New for 2004, the 407 includes a distinctive nose and grille that provides an instant recognition factor – expect more of the kind of brand identity within the years to come.

Underneath the skin of the bold strike against Euro-bland styling lies a package of hardware and soft parts that move the overall game on, too; the engines are lively and enjoyable, the chassis sharp like a new scalpel (if your little vulnerable to transmitting pothole bumps to the cabin on rough surfaces) and also the cabin appointments extremely pleasing to determine and use.

The SW variant needs to be designated for praise, being halfway from a hatchback and an estate car, but sufficiently well-executed to fulfill both market sectors.