Peugeot 407
Price: From £15,700
For: Handsome looks, strong diesel engines, high equipment levels
Against: Poor rear-seat and boot space; a big, heavy thing
Prettier than the Mondeo and Vectra, more reliable than the Renault Laguna and Citroen C5, the 407 is an attractive mainstream model you could be proud to own. It appeals to more private family buyers than the Mondeo and Vectra – especially in stylish SW estate form - not least because it looks a cut above the mass-market fleet fodder and hire-car hacks.
The diesel engines (as supplied to Ford and even Jaguar) are economical and smooth - over a six 
month trial, 4Car’s 407 SW with 1.6 HDI 110 engine consistently consumed less fuel than our smaller and less practical Toyota Prius. Lovely as the 2.7 V6 HDI is, you can’t argue with the 1.6’s consistent return of well over 50mpg.
