Here it is... the 'big' story in the world of coupés. Peugeot has unveiled its mighty new 407 contender. As well as being a giant among the breed, it also boasts a sleeker shape, revised suspension and a unique interior.

And when it goes on sale in the UK in December, priced from around £20,000, the 407 Coupé will be the first Lion available with the new 205bhp 2.7-litre V6 diesel developed with Ford.

As you can see, the exterior follows on closely from the Prologue concept which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The nose is longer than the 407 saloon's, and it features slats ahead of the front wheels.

Other differences include redesigned sill mouldings, while an imposing, swooping rear end, with boot lip spoiler and twin exhaust pipes, completes the sporty look. The coupé's cabin will also be very similar to the Prologue's, with only the chrome and carbon fibre detailing not expected to make the final production version.

A Peugeot spokesman said: "One criticism of the 406 Coupé was that its interior was the same as the saloon's. This time round we wanted to differentiate the models." He explained that as well as a new cabin layout, the car would also have its own unique high-spec trim levels. Set

to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, the 407 Coupé will be available with three engines; a 160bhp 2.2-litre 16-valve petrol, 3.0 V6 with 211bhp and a 205bhp 2.7 V6 HDi available in the rest of the 407 range in 2006. The Coupé also features heavily revised suspension with new springs and dampers, plus a lowered ride height and wider track.

It is expected to achieve the same five-star Euro NCAP safety rating as the saloon, with ABS, ESP traction control and seven airbags all standard.