Impressed by the performance, a bit sluggish at take-off, but once past the 2000 rpm mark the acceleration is remarkable for a 2.7li station wagon. On a short freeway run (20km), the trip computer registered 5.4 li per 100 km. In CBD stop-start traffic it registered 11.3 li per 100 km. I do mostly city driving, and am averaging 10.2 li per 100 km overall at the moment.

Interestingly it comes shod with Pirelli P Zero Neroes that came second by .001 point in Wheels Magazines April 2007 Tyre Test. Those tyres did top the Slalom, Wet cornering and Hot Lap tests. On Melbourne’s tram tracks, there was no slipping or sliding around. These tyres really stick regardless of the surface.

Everyone who climbs into the back-seat is fixated by the view though the panoramic roof. It’s like being in a convertible without the wind and noise.

The laminated glass makes for a very quiet interior, you can hardly hear the road noise or passing traffic. This really enhances the music coming through the excellent stereo system – no need to crank up the volume to mask some of the exterior sound as one might in a lesser equipped vehicle.

I found the seats initially rather firm – but have grown used to them now. They could do with improved side bolstering. That said, the leather in the 407 is quite grippy, so you don’t slide around like you might in some other vehicles with leather clad seats.

The 2007 model comes with electronically adjustable steering wheel – so the seat position memory will also remember your set steering wheel position as well.

It is excellent value for money, especially when you compare it against the German marques where you’d need to spend in excess of $120k to get all of the same features included. The turbo diesel provides great fuel economy and Peugeot’s particle filter ensures that it is class leading in terms of emissions control. So all up it’s not only a great drive, I get to feel good to regarding my impact on the environment.

U.S. drivers won’t get a chance to buy this luxury car from Peugeot…….