Refined variation on the recipe

Peugeot's 4007 is a reasonably priced, practical family wagon with four-wheel-drive and European cachet. Photo / Supplied

I drove Peugeot's 4007 in England some months ago, but it takes a local drive to confirm whether a car has the goods here.

What's new

Peugeot shares this car's platform with Mercedes' B-class plus Hyundai's Tucson and Santa Fe. The 4007 is all but identical to its donor, the popular Mitsubishi Outlander, and to Citroen's C-crosser.

The main differences are a strongly Peugeot-flavoured nose, some smart bits of brushed alloy trim, and better-quality interior materials. Plus the new four-shaft, double-clutch auto transmission, and different springs for the suspension with a stiffer spring rating and altered shock damping.

The company line

Peugeot NZ is happy to acknowledge that 4007 is largely identical to Mitsubishi's successful Outlander. But it's a new niche for Peugeot and should draw customers in at a time they're most needed. Peugeot NZ divisional manager Simon Rose says: "We're holding our head up in a pool that's slowly draining out."

What we say

We reckon Peugeot's got the pricing right, with the entry-level, five-seat manual's $49,990 starting amid Mitsubishi's price range. The Sport adds the third row seats, auto and 18-inch alloys and the Luxury includes heated leather seats, extra chrome, and Bluetooth hands-free cellphone capability, for $59,990.

The greater on-road refinement, Euro cachet and impressive diesel engine justify the price increase which remains modest enough not to offend against the more affordable donor car.

Especially since this Peugeot really does feel more refined, albeit equally practical. The fold-down tailgate makes a handy perch for watching school footy. The third row of seats takes just two straps to pull out and up for carpool runs. Without it there's a voluminous 510-litre boot. And we like Peugeot's first foray into the aftermarket - buyers wishing to bling their ride can buy side steps, bull bars and more - plus, of course, a tow bar to make the most of the 2000kg rating.

On the road

My UK drive suggested the Peugeot is quieter than the Mitsi. Yet tyre noise on our coarse chip seal is just as intrusive, though ride does feel more refined courtesy of the uprated suspension.

Mitsubishi's two, four and four-lock dial is easy to use. The car runs in front-drive unless you choose otherwise, with four-high reading the conditions before apportioning torque to the wheels that need it.

The launch was conducted in waterlogged conditions, and the 4007 proved confident on gravel, and sure-footed on super-wet grass despite the road tyres.

Meanwhile it has a thoroughly nice engine. The 2.2-litre, 115kW/380Nm common rail diesel pulls well from low revs, yet is as smooth as any petrol at open road speeds - the auto's impressive, too.

Why you'll buy one

Peugeot's 4007 is a reasonably priced smart, practical family wagon with the benefits of four-wheel-drive and Euro cachet, while the new face is remarkably effective at imparting a different visual character to an existing recipe.

Why you won't

It may be more refined than the Mitsi, but if you don't want the extra spec and don't like garlic, you'll pay less for the entry level Outlander.