Peugeot has no fewer than four different petrol-engined offerings in its 407 line-up. There is, however, no doubt as to which represents the best all-round value: the 2.0-litre version featured here.

This unit develops exactly the same power output (136bhp) as the 2.0-litre HDi diesel model you might also consider. The problem with this diesel variant however, is its £1,100 price premium, an amount that lower mileage users might find hard to claw back at the pumps (where the 2.0-litre petrol model travels 14 miles fewer on every gallon).

And while we're talking of price premiums, let's also talk about the £2,000 Peugeot are asking for buyers to trade up from 2.0-litre petrol to 2.2-litre petrol motoring. Given that the power output rises by 24bhp to 160bhp and the 2.2-litre comes in dynamic Sport trim, it might seem like a small price to pay but the reality is that the performance gains you get are small. Rest to sixty in the 2.2-litre petrol model takes 10.1s (as opposed to 10.3s for the 2.0 petrol), while maximum speed for the bigger-engined car is just 5mph more at 136mph. Against that, there's a 3mpg penalty in average fuel consumption for 2.2-litre petrol buyers and a massive 20g/km drop in emissions.

So, does all of that represent a point proved in the 2.0-litre petrol 407's favour? Well, of the remaining three engines available to 407 buyers, two are just too slow (the 1.8-litre petrol and 1.6 HDi diesel take a yawning 13 seconds to reach sixty from rest) and one will prove too expensive for most to buy, in the case of the 2.7-litre V6 HDI.

"You'd have to award a points victory on pricing performance to Peugeot ."

It's one thing of course to talk about the 407 2.0-litre petrol model being the best buy in its model range. Quite another, of course, to talk of its being a 'best buy' in its market sector. After all, this is a market sector full of talent, with cars as good as Ford's Mondeo, Vauxhall's Vectra, Renault's Laguna, Honda's Accord, the Mazda 6 and Toyota's Avensis to name but a few. So how does this 407 stack up against such impressive opposition? Well, let's start with the sticker price. Peugeot's 2.0-litre petrol 407 model is available solely in SE trim at prices starting from £17,390 for saloon. For a premium of around £1,100, there's also a stylish estate variant, the SW, for those in search of extra versatility.

These prices are the roughly the same or lower than those being asked for equivalent versions of the competition. All makers will be prepared to talk turkey when it comes to discounts of course - but then, so will Peugeot's dealer network. Not many of the rivals have quite have the same feeling of quality as a 407, however, so you'd have to award a points victory on pricing performance to Peugeot.

When it comes to on the road performance, the picture is less clear-cut. The 2.0-litre petrol 407 has one of the higher top speeds of equivalent cars in the sector (131mph) but one of the slower rest to sixty times (10.3s). When it comes to running costs, the figures sit at about the average mark, with a 36mpg fuel consumption average and a 192g/km emissions return.

You could say much the same about handling. Don't expect a 407 to feel as sharp as, say, a Mondeo or a Mazda6. But, by the same token, don't anticipate it being any less rewarding than an Avensis or a Vectra. This is a scaled down luxury car rather that a pumped-up Family Hatchback and it feels that way to drive. If you've a long trip in store, there's no other car in this sector you should prefer.

Safety-wise, Peugeot have set something of a precedent to follow with some very good previous Euro NCAP crash test results but the 407 again takes a big step forward. Active safety in the form of brake discs with a diameter of up to 330mm and next-generation ESP stability control which is standard on every model. As well as marshalling the anti-skid function, ESP also acts as a controller for the anti lock braking system, the emergency brake assist and the electronic brakeforce distribution to each individual wheel. The chassis itself incorporates not only the highest level of torsional rigidity ever seen on a Peugeot saloon - as you might expect - but it also features a device known as an impactor that anchors the engine to the subframe and prevents it being shunted into the passenger cell in the event of a crash. Pedestrian protection is a major design criterion these days and the 407 features foam padded bumper bars and a bonnet that deforms to absorb shock, the top of the engine a good distance below that sweeping bonnet line. Up to nine air bags can be specified - twin fronts, side, curtain and steering column units offer optimum protection.

The cabin looks very Peugeot - which is possibly the weakest part of the 407 make up. It's neat and everything seems to work very nicely but there isn't a great deal of showroom 'wow factor' to it. Sophisticated multiplexed electronics allow for a huge amount of individual customisation when specifying your 407, with such features as rear view mirrors linked to reverse gear, parking sensors, self-imposed speed limiters, low tyre pressure monitors and variable cruise control systems all capable of being fitted quickly and, just as importantly, at very modest expense. The latest 407 models feature a chrome grille.

So, a well thought-out package then, beautifully styled and carefully priced. If you're after a 407, this is probably the one you should have. If you're after a Mondeo-sized Medium Range Family Car, it's probably one you shouldn't ignore.

TOP 4 407 DEALS

The results below show the top 407 deals on buyacar

	Peugeot 407 2.0 SE 143 4dr Tip Auto Saloon
	ETR	Mthly £298	Saving £4,053	Price £14,937
	Peugeot 407 2.0 SE 143 5dr Tip Auto SW Estate
	ETR	Mthly £313	Saving £4,356	Price £15,834
	Peugeot 407 2.0 SE 143 4dr Saloon
	ETR	Mthly £279	Saving £3,775	Price £14,115
	Peugeot 407 2.0 SE 143 5dr SW Estate
	ETR	Mthly £294	Saving £4,078	Price £15,012

typical 12.15% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000