Think “estate car” and most people picture a bland, boxy vehicle designed for load lugging rather than style. The Peugeot 407 SW proves it does not have to be that way.

With a nose that is worthy of an Italian supercar and a boot that will swallow more than just the weekly shop it is an estate car that puts the cool back into the school run.

Introduced to the UK in September 2004 the SW (which stands for station wagon) came hot on the heels of the stylish 407 saloon with which it shared its underpinnings. This gave the car a driveability rare in estates, although it also limited the boot space: at 430 litres it offers just 23 litres more than the saloon and is well down on the 563 litres boasted by its stablemate, the Citroën C5 estate.

Luggage space can be increased by removing the luggage blind and folding down the rear seats, standard on all models, while the fold-flat front passenger’s seat makes it possible for longer objects to be loaded.

The split opening tailgate is a useful addition since it allows you to open the glass part only (rather than the whole boot); handy if you find yourself boxed in in a car park.

Trim and engine options mirror those of the saloon with a choice of four petrol and three diesel units. The entry level 1.8 litre petrol engine provides an inexpensive route to ownership with used examples from 2004 now appearing at about the £7,500 mark, but with just 117bhp to power what is a relatively large car it struggles when pressed under load.

The 2 litre and 2.2 litre petrol units, producing 138bhp and 160bhp respectively, do a decent if unremarkable job, while the range-topping 3 litre with 211bhp sold in such small numbers that you have to wonder why Peugeot even offered it.

But as is so often the case with modern cars it is the diesel units that are the pick of the range. The 1.6 litre HDi may only have a modest 110bhp on tap but thanks to dramatically greater torque than the 1.8 litre petrol it feels brisker and more powerful.

For about £700 more a 2 litre diesel offers 136bhp, although those extra bhp make less difference than you might imagine.

In 2006 a 2.7 litre V6 diesel with twin turbos joined the lineup. This engine, which is also found in a Jaguar, is an absolute peach. At the moment used examples are rare and prices remain high but give it another 12 months and it will be a super-desirable secondhand buy.

Trim levels on the 407 are pretty generous across the range. Even base S models come with climate control, traction control, CD player and a host of airbags.

Spend about £400 extra on a used SE and you gain automatic wipers and lights, electric rear windows and alloys. Move up to the SV and Executive models and you can expect leather upholstery, electric front seat adjustment, xenon headlamps and cruise control.

With comprehensive equipment as standard Peugeot sold few factory options but among the more popular was the sat nav system. Although you can now pick up a portable device for about £200 the factory-fitted Peugeot system remains a worthwhile addition, if you can find a used car with it. Not only is it relatively easy to use, despite not having a touchscreen, it fires up quickly and will reroute rapidly if you decide to deviate from the original route.

With the 407 SW now in its fourth year of manufacture initial observations that its build quality appeared to be a step up from the previous 406 estate appear to have been well founded. Owners report good reliability and no particular weak spots mechanically or with trim.

However, used buyers should still look for cars with a comprehensive service history to validate mileage. They should also be aware that some models require servicing only every 20,000 miles, making visits to the garage infrequent or even nonexistent on late, low mileage cars.

Handling Front-wheel drive together with electronic stability control make the 407 SW a sure-footed performer

Bumpers Prone to scuffing. Only top spec models have parking sensors

Steering Variable-weight power steering provides good feel at speed and ease of manoeuvring in tight spots

Boot Split opening tailgate and fold-flat front passenger seat enhance the car’s practicality but it lacks the load capacity of many competitors

Wheels Alloy wheels are standard on all but base S models

Safety Impressive five stars for adult occupant safety in the Euro NCAP

Stereo Single disc CD is standard, with CD stacker and uprated speakers on top spec models

Roof rails Standard on all models and can accommodate a multitude of luggage-carrying systems

Vital statistics

Model Peugeot 407 SW 1.6 HDi SE

Engine 1560cc, four cylinders

Power 110bhp

Transmission Five-speed manual

Fuel 50.4mpg (combined cycle)

Acceleration 0-62mph: 12.1sec

Top speed 117mph

The one to buy

Peugeot 407 SW 1.6 HDi SE 2004 54 with 40,000 miles. Pay £8,925 at a Peugeot dealer or £8,000 privately

Values Mileage

10,000 20,000 40,000 2004 54

Trade £8,600 £8,175 £7,425

Retail £10,095 £9,695 £8,925

2005 55 Trade £9,325 £8,875 £8,100

Retail £10,795 £10,350 £9,575

2006 56 Trade £10,450 £9,925 £9,100

Retail £11,995 £11,495 £10,650

Or for similar money

2004 04 Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTi Design

2004 54 Mazda6 2.0d S estate

2004 54 Renault Laguna Sport Tourer 1.9 dCi

2005 54 Citroën C5 1.6 HDi LX estate

2005 55 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi LX estate