Checking out a stunning Peugeot coupe powered by a 2.7 litre twin turbo diesel engine (which produces a whopping 440 Nm of torque at just 1,900 rpm) coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission just has to be one of the most attractive assignments one could ever envisage. It is the type of proposition that takes no time to accept.

The Peugeot 407 range of sedans and wagons is already well accepted as a leading lower-end prestige car, particularly those powered by the delightful Peugeot diesel engine. We have road tested numerous 407s and, on each occasion, have enjoyed the experience immensely. The 407 has just one problem, in our experience, and that is the excessively long front overhang. You soon appreciate, when driving a 407, that you need to exercise caution when approaching speed dips and other hazardous features of driveway and road designs. For example, a speed dip near my local church needs to be approached from an angle, so as to protect the front-end of the Peugeot. And because I reside on a hill, even leaving home means the driveway has to be approached at the correct angle, otherwise a scraping experience will be encountered.

Other than that, though, the driving experience of the Peugeot 407 HDi coupe is very pleasing. Traditionally, Peugeot offers excellent driving dynamics featuring positive and precise steering, excellent handling, very good brakes and excellent ride qualities. You would, naturally, expect the 407 coupe to feature such qualities. And it does. But it also features very quiet motoring. However, one can, also, appreciate the power game that comes standard with this exciting coupe. The 2.7 litre V6 diesel provides excellent motivation for this big (it weighs in at 1.85 tonnes and measures just over 4.8 metres long) 2-door coupe. Peugeot suggest 0-100 km/h comes along in just 8.5 seconds. Let me say ..... we're happy with that!

A positive feature of the gearbox is the sequential operation of the manual mode for those who appreciate this modern day alternative to the manual transmission of days gone by. The selection process is set-up in the correct order, push up to go up a gear and pull down to come down a gear! It is my secret desire that all manufacturers get it right and do it this way. It's a safety aspect which should be mandatory.

Fuel consumption and protection of our delicate environment is the forte of this coupe, though. On the highway cycle, Peugeot suggest the 407 HDi coupe will use just 6.5 litres of fuel. That's amazing, because this car provides the presence one would, quite rightly, expect from a prestigious coupe which features heritage, comfort and performance amongst the abundant qualities on offer. No longer is it necessary to burn 15 litres of fuel (or even more) per 100 kms to enjoy the driving qualities of a prestige European coupe. But, as they say, there's more ..... the diesel engine features a particle emission filter (also known as FAP), which reduces the emission of particulates to low levels. Thus, this engine protects our atmosphere better than a petrol engined car. Therefore the driving qualities of the car and the environmental considerations of the engine make a compelling case for the Peugeot 407 HDi coupe.

The current recommended retail price for the Peugeot 407 coupe commences at $65,990 for the 3 litre (petrol) V6 manual and $68,190 for the automatic version. The top of the line 407 coupe is the amazing diesel (with automatic transmission only) and it is priced at $72,500 (RRP). Options for the Peugeot 407 coupe include an electric sunroof (approximately $2,209) and a "Premium" full leather trim package (approximately $2,990).

Standard equipment includes, amongst quite a long list, 7 airbags, electronic stability programme (ESP), traction control, emergency brake assist, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, 4-wheel disc brakes, active front head restraints, internally lockable central locking, automatic headlights (Bi-Xenon), automatic wipers, speed sensitive power steering, 18" alloy wheels, twin chrome exhaust extension, front fog lights, rear fog light, retracting external rear view mirrors (don't you just hate it when a passing bus collects your parked car's driver's side rear view mirror), remote central locking, cruise control and speed limiter.

Interior appointments include dual zone climate control air conditioning, air conditioned glove box, pollen filter, odour reducing charcoal filter (would this be handy on Sydney's M5?), trip computer, auto up/down power windows, reading lights, leather trimmed steering wheel, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, 9 speaker JBL audio system which features an in-boot 6-disc CD stacker and, of course, AM/FM radio, together with aluminium effects in the interior.

Front seat occupants are treated to comfortable, electrically operated and heated sports seats, with a memory function on the driver's side. Leather trim is standard, although a premium leather package is available as a worthwhile option. A height adjustable armrest is part of the centre console lid, which covers a small storage bin. The door pockets are somewhat on the small side too. Head restraints, at each seating position, are height adjustable.

Rear seat passenger/s will have the back of their head/s exposed to the sun (but only on sunny days!) due to the stylish, but large, tinted rear window. Foot space for rear seat passengers is tight. The rear seat back folds, if required, on a 60/40 basis and it features a ski flap. Access to the rear seat was easy with the electrically operated front seats sliding smoothly and efficiently forward, then returning just as easily.

The boot is a handy size and, for a coupe, it offers very good load swallowing capabilities. A net for assisting in securing the load is standard and it is a very much appreciated feature.

The fuel tank capacity is 67 litres, for both the petrol and diesel engined versions.

The 407 Coupe does not have the next big thing ..... the desirable lane-changing indicator system.

Peugeot coupes have been around for many decades. The prestigious ambience of the new 407 coupe will ensure that Peugeot coupes remain with us for a long time to come. But the aforementioned ambience only tells part of the story. The real delights of the 407 diesel coupe is best appreciated when the entire package is viewed in it's entirety. The attractive exterior design, the comfortable interior, the mechanical features, the quality of the components, the fuel efficiency, the environmental aspects, the driving dynamics and the superb performance from the diesel engine mean that the Peugeot 407 Coupe is a compelling package that justifies its presence on every occasion.

You can sum up the Peugeot 407 HDi with just one word ..... inviting! But, really, the supremely comfortable Peugeot 407 HDi coupe is so smooth (with regard to its ride and power delivery) it requires two words to be accurately described ..... particularly inviting!