can also be felt strongly such as powering out of a corner or when out-of-the-ordinary driving conditions arise.

Electronic snow and sport modes are offered at the push of a button, the latter working the engine harder on acceleration and holding engine revolutions much higher when cruising. There is also a manual sequential system which lets the driver take control of the shifting system.

The PSA group's twin-camshaft, 16-valve, common rail engine is labelled HDi, an abbreviation for high-pressure direct injection which utilises a common rail concept for induction. Described simply, fuel is accumulated in conduit under pressure before supply to individual injectors.

Electronically distributed to each cylinder, a gentle and progressive combustion takes place, hence reduced levels of noise and pollutant emissions with better performance lower in the rev range.

The latter is the ingredient which makes the 407 diesel a stand out. Under full load, torque is rated at 320Nm at just 1750rpm right through to 3200rpm, while power is also plentiful at 100kW (4000rpm). Peugeot claim a 25% power increase from that of the old generation 2-litre engine.

The beauty is a fluid flow of power from low engine and vehicle speed. Response to accelerator request is swift, almost uncharacteristic for an oil burner. The HDi's working manner is strong, smooth and relatively silent. Acceleration is satisfactory. 0-100kmh can be reached in 10sec, and 120kmh from 80kmh can be achieved in 7.8sec. On the highway the engine is turning over at just 2000rpm at 100kmh in top gear and, while that appears lazy, it is operating in the area when torque is at its maximum and the intercooled turbocharger is operating with strong boost.

Consequently, the 407 feels eager.

At highway speed, and according to the trip computer, the 2-litre engine will sip fuel at the rate of an astonishing five litres per 100km instantaneously at a steady 100kmh. My test average of 7.2l/100km was also pretty impressive, these figures translating to 58mpg and 39mpg respectively.

So impressive was the fuel usage readout, at times I found myself driving with barely any pressure on the accelerator, trying to better the fuel usage readout, willing it to go lower. Such is the magic of its economy when I left for a long test run the fuel gauge was showing 500km distance to empty, when I returned home after 120km of travel it was showing 460km distance to empty, how convincing is that?

Peugeot's ride/handling balance is also wonderful and the 407 shares the direct steering feel and soft, supple ride that is common throughout the company's line-up.

The ride is compliant and the handling a mix of neutrality leaning towards moderate understeer when the going gets tough, although a stability control system moderates power quite invasively as soon as the tyres cry enough.

Body movement doesn't lurch the suspension which means occupant comfort isn't jeopardised, and even when a corner is taken too fast the driver can dictate steerage with a high degree of accuracy.

While the 407 is happy to tackle a few quick corners, it is at its best driven in the manner which highlights its serene style of movement. On board comfort is excellent, it is one of the larger 2-litre cars and it caters well for five adults, the rear seat occupants each get full overshoulder seat belts. On the subject of safety, no fewer than eight air bags are fitted along with ABS and its associated braking and traction control functions.

Coming in at $51,990, the 2-litre sedan fits a little bit north of mainstream models in the mid-size sedan market. However, not only do you get the European driving experience, the 407 sedan comes very well equipped.

Standard fitment includes dual zone climate control, fully electric operating systems, rain sensing wipers and automatic lights, remote central locking, multi-function display, cruise control and single-CD audio. The latter pumps out good sound and is an easy unit to operate.

The other controls are well integrated into a very modern in-cabin infrastructure, it is new-age and functional. I particularly liked the silver-flecked cloth seats and white faced gauges.

Recently, Sime Darby Automobiles, Peugeot's distributor in New Zealand, launched a new 307 variant. It's 1.6-litre diesel engine is a smaller displacement version of the 407's HDi unit. Buyers of either the 307 or 407 will be highly impressed with the technology advancement, because according to Peugeot's statistical information, the 2-litre unit is 51% more thrifty than the 407's 2.2-litre petrol engine and 58% more thrifty than the V6. That being the case, the monetry savings speak for themselves.

Specifications:

Price: Peugeot 407 HDi, $51,990.

Dimensions: Length, 4676mm; width, 1811mm; height, 1455mm. Configuration: Four-cylinder transverse, front-wheel-drive, 1997cc, 100kW/4000rpm, 320Nm/2000rpm, four-speed automatic; 1353kg.

Performance: 0-100kmh, 10sec.