Diesel smoothie

AMMAN - Running long in the tooth and with the limited global appeal that large French saloons have, the Peugeot 607 range is now down to its two core models in its home market.

Frugal luxury

With the 2.2- and 2.7-litre HDi turbo-diesel versions of Peugeot’s 607 in circulation in France, one can but understand the reasoning behind this owing to their great appeal in terms of size, refinement, and frugality, in which they objectively compete very well with German offerings, unlike the petrol versions which fall slightly short in dynamics and driver appeal. Of the two diesel variants, it is the smaller but more sophisticated and better pound-for-pound performing 2.2-liter four-cylinder HDi version that most impresses in that it offers a similar level of performance - including a 9.9 second 0-100 km/h time - as its 210hp 2.9-litre V6 petrol 607 incarnation, along with the fuel consumption of a much more humble and near-entry level 1.4-litre petrol 308 family hatchback model, despite a hefty 1650kg weight as opposed to the more modern C-segment hatchback’s mere 1271kg.

To illustrate both the advances of modern diesel technology and the HDi’ particular frugality, one ought compare its fuel economy figures with the mentioned 1.4-liter 308, which sees the much heavier 607 2.2 HDi post the same 5.2 liter per 100km extra-urban consumption and better 8.5 and 6.4 litre/100km urban and combined cycle consumption compared to the 308 1.4 petrol’s respective 9 and 6.5 litre/100km figures. While also offering much better fuel economy results than the still lighter 1580kg 2.9-litre V6 petrol version with its similar performance, the 2.2HDi out does the petrol V6’ 234g/km carbon dioxide output with a considerably more environmentally friendly 170g/km. More tellingly, the 607 2.2 HDi’ carbon dioxide emissions are closer to the much smaller and lighter 308 1.4 petrol’s 155g/km rating, which makes a big luxurious modern turbo-diesel nearly as green as a medium-sized small petrol engine family hatch.

Opulent grunt and lavish cabin

Sporting just four transverse-mounted cylinders and a 2.2-litre displacement, the 2.2 HDi however boasts the latest diesel technology, with common-rail, DOHC 16-valve delivery and twin turbo chargers meaning that the large and heavy 607 is able to sprint to 100km/h in a respectable 9.9 seconds and push on to an autobahn speed 224km/h, with such a modest displacement. With twin-turbos at work, the 2.2 HDi’s engine spools up quickly and comes on boil by a mere 1500rpm, when its full sledgehammer 273lb/ft torque becomes fully available. Its great low-end and mid-range torque allows the 607 2.2 HDi great load lugging and towing capacities, as well as fuel economy owing to it being able to drive in high gears effectively at low rpm. In terms of power, the 2.2 HDi delivers the equivalent to a modern 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated petrol car, with full 170hp arriving at 4000rpm.

With diesel technology’s enormous strides forward, one can now expect even more frugality and power comparable to similarly sized petrol engines, while modern diesels are more refined than ever, with the characteristic rattle smoothed out by both engineering and sound deadening, and as the case is with the 2.2 HDi, one would hardly notice the difference. Inside, the 607 enjoys a plush and well-appointed interior, with classy fit, finish and design, while its noise insulation is terrific and its ability to isolate vibrations and harshness make it a highly comfortable long distance companion. Soft and comfortable seats, with supple and a sumptuous leather option complement the 607’s ample passenger space and generous boot capacity, while its clutch control is light and user-friendly in town and its six-speed manual gear lever slick and easy to slip into the next ratio.

Serene cruiser

At its best dynamically when cruising at European motorway speeds, the Peugeot 607 2.2 HDi is smooth driving with high levels of directional stability, comfort and low noise intrusion. Spacious, comfortable and stable for long highway distances, the 607 soaks up and irons out imperfections with poise and class, and is a serene place to be.

In town the large 607 is manageable owing to light controls and good forward visibility, but it is in the handling and driver involvement departments where the heavy and large front-drive 607 leaves something to be desired. With its heavy front-biased weight and comfort-biased suspension, the 607 isn’t nimble, taut or sharp handling, but makes a good effort controlling its roll. However, with no pretensions at being a sports saloon, one can’t complain much, as the 607 excels at what it sets out to do: comfort and smoothness.