A medium sized sedan powered by a four cylinder engine of relatively modest 2.0 litre capacity can not usually be expected to display low NVH levels, but the new 406 is frankly quite astonishing in this respect.

Road rumble is extremely subdued, even on the roar-inducing coarse chip bitumen of Kwinana Freeway’s frequently repaired sections, for once the term `wind rustle’ is an accurate description because only the faintest whisper of wind seems to make its way into the cabin, and even the engine barely makes its presence felt in terms of noise.

This replacement for the 405 captured some impressive awards in its first 12 months on the European market, and when sitting at the wheel it is not hard to understand why.

The seats do seem, if anything, a little too soft at first but prove to have good support and the interior trim is quite admirably finished, with discretely patterned upholstery fabrics reflecting that stylish good taste on which the French so pride themselves.

And there is an impressive list of standard features; tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, dual airbags, ABS braking, air conditioning, passive rear wheel steering, power mirrors/windows, some wood trim on the dashboard, a storage box in the rear parcel shelf, height adjustable seat belts, tilting head restraints, twin vanity mirrors with covers and lights, and a CD-compatible 6-speaker stereo.

Storage space is well catered for too, since Peugeot was able to instal a passenger airbag without doing away with the glovebox, which has a decent capacity.

It all sounds very nice, but I was even more impressed by small but intriguing details like the pull-up sunshade for the rear window, or the safety brake on the power windows - if the glass encounters any obstacle on the way up it instantly stops and reverses, avoiding injury to the throats of inquisitive children.

The dashboard has a rather classical look with its white on grey instrument faces, all controls are carefully located with ease of use in mind, and it was almost a surprise to find a European car with vents that mix warm air to the feet with cool air on the face for our conditions.

The only model available here is the 406ST, so far powered by a twin-cam 2.0 litre engine though a 3.0 litre V6 is also on its way. Not exactly awesome in its acceleration from stationary, the 2.0 engine finds its legs as the revs climb and becomes a rather willing performer, especially if pedalled briskly through the gears. The gearshift has a fairly definite action, not the smoothest ever encountered in a front wheel drive car but certainly one which is easily adjusted to.

I could not help feeling that the 406’s handling was not quite as crisp as that of the 405 it replaces, but at the same time was equally certain that its ride comfort is better, so it seems a fair trade as the new car is still no slouch in corners thanks to its passive rear wheel steering.

Fuel consumption averaged out at a not so impressive 11.5 L/100km (24.7mpg), though with right foot connected to brain we did achieve a best figure of 7.2 L/100 (39mpg).

Stylish, chic and functional all at once, the Peugeot 406 offers an extremely attractive alternative for those seeking a medium sedan which manages to stand out from the crowd. Its appealing price is just icing on the cake - one which can be eaten with great enjoyment.