Skip advert
Advertisement

Peugeot 407 SW GT

It's never an easy task trying to keep up with the latest and best models in the ultra-competitive family car sector. But Peugeot has given its five-year-old 407 a mid-life makeover in an attempt to compete with the likes of the Ford Mondeo, new Citroen C5 and imminent Vauxhall Insignia.

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Peugeot 407
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

The ageing 407 has struggled to make its mark in the hard-fought family sector in recent years, and sadly these revisions haven’t done enough to raise the SW above its more accomplished rivals. With dated looks, limited load capacity and a high price, it fails to make a convincing case as a versatile hold-all.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We have already driven the revised saloon, but how do the changes affect the practical SW estate version? Visually, the alterations are limited to reprofiled bumpers front and rear, while the tail-lights get the same LED-effect finish as the 407 Coupé. Inside, the tweaks include glossy piano black trim on the centre console, and there’s a greater use of chrome across the rest of the cabin. The range-topping GT driven here also gets classy leather upholstery.

Sadly, these revisions fail to disguise the Peugeot’s advancing years. Compared to the hi-tech sat-nav and audio systems of its rivals, the 407’s fiddly, multi-button layout is confusing and dated. The car isn’t even a particularly practical estate. Carrying capacity is only 430 litres, which increases to 1,365 with the rear bench folded flat. The Mondeo will hold 1,745 litres.

What’s more, the French model’s boot opening is narrow and awkwardly shaped, making the loading of large items tricky. On the plus side, the tailgate glass lifts separately, allowing you to drop items inside when parked in a tight spot.

On the road, the 407 turns in a much more impressive performance. The torquey 170bhp 2.2-litre diesel is refined and serves up punchy mid-range acceleration.

Ride comfort is excellent, with the car absorbing bumps and potholes. And, despite a lack of steering feel, the Peugeot remains poised and grippy in corners. Ultimately, though, time is catching up with the 407, and there are many more talented rivals that do a better job.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each
Land Rover Defender Octa - front action

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each

Buyers aren’t being deterred by the hefty asking price for the most powerful Defender yet, with 2,900 already signing up worldwide
News
12 Nov 2024
Car Deal of the Day: 641bhp Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a bargain at this price
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 641bhp Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a bargain at this price

The 2024 Auto Express Performance Car of the Year is now our Deal of the Day for 7 November
News
7 Nov 2024
Car Deal of the Day: no-nonsense MG ZS EV for £226 per month
MG ZS EV - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: no-nonsense MG ZS EV for £226 per month

Our Deal of the Day for 10 November comes from Carwow’s new leasing arm, Carwow Leasey
News
10 Nov 2024