2004 Peugeot 407

Peugeot released the first details of its new 407 sedan on Tuesday. Inspired by the marque's lion mascot and previewed by the 407 Elixir concept, the distinctive styling of the 407 sets it apart from key competitors in the European midsize (M2) segment such as the Vectra, Avensis and Laguna. Offering a broad range of gasoline and diesel engines and new 6-speed transmissions, the new 407 sedan goes on sale in the UK from late spring 2004. An expanded range of diesel engines, including the segment's first new-generation V6, and the 407 SW will follow soon after.

Based on Peugeot SA's new middle/upper segment vehicle platform, the new 407 is positioned at the upper end of the European midsize segment. With it's long bonnet, highly raked windshield and increased width (+46 mm), the 407 appears low and rakish despite it's increase in height (+33 mm). Despite the increase in frontal area and wheel size, the 407 also boasts improved aerodynamics thanks to a Cd of 0.29 compared to the 406's 0.32. A multitude of small storage spaces in the cabin, including a chilled glovebox, are countered by a relatively small trunk (407 L compared to 450-500 L (VDA) in competitors), despite attempts to limit intrusion by the rear suspension.

Midsize sedans     wheelbase   length      width      height
Nissan Primera     2680 105.5  4565 179.7  1760 69.3  1480 58.3
Renault Laguna     2743 108.0  4579 180.3  1749 68.9  1462 57.6
Opel Vectra        2700 106.3  4596 180.9  1798 70.8  1410 55.5
Toyota Avensis     2700 106.3  4630 182.3  1760 69.3  1430 56.3
Mazda Atenza       2675 105.3  4670 183.9  1780 70.1  1429 56.3
Peugeot 407        2725 107.3  4676 184.1  1811 71.3  1480 58.3
Volkswagen Passat  2702 106.4  4703 185.2  1746 68.7  1429 56.3
Ford Mondeo        2754 108.4  4731 186.3  1812 71.3  1445 56.9

At launch the new 407 will be available with two gasoline and two diesel 4-cylinder engines and a 2.9 L gasoline V6. Peugeot's EW7J4 1.8 L four-cylinder gasoline engine, and the new DT17 2.7 L HDi V6 debuting on the Jaguar S-Type will be added later. The various engine options combine with Peugeot's 5-speed and 6-speed manual gearboxes or 4-speed or 6-speed automatic gearboxes from Aisin or ZF coupled with Porsche's Tiptronic control system. All diesel engines include a particulate emission filter and those with manual gearboxes also comply with Euro 4 emission standards.

In addition to the 6-speed manual transmissions now common in the midsize segment, the 2.9 L V6 features the first application of a new Aisin-AW AM6 6-speed automatic for fwd vehicles. Weight and size of the new 6-speed is comparable to 4-speed automatics, and better than current 5-speed automatic transmissions. A torque rating of up to 450 Nm ensures compatibility with future Peugeot engines such as the new DT17 diesel V6.

Petrol    EW7J4      EW10J4         EW12J4           ES9A
Capacity  1.8 liter  1,997 cc       2,230 cc         2.946 cc
Valves    DOHC 16V   DOHC 16V       DOHC 16V VVT     DOHC 24V VVT
Power     85 kW      100 kW @ 6000  116 kW @ 5650    155 kW @ 6000
Torque    163 Nm     190 Nm @ 4100  217 Nm @ 3900    290 Nm @ 3750
Manual    5-speed    Peugeot BE4/5  Peugeot ML6C     n/a
Automatic n/a        Aisin AL4      ZF 4HP20         Aisin AM6 6-speed

Diesel    DV6TED4       DW10BTED4
Capacity  1.6 liter     1.997 cc
Valves    DOHC 16V      DOHC 16V
Power     80 kW         100 kW @ 4000
Torque*   240-260 Nm    320-340 Nm @ 2000
Manual    5-speed       n/a
Automatic Peugeot ML6C  ZF 4HP20
*with overboost

The suspension features a front axle with double wishbone and a linked hub carrier to provide superb road holding and comfort, combined with excellent directional control; and a multi-arm rear suspension with dampers inclined inwards to optimise trunk width. The higher performance available with the 3.9 L V6 model is backed up with independently variable dampening with sport mode and speed-sensitive power steering.

Active safety on the 407 is of a high level and benefits from large disc brakes with a diameter up to 13" and a new-generation TRW electronic stability program, which is present on all versions. The latter comprises an anti-skid function, ABS, emergency brake assist, new individual wheel brake force distribution and a stability control system. Automatic activation of hazard warning lights in the event of sharp deceleration informs following vehicles of potential danger.

In addition to an advanced body/chassis construction, 407 features many other passive safety features — including seven airbags (driver and passenger front airbags, front side airbags and driver knee bag and side curtain airbags). Occupants also benefit from high-performance restraint systems such as active head restraints and adaptive front airbags coupled with pretensioning seat belts and a force limiter. Additional side airbags and pretensioning seat belts form an optional package for rear set passengers.

The 407 also boasts features that enhance the comfort of all its occupants. A "follow me home" function keeps the headlamps on after the ignition has been switched off, to light up a path or an entrance door. The excellent natural noise insulation of the 407 can be enhanced with laminated side windows, available as an option.

The 407's air conditioning system is available in two versions, one offering single zone distribution, the other dual-zone distribution (with reference temperature and separate right/left distribution). A "gentle diffusion" system expels air unnoticeably via a new grille located at the top of the instrument panel and distributes the remaining air flow through front-mounted vents and special rear passenger vents. A humidity sensor detects the onset of condensation in the passenger compartment and instructs the air conditioning system to adjust accordingly. Finally, rear lateral sun visors incorporated in the door cappings combine with a rear window blind to reduce the effects of excessive sunlight.

The 407 is equipped as standard with an RD4 mono CD 4x15 W radio with six speakers. Its two aerials, integral in the rear window glass, are invisible. Telematics equipment (RT3) is available as an option and includes audio, GSM telephone and GPS navigation functions. It is compatible with the TMC function, providing details of traffic conditions along the programmed route, which will be available shortly. A JBL hi-fi system can be combined with either of the car radio options. With an output of 240 Watts, it includes ten speakers in eight locations and a bass box located in the right-hand side storage compartment of the boot, along with an option CD-changer. All information concerning the communication systems and airconditiong appears either on a monochrome screen, with GPS information displayed in the form of pictograms, or on a 7" 16/9e colour screen with cartography.

The 407 is available in 12 exterior colours and three interior styles — Comfort, Sport and Executive. The basic Comfort level provides a contemporary and bright style using "lion grey" on the interior waist and console. Sport expresses dynamism and performance and is synonymous with driving pleasure. It uses "chrome triangle" trim and is available with optional black or cobalt blue leather seating. Executive places the emphasis on elegance and comfort. It features "Walnut Burl redwood" trim and velour or leather seating in grey/black or beige. The rear bench seat, split 2/3:1/3, can be folded to suit space requirements without having to remove the head restraints, while a wide central rear armrest available on many versions also has a folding storage space and cup holders. When folded, it conceals the flap that allows long objects to be carried in the boot.