The 407 offers excellent levels of safety, with an impressive five-star score in Euro NCAP cash tests and a generous tally of equipment that includes up to nine air-bags (rear side airbags only being fitted to top of the range models). Other safety equipment includes an electronic stability control system to lessen the chance of it sliding or losing control in slippery conditions.

The ultimate practicality of the 407 is reduced because rather than graft a box onto the back, Peugeot opted for a much more stylish arrangement. The space itself is fairly wide and not hindered by intrusive wheelarches but the opening isn’t very wide and the angled tailgate eats in to the load area so there’s limited vertical space – even folding the parcel shelf out of the way is awkward.

With just 430 litres of boot space it’s only slightly more practical than the saloon (with 407 litres) and lags behind the Mondeo which boasts 542 litres.