Interesting to compare two cars from the same sector.

My previous long-term test car was a Mazda6 2.0D Sport, while I’m now driving Peugeot’s 407 in SR trim.

Both have sporty intentions, but the Peugeot feels miles apart from the Mazda.

Instead of the firm ride and direct steering in the Mazda, I’m now enjoying the far softer-riding 407.

Sporty trim with its alloys and spoilers may look great, but for ong-distance comfort the 407’s approach is hard to beat – road ruts are soaked up easily and the seats are extremely comfortable.

As for the all-important fuel economy, Peugeot’s claimed combined figure is 49.5 mpg and I’ve been averaging 44mpg over the past month.