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In the face of high fuel prices, increased congestion and a general shift towards heaping all manner of ill informed negativity on the car, its still possible to have a good time without breaking the bank.
The romantic idea that its possible to get in a car, drive for hundreds of miles, see some splendid sights and feel refreshed after hours at the wheel is, thankfully, not yet dead. It does, however, all depend on what youre driving.
Long distances call for a long fuel range, making diesel the only way forward. Putting aside BMWs excellent diesel 6 Series on cost grounds, Peugeots often underrated 407 Coupe boasts two impressive oil burner options.
Keeping to the frugal remit, Peugeots 2.0-litre 136 horsepower motor earns an extra mention over the already established and widely used 2.7-litre V6 variant. Theres no need for a hair shirt when driving this particular car, as performance is more than adequate.
Although the 407 Coupe is a big car, in this guise it has no trouble maintaining a brisk pace. Top speed is a more than adequate 129mph, while the dash to 62mph takes a creditable 10.1 seconds - not bad for a 2.0-litre diesel car designed more for cruising than sprinting.
Crucially, its the cars ability to accelerate quickly through the gears that should impress the most. Turbo diesels are famed for their mid-range power and torque, and this 407 is no different. Twisty B-roads and overtaking manoeuvres are no bother for car or driver, while motorway cruising is a refined and relaxing experience - just what you need when racking up the miles.
On the topic of economy, this 2.0-litre 407 Coupe offers a wallet-friendly 48.0mpg on the combined cycle, and a CO2 rating of only 156g/km.
Again, this is not a small car, but the latter is more than respectable and the former is the perfect solution to being forced to stop every 300-odd miles and empty your wallet at the nearest filling station. Almost twice that range is possible without even trying.
Dont think that, because youve gone for the sensible diesel option, you have to suffer with average looks and accommodation with the 407. In Coupe form the car is easily capable of passing muster alongside more expensive - think Italian - machinery.
The 407s long, low profile is no less eyecatching than something produced by Ferrari or Maserati. In fact, boasting a short tail and a nose of generous proportions, Peugeots low cost tourer ticks all the necessary styling boxes.
And its just as well that wide open mouth-like noses as seen on the Maserati Grandturismo and various Ferraris are still in fashion, because the 407 sports one of the biggest around.
The Peugeots big doors open to reveal a spacious - for the front seat occupants at least - cabin that, in GT trim, is no less opulent than cars boasting six-figure price tags.
Fans of the regular 407 will notice that much of the cabin is shared between saloon and coupe, however its upon closer inspection its obvious that more effort has (understandably) gone into the premium two door car.
This feeling is further enhanced by the inclusion of the optional leather upholstery, which does a great job of lifting the cabin ambience to that of something costing two or even three times as much.
Factor in Peugeots easy to use sat-nav system, complete with large colour screen and youre good to go. That, along with the leather chairs, is all you really need to complete the package.
The Coupes boot is plenty big enough for a couple of modest size suitcases and a few squashy bags, reinforcing the cars long distance tourer role.
For all this talk of the Peugeots continent-spanning abilities, the 407 Coupe is also at home dodging cyclists, getting stuck into the daily commute and bring home the weekly shop.
An all-rounder in the traditional sense, multi-tasking in the 407 Coupe has never felt so glamorous - or thrifty for that matter.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Model: Peugeot 407 Coupe GT HDi 136
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel unit developing 136bhp
Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front
wheels
Performance: Maximum speed 129mph, 0-62mph 10.1
Economy: 48.0mpg
CO2 Rating: 156g/km
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