Peugeot 407

The new oil-burner features a gutsy bi-turbo 2.2-litre HDi engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. It takes only a short time behind the wheel to tell this is a strong contender. Peak torque of 370Nm arrives at only 1,500rpm - lower in the rev range than any rival can manage. As a result, the car covers 0-62mph in only 8.7 seconds.

Despite the fact that an extra turbocharger has been fitted, there's relatively little noise from the HDi unit.

To match the pace, Peugeot has stiffened the newcomer's suspension settings - although in daily driving, the changes are barely noticeable, and the handling is as competent and comfortable as on other models in the 407 line-up. Set to go on sale alongside the V6 diesel variant, the 2.2-litre HDi will appear on UK price lists next month.