I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw the new-look Peugeot 407. When you’ve got a car the public is happy with, the task of updating it is always a difficult one, which is why you’ve got to applaud Peugeot for resisting the temptation to tinker too much with the exterior.

Distinctive when new back in 2004, Peugeot’s mid-size 407 remains a fine piece of design today – elegant, sharper and what the marketing people would describe as feline. So what we have here is a subtle reworking of a proven package.

The 407’s four-door saloon, estate and coupé variants remain much as before. Visually, cosmetic tweaks are the order of the day, with new bumpers and taillights on all models. The saloon gains a coupé-like rear bumper with the numberplate now mounted lower down in a trim panel, mimicking a diffuser.

The clean lines of the 407 saloon’s rump do much to increase the perception of the car being a sophisticated mid-size alternative to the assorted ranks of similarly sized offerings from the likes of Ford and Vauxhall. And at the front, if the 407’s nose wasn’t aggressive-looking enough, the grille detail is now more distinctive.

While that’s largely it for the outside, the 407’s cabin now exudes a premium feel. The eye falls immediately on the black piano-like trim surrounding the centre console, chrome detailing around the various audio controls and the half-leather seating.

In recent years, Peugeot has created a well-deserved reputation for generous levels of standard equipment. The 407 is no different and, as before, it boasts a high creature comfort count.

The 407’s exterior changes might be subtle, but the shake-up in the engine department should pique the interest of fleet managers and anyone keen to reduce their outgoings. With diesel’s popularity showing little sign of waning, the UK line-up is almost exclusively derv-powered.

Familiar power units remain part of the 407 line-up, which means the criminally underrated 1.6-litre HDi 110 is joined by 2.0-litre HDi 170 engine and 2.7-litre HDi with 205bhp. Peugeot’s popular 2.0-litre HDi 136 also makes an appearance, although the phased introduction of a HDi 140 variant will likely see this motor take over the mantle of fleet favourite in due course. Cleaner and greener than the HDi 136 engine, and Euro 5 compliant to boot, its extra power and improved environment credentials comes largely as a result of some clever electronic tweakery.

For my road test, I chose the Sports Saloon with that immensely enjoyable 1.6-litre diesel engine. It’s a vocal engine at start-up, but once into its stride it offers not only a quiet and rewarding drive, but also excellent fuel economy figures.

Key trim features of the new Sport specification include alloy wheels, electric seat adjustment, xenon headlamps, a superb electrochrome rear mirror, cruise control and speed limiter, rear parking aid, Bluetooth phone connection, satellite navigation and a top-notch entertainment unit providing inputs for MP3 players. Other standard-fit features include dual-zone climate control, auto door locking, auto headlights and auto wipers, tyre pressure sensors and ESP. You will want for nothing.

As for petrol power, Peugeot in the UK has opted for a similarly green approach. For starters engine choice has been reduced to one unit. Don’t despair because the 2.0-litre unit offered will happily run on regular petrol or an ethanol mix – E85 to be precise. The flexibility is there if you or your fleet manager requires it, making the 407’s engine line-up a cleverly chosen one that’s likely to please owners if not the tax man.

Fans of the 407 should know that the car is still good fun to drive – regardless of engine choice. In particular, the saloon steers well, delivers a supple yet measured ride and is never anything but predictable, regardless of the road conditions. My only grumble was that when you have reached cruising speed it really does cry out for the sixth gear which comes only with the higher-powered engines.

In true French style, the car proves to be excellent at devouring hundreds of motorway miles without complaint, its supple chassis capable of smoothing out rough surfaces with ease. Point the car at a twisty B-road and it’ll surprise you with its direct steering, strong brakes and nimble handling. Only its bulk will deter you from excessive manoeuvres.

With a sensible yet willing range of engines to choose from, keen pricing, generous levels of standard equipment and a tastefully refreshed exterior, Peugeot’s 407 has been given a new lease of life.

At a glance

Model: Peugeot 407 1.6 HDi 110 Sport Saloon

Price: £20,295

Transmission: 5-speed manual, driving front wheels

Power: 110 bhp

Performance: 0-62 mph in 11.7 seconds; maximum speed 119 mph

Economy: 53.2 mpg combined

CO2 emissions: 140 g/km