Peugeot 408 review

Pros: Stylish fastback design, upmarket cabin, practical.

 

Cons: Rear headroom compromised, hybrid more expensive to buy.

 

The new Peugeot 408 is the brand’s new offering in the compact class and offers a stylish fastback design as an alternative to an SUV, with a range of efficient powertrain options available.

 

 

The new 408 joins the 308 and 3008 in Peugeot’s range of compact cars but stands out for its sleek fastback design and considerable length (4.69 metres). It’s pitched as an alternative to an SUV and features some fashionable crossover-inspired design cues like cladding around the wheel arches and lower sills. It also sits a bit higher off the ground than your average hatchback.

 

At the front, it looks quite similar to a 308 but the grille design is a little more flamboyant, framed by slim headlights and the brand’s signature, fang-like daytime running lights. Alloy wheel sizes are available from 17- to 20-inch, with the larger alloy wheel designs really enhancing the sporty look of the car. The elegant sloping coupé-style roof adds prestige to this new model. Other unique design features include a contrasting grey rear bumper that gives the 408 a more aggressive stance.

 

 

The 408 has the same stylish, driver-focused cabin as the 308 with high-tech equipment as standard, including a full digital driver display and 10-inch touchscreen. It does feel like a bigger car from behind the wheel however, and the driving position is higher too. The latest version of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit features with a new compact steering wheel, above which sits the digital instrument cluster. Like in all new generation Peugeot cars, it’s always advisable to sit in before you buy as some find the driving position awkward. There are three trim levels for Ireland – Allure, Allure Pack and GT. All come well equipped with comfortable seats finished in a range of fabric combinations, from Alcantara trim to full leather in black or blue.

 

The 408’s longer wheelbase means that rear seat passengers get more legroom than in a 308 and there’s more room to seat three across the rear bench. Headroom is a little compromised because of the sloping coupé-style roofline – but not by much. Petrol version get the largest boot at 536 litres, but the plug-in hybrid still manages a respectable 471 litres. The boot opens in a practical hatchback style and a powered tailgate is standard on top of the range GT models.

 

 

The new Peugeot 408 is available from launch with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine (130hp) or as a plug-in hybrid (180hp or 225hp), with all versions coming with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The plug-in hybrids can be charged and driven electric for a range of up to about 60 kilometres. An electric 408 is expected to be launched by the end of 2023. The top of the range 408 plug-in hybrid on test with 225hp offers a smooth and powerful drive, though it’s expensive and only available in the top of the range GT trim (€52,495). Charging the battery takes about 3.5 hours from a wallbox or 5.5 hours from a 3-pin plug using the standard 3.7kW on-board charger. Though yet to be tested, the 1.2-litre petrol is a well-proven engine from Peugeot and offers the most affordable entry into the 408 range.

 

The 408 manages to feel a little more mature and planted on the road than a 308, thanks to a longer wheelbase and wider track. It’s agile through bends despite some lean and the front tyres grip well. Refinement is excellent with all models coming as standard with acoustic glazing in the windscreen and some versions also adding this to the side windows too. Over the Spanish tarmac, the 408 proved to be a comfortable drive and moved effortlessly from town to motorway and mountain roads.

 

 

The 408 in Allure trim is priced from €39,995 for a petrol. Allure Pack is available from €41,995 for the same petrol engine option, while the top of the range GT model will be available from €44,995. The 408 plug-in hybrid (180hp) is available from €44,995, while the range-topping plug-in hybrid with 225hp is available from €52,495 (GT only).

 

 

The new Peugeot 408 is a compelling option for buyers seeking a stylish and practical alternative to an SUV. Though more expensive to buy than a 308, the 408’s dramatic styling will turn heads and it feels like a step up with more space inside and the comfort of a larger car.