IT IS a shame to say this, but any fleet manager worth his or her salt should not even consider adding Peugeot's 607 V6 SE automatic to their choice list. A combination of high list price, high carbon dioxide emissions and poor residual value spell disaster for both the company and its drivers in their tax bills.

The reason it is a shame to say this is because the 607 in top-of-the-range V6 SE automatic trim level is a beautiful car, not only in looks and trim but also to drive. The V6 engine is silky smooth and the level of standard equipment would make a BMW or Mercedes-Benz driver drool. But in today's times, with carbon dioxide-based company car tax looming on the horizon, a thirsty V6 petrol engine is hardly an educated choice for your fleet list, especially when Peugeot produces a 2.2-litre HDi turbodiesel unit in the 607 which features a clever particulates trap to reduce emissions.

Available in S and SE trim, the diesel 607 range is priced between ú22,495 and ú25,595 on-the-road. More importantly, all models offered reduced CO2 emissions, better residual values (all are worth 30% of price new after three years/60,000 miles) and all have better combined average fuel economy (41.5mpg). If a big executive saloon is a must for your drivers, the 607 in diesel form is a more cost-effective option than the V6 SE model tested here.