The 407 is eye-catching whichever way you look at it. Recent style tweaks include a revised chrome grille and new bumpers front and back; the result is strikingly handsome. Inside the cabin slick black finishes add an air of refinement and the central console looks and feels reassuringly high-spec.

With the 407 you get big car performance for a relatively modest starting price. The all-diesel engine range is diverse and well matched to the driving demands of the 407. The first option is a compact 110bhp 1.6 litre HDi unit, followed by a 140bhp 2.0 litre, a 2.2 litre 170bhp HDi producing 46.3mpg, and finally a 2.7 litre V6 HDi powerplant that offers greater power and a competitive fuel economy of 33.6mpg. Peugeot are committed to cutting carbon emissions and each engine is fitted with a diesel fuel particulate filter as standard. If you want to cut your carbon footprint even further there's a 2.0 litre Bioflex engine that runs on E85 fuel.

The Peugeot 407 is one of the best equipped cars in its class, with even entry level S trims coming with remote central locking, electric windows, leather steering wheel, climate control and a slick trip computer. Dig deeper for a 407 SR and you'll add 16" alloys, sat-nav and Bluetooth connectivity for your mobile phone. SEs up the spec further to cover panoramic glass roof and RT5 multimedia system, while Peugeot 407 range topping GTs upgrade to bigger alloys, heated front seats and full leather upholstery.