PEUGEOT has thrown down the gauntlet to rival fleet manufacturers with a low starting price and high levels of equipment for its new 407 upper-medium contender.

The saloon model will start from £14,750 and the SW will be priced from £15,850 when the range goes on sale from the end of May.

Trim levels will be S, SE, SV and Executive trim levels, starting at £14,750 for the 1.8-litre saloon in S trim (£15,850 for the 1.8-litre SW) rising to £23,350 for the top of the range 3.0-litre petrol V6 SW in Executive trim.

All models feature a raft of standard equipment, including digital climate control, trip computer, CD player, ultrasonic alarm and front fog lights.

The rival to the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra, Renault Laguna and other key fleet players will have up to nine airbags, climate control and CD player fitted as standard, along with active safety features Electronic Stability Programme and Electronic Brake Force Distribution fitted. There will be four trim levels and six engine options available in four-door and five-door SW.

All diesel engines fitted with manual gearboxes meet Euro IV emission standards, including the firm's new 1.6-litre 110bhp model.

Active safety package features include seven airbags (nine on Executive models), 'active' front seat head restraints and a second generation electronic stability control system (ESP) that features ABS, electronic brake force distributor (EBFD), emergency brake assist (EBA) and traction control.

Additionally, all SW models feature a panoramic glass roof as standard.

Optional equipment includes cruise control, rear parking aid, xenon headlights, RT3 telematics/satellite navigation system and leather upholstery. A comfort pack is also available that features electric adjustment of the steering column and driver's seat with an integrated memory system.

The 407 is expected to sell 18,000 units this year, rising to 27,000 next year, with up to 70% sales being saloons and 70% of the total mix being fleet sales. Up to 80% of sales are expected to be diesel.

The diesel models CO2 figures are 145g/km for the 1.6 110 HDi diesel and 155g/km for the 2.0-litre 136bhp model, while for petrol engines, CO2 figures are 187g/km for the 1.8-litre, 194g/km for the 2.0-litre, 214g/km for the 2.2-litre and 233g/km for the V6.

Peugeot 407 saloon OTR prices

Petrol
1.8-litre, 117 bhp 5-speed manual….£14,750
2.0-litre, 138 bhp 5-speed manual….£15,250
2.2-litre, 160 bhp 6-speed manual….£16,950
2.2-litre, 160 bhp 4-speed auto….£17,950
3.0-litre, 211 bhp, V6 6-speed, auto….£20,250

Diesel
1.6-litre, 110 bhp, HDi with FAP 5-speed manual….£15,550
2.0-litre, 136 bhp, HDi with FAP, 6-speed manual….£16,450
2.0-litre, 136 bhp, HDi with FAP, 4-speed auto….£18,450

  • Figures show starting prices only

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