Peugeot has launched a new 407 in Australia, now available exclusively with the company's renowned HDi diesel technology.
Peugeot made a number of interior and exterior cosmetic improvements to fine tune the distinctive design of the 407, while standard specification has been improved across the range.
The new 407 is available in two model grades, SR and ST – both featuring Peugeot's versatile 2.0-litre HDi FAP engine.
This engine produces 100kW of power and 320Nm of torque in 6-speed automatic versions, while the 6-speed manual versions get an increase in power to 103kW.
The manual version achieves a (combined highway and city) fuel consumption figure of 5.6 litres/ 100km and CO2emissions of 150g/ km, while the automatic models achieve numbers of 7.1 litres/ 100km and 189g/ km respectively.
Externally, the new 407 models benefit from a redesigned air intake and the delicately curved grille now consists of a triple row of horizontal chrome bars crossed by a vertical chrome bar.
To protect the car from knocks and provide even more convenience to 407 owners, a front parking assistance system has been added to rear parking assistance as a standard feature on ST models.
The body protection mouldings are now finished in body colour and accompanied with a chrome bead finish – as opposed to the black mouldings on the previous model.
The rear of the new 407 sedanfeatures an entirely redesigned new lower rear panel incorporating a protective capping decorated by achrome bead.
The lower part with its elaborate'diffuser' adds to the car's dynamism, while the upper part of this new lower rear panel forms the basis of a redesigned boot sill.
The rear lightsare entirely redesigned with a ruby red housing and a crystal white finish on the reversing light and direction indicator.
The rear of the new 407 Touring wagon is also enhanced stylistically with a new lower rear panel and new lights, while the lower rear panel now incorporates edge protection mouldings enhanced with a chrome trim finisher, as well as recessed parking assistance sensors.
In the lower section, its discreet diffuser effect adds a further touch of dynamism.
The luxurious passenger compartment of the 407 has also received a makeover, creating a more upmarket and elegant atmosphere.
A lustrous pearlescent black finish similar to that on a high quality piano decorates the centre console, air vent trims, door handle inserts and door panel trims on all ST models.
This new look is enhanced by aluminium metallic finish highlights on black leather models and 'Carmin Burl' wood finish highlights on beige leather models.
Accompanying these improvements are new rotary buttons and circular controls on the air conditioning, and the audio equipment has chrome surrounds.
To reduce the vehicle's weight and at the same time offer improved performance and protection, light alloys are used for bulky suspension components, with Cobapress* aluminium used for parts with complex shapes (the hub carrier in particular), as well as an aluminium bonnet and numerous other high-strength steel panels.
Ken Thomas, general manager/ director, Peugeot Automobiles Australia says the improvements contribute to a significant improvement of the 407.
"This new 407 is a more sophisticated and luxurious package," he said, "it is certainly more stylish both inside and out.
"Peugeot's engineers have also worked hard at improving the vehicle's NVH suppression.
"The result is a car that feels even more solid and refined than the previous model – and you really notice a difference from behind the wheel.
"The refined HDi diesel technology offers a combination of enjoyable driving characteristics and impressive fuel economy and emissions figures."
Despite the improvements to the 407 range, Peugeot has actually reduced prices, now starting at $39,990 Recommended Vehicle Price for the SR Manual model - a price drop of $1,000.
*Cobapress aluminium: This 'cast-turned-pressed' material offers the same mechanical properties as a forged component.