Following the pretty 406 Coupe, the 407 gets a more contemporary edge. The front end features the big 407 'like it or loathe it' grille (I like it). Like all front-wheel-drive cars these days there is a huge front overhang that slightly spoils the side view but a few shark-like gills in the front bumper coupled with a low crease line running the length of the car at 'door-sill' level, tie the whole design together nicely.
The windscreen is as sloped as you can get and to prove the point inside from the driver's seat I would need arms 4ft long just to reach the glass at the base of the screen. The rear of the car is stunning. Low and squat it features a tasty twin pipe exhaust on the nearside and low slung number plate, nice, this is a very good-looking car.
Inside the coupe you'll find sumptuous leather seating (SV specification). The rear seats, like most coupes, has just two safety belts and precious little room for grown ups! The seats will take adults but the top of my head touched the rear window glass! A nice feature on 'SV' versions to aid access to the rear seats is when you tilt the seat back up the electric seat motors take over and slide the seat forward and the reverse happens when you tilt the seat back.
Unlike the 407 saloon I'm okay for headroom in the driver's seat. I have the seat fairly well back as the car is automatic, so I only have to worry about my right leg position. The DNA of the saloon is present but the dash is lower set and pushed further forward. The dashboard layout gives you a real sense that this is a big car and I suppose at a kilo under 1.8 tonnes my test car is!
On the go the coupe is interesting though not blisteringly quick despite the figures. My 2.7 V6 HDi delivers 205bhp and what's more interesting 440nm of torque, which is enough to pull a house, but 0-100km/h takes a leisurely nine seconds. This car is built for long cruises in comfort more than anything else.
The coupe is available in six-speed manual or six-speed automatic (standard on higher specified cars). The suspension is electronically adjustable as is the automatic gearbox, which features a 'sport' and 'snow' mode that make for more or less aggressive gear changes respectfully over the normal 'D' setting.
The only party trick that is not standard on my SV (SE is the base spec.) is sat-nav but otherwise all the toys are there.
It's also nice to know your desirable car is pretty safe from thieves. The 407 Coupe is the most secure car in its class according to UK specialist Thatcham. The insurance experts rate the 407 Coupe and the standard saloon highly. Apart from the deadlocks etc, the coupe's party trick is laminated glass that is not only in the front windscreen but in the side glass too – in other words you can throw a brick at the window and it won't penetrate the glass.
With prices ranging from €41,850 for the 2.2 litre petrol (160bhp) to €57,450 for my test car the flagship SV 2.7 litre V6 HDi diesel I think the wise money will buy low and enjoy the car's beautiful silhouette while avoiding what could be serious depreciation in the higher end cars.
The 407 Coupe is a really handsome car that you'll want to park in your bedroom - for the first few weeks anyway. Will it be gorgeous in years to come? I think so.
Michael Sheridan
