Peugeot 407 Coupe

A great cruiser, the Peugeot is nevertheless outclassed by German alternatives in terms of image and quality.



For: Superb V6 diesel, refinement, good value
Against: Cabin lacks quality, handling degenerates when pressed, weight blunts performance

Ford Mondeo
The Mondeo estate adds a vast load bay to the many qualities of the hatch.



On the road price: £16,245 - £24,195
For: Commodious rear, refinement, driver involvement, affordable to run
Against: Weight blunts performance, mean standard spec in places

Audi RS4

The RS4 makes every journey enjoyable and its performance is mind-blowing.



For: Accessible handling and performance, feelgood factor, great interior, mighty V8
Against: Thirsty, not cheap, beginning to date in places

Driving

The Audi feels special as soon as you press the start button. A great engine is at the heart of this car’s appeal. It fires into life with a delicious V8 rumble, and sounds good on the move as well – especially when you hit the Sport button. This sharpens throttle response, improves the exhaust note and also squeezes the side bolsters of the seat more snugly! However, even without it, the RS4 delivers muscular low-down grunt; its 430Nm torque figure is substantial. A power output of 414bhp puts it on a level footing with BMW’s M3. And while the Audi doesn’t have the mechanical hard edge of the BMW, we think it sounds just as good. It has a slick six-speed manual gearbox too, with an inertia-free drivetrain. The Quattro transmission gives excellent traction, of course, and also helps the RS4 be second only to the R8 in all-time driver’s cars from Audi. Through corners, there’s a suppleness to the suspension (fitted with an active set-up as standard) that does translate into a little body movement. There’s a touch of understeer near the limit too – but don’t be mistaken, it’s always incredibly involving to drive. Point-to-point pace on snaking B-roads is fearsome. Yet all this ability is also coupled to effortless day-to-day manners, too. The RS4 strikes the perfect compromise.

Power struggle
BMW’s new, fourth-generation M3 has been unveiled We took Audi’s RS4 to the European launch to find out which really is the ultimate driver's car...



It’s the small badge that’s a big deal for car enthusiasts. Ever since the famous M emblem first appeared on a 3-Series in 1986, it has become recognised as the mark of a true driving machine.

Each generation of M3 has raised the performance bar further
– although what has remained consistent throughout is the model’s reputation for delivering superb handling involvement and dynamic excellence.

It’s no surprise, then, that the arrival of an all-new M3 is a big event. The straight six-cylinder engine that powered the previous two generations has now given way to a V8 as BMW’s quest for power continues.

Three is the magic number - at least, that's what Peugeot is hoping. Its new 4007 is the third and final product of a collaboration which has already given us the Citroen C-Crosser and Mitsubishi Outlander.

As with Citroen, this is the Lion's first attempt at an SUV, and the firm is hoping to cash in on a booming 'soft-roader' market when the model goes on sale later this month.

Specifications

Engine Type:V8, Displacement cu in (cc):379 (6208)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:457(336) / 6800
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:443(600) / 5000
Tires F-R:235/40 ZR18 - 255/35 ZR18
Length × Width × Height in:186.1 × 70.7 × 56.6
Weight lb (kg):3813 (1730)
Performance Acceleration 0-60 mph s:4.3
Top Speed mph (km/h):155 (250) - electronically limited