It was an 'invitation' we couldn't turn down - the chance to publish official photos of the all-new Peugeot 407 a full two weeks ahead of the company's official release date for them.
How did we get them? From Peugeot itself. Confused? So were we! The two main images on this page arrived as part of the invitation to the 407's launch. These notices are normally in the form of a letter, but Peugeot tried something a bit different - printed for all to see on glossy card were two images of the 407, plus a strange silver silhouette. This was despite the fact we'd been told there would be no pictures until next month's unveiling. Never ones to look a gift horse in the mouth, we've scanned the photos so you can see them first...

Of course, Auto Express magazine readers got their first glimpse of the new saloon in issue 774. And our spies have been busy again, catching the 407 on its brochure photoshoot (image at bottom of this story). It's the clearest picture yet, and shows what Peugeot's photos don't - the side of the car. We reckon the firm wants to save the most dramatic features - its large front overhang and striking C-pillar - for next month's final unveiling.

As our spy shot shows, the front is inspired by the Elixir concept, seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Along with the stunning nose, the most distinctive feature is the rear pillar, which combines with the rising waistline to give a sporty stance. Ready to go on sale in the UK next summer, the new model will replace the ageing 406, which was launched in 1996.

Since then, the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra have both raised the family saloon benchmark, and flagship 407s will also have to contend with the likes of Honda's talented Accord. To compete, Peugeot's chassis engineers have pulled out all the stops to create a fine-handling saloon.
Safety will also be a top priority, with the firm conscious of the impressive Euro NCAP crash test scores of its rivals. Along with the large pedestrian friendly front-end crumple zone, there will be side airbags fitted for both the front and rear-seat passengers.

Power will come from a range of engines, starting with the 1.8, 2.2 and 3.0-litre petrol units lifted from the 406. They will be joined at the 407's launch by two new diesels developed in conjunction with Ford. A 2.0-litre oil-burner is likely to be one of the most popular models in the range, while a 2.7-litre V6 diesel will provide the power for the high-performance flagship.

With the most expensive oil-burners likely to cost a massive £25,000, bosses are obviously confident of the new model's appeal. However, the entry-level 1.8 will be available for around £14,500, which will be more appealing to fleet and company car buyers.

Dealers will only have four-door saloons to sell initially, but the range will expand to incorporate an estate and coupé to mirror the 406 line-up. As with the 307, the 407 seven-seat load-lugger will be badged SW, and is set to join the range late next year. A two-door coupé won't appear until 2005.

For some reason I've really never liked Peugot. Just something about them bugs me

The only Peugeot i like is the 206, and i think i only like it becuase i saw it on SpeedTV WRC coverage time after time.

yea 206's are by far the best my uncle owns one so everytime i go to england i get to ride in it, they go like stink,

They look better than any Peugot that I've seen...that ones not bad. What's the drivetrain like?