7 February 2011
The 607 is a little unlike average medium-large sized Euro sedans found in the garage of well-healed families, or in the underground corporate car parks.
It's French for a start, and that makes it somewhat of a minority among the staple German marques most people opt for.
It also has a $75k price point, which is a target unmatchable by similar sized German sedans.
Revisions to the lower front valance and grill have been made, but the vehicle hasn't quite adopted the Peugeot face found on others in the line-up and lacks a little flair.
The 607 sits on elegant 17-inch, five-spoke alloys and, at 4.9 metres in length, it presents itself as a worthy executive-level vehicle. The interior is refreshing and modern, with a subtle use of 'piano black' colour treatment. A highly defined info display screen, recessed into an attractive triangular facia is bright and clearly read in all light; the cool blue graphic display also adds a hi-tech feel to the interior.
The centre stack housing the six-disc in-dash CD player is attractive while the audio system's sound quality, courtesy of 12 JBL speakers and amplifier, is excellent. The cabin has an unmistakable executive flavour, but may fall short of assembly expectations down the line, some minor trimming around the seat mounts already were departing from their mounting, knocked easily when adjusting the passenger's seat.
Front and rear occupants have ample legroom and the leather used to upholster the seating is of a high standard. They're comfortable too; one's posterior is supported, and toasted slowly with the generous portions of heated front seat base.
A tilting and telescoping steering column can be adjusted for a good driving position, and both front seats are adjusted electrically.
In the event of an accident passive safety features such as electronic active head restraints, front, side and curtain airbags help reduce harm to the occupants.
The airbags vary their inflation rate dependant to impact severity. Active driver aids include ABS, recalibrated to reduce noise when activated and improve pedal comfort and Stability Control (ESP). There is even an alert to the driver when a tyre's pressure requires attention.
Driving characteristics are what really let the 607 down. Around town the ride is comfortable and compliant, but very quick into the drive we noticed the steering to be slightly notchy, and the driver can't help feel desperately detached from what the front wheels are doing.
At higher speeds this vagueness limits the possibilities of an exhilarating driving experience; understeer makes itself known early in the piece for a vehicle in this class. It's somewhat of a mystery why Peugeot's flagship is lacking in this area; other Peugeot's we have tested have had no problem at bringing a smile to our face.
There is a sport setting for the adaptive suspension, simply activated by a button in the cabin. This firms up the suspension for slightly sportier handling, but we felt it also increased the lack of steering feel.
Power is delivered from a 3.0 litre V6 petrol engine driving the front wheels and producing just 155kw @ 6000 rpm, performance is brisk but not blistering.
A claimed top speed of 235km/h is possible however as the engine's power is transferred through top gear of the vehicle's smooth six-speed transmission. The power delivery and ratio changes aren't as silken as they are in Peugeot's superb diesel range with the same transmission however, a diesel option wouldn't go astray here in our opinion.
Boot space is capacious and access is gained through nifty motorised articulation, a point of difference over similarly priced counterparts. The rear seats fold flat to create excellent space for bulkier items.
On paper the 607 ticks all the boxes expected from a flagship vehicle, but less than scintillating on-road characteristics fails to set the heart racing.
For our money Peugeot's stylish 407 coupe HDi, priced identically to the 607 at $75,990. It may lack the rear seat practicality, but makes for a far better executive option in every other area.