PEUGEOT 408

Power

The three-cylinder 1.2-litre engine produces 129bhp and 230Nm of torque.

The Knowledge

Peugeot 408 1.2L

PureTech 130 EAT8

Price (as tested): £32,175

Engine: 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol

Power: 129bhp

Torque: 230Nm

Max speed: 130mph

O-60mph: 10.2 seconds

MPG (combined): 41-48.1mpg

Emissions: 133-156g/km CO2

WHAT IS IT?

As reinventions go, Peugeot has one of the most impressive track records in recent times, and the 408 is set to become another model to file under Peugeot’s success stories, if initial impressions are anything to go by. With sleek styling, a quality interior plus petrol and plugin hybrid powertrains, Peugeot is aiming for conquest sales here.

WHAT’S NEW?

It mixes a fastback design with elements of an SUV, much like the Citroen C5 X, which shares the same platform. The fact that it’s called a 408 implies it’s not an SUV; if it were, it’d wear a 4008 badge.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

Engine choices on the 408 include a pair of plug-in hybrids producing 178bhp and 222bhp, which offer up to a claimed 40 miles of electric driving when fully charged. Later in 2023, there will also be an all-electric version.

But our test car uses the entry-level option and the sole purely petrol one – a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit producing 129bhp and 230Nm of torque. Drive is delivered to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

It doesn’t sound a lot for a car of this size, particularly when you consider the same engine is available in Peugeot’s 208 supermini, but it allows for a 10.2-second 0-60mph time and a 130mph top speed. In terms of efficiency, Peugeot claims between 41.0 and 48.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 133-156g/km.

WHAT’S

IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

As in most Stellantis cars that use this 1.2, the engine feels remarkably punchy for its diminutive capacity but quickly runs out of puff. The plug-in hybrids add an element of refinement of which the 1.2 can only dream, but the petrol feels more nimble than the PHEVs and turns into corners more sharply.

Peugeot has done the rare thing of getting the balance just right between comfort and agile handling. The ride, even on the UK’s potholed and rutted roads, remains comfortable and compliant, while when the road opens up, this Peugeot feels lithe, helped by the loveit-or-hate-it small steering wheel.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

Nobody can criticise Peugeot for playing it safe with the 408’s styling, as this is one particularly bold-looking model. The front end especially is striking, headed up by the intricate colour-coded grille comprising 130 coloured accents. Peugeot’s trademark ‘claw’ LED lights are present and correct too, and remain just as eye-catching now as when they were launched a few years ago. It’s a design with a lot going on, and some might find it a bit over the top, but it’s refreshingly different in our view.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Peugeot interiors have kept on getting better and better in recent years, and the 408 is arguably one of its best yet. Like the exterior, this cabin is different to the norm, with lots of interesting materials and angles creating somewhere very special.

The quality throughout is good, as is the new touchscreen with configurable shortcut buttons. There are small annoyances, the first being the i-Cockpit setup, which won’t suit all drivers because the top of the steering wheel can get in the way of the dials themselves. The instrument cluster itself also comes with a 3D effect on top-spec cars, but we found it harder to read than the standard setup.

The Peugeot 408 also scores plenty of points for interior space. The 536-litre boot is huge (it’s slightly smaller on the hybrids), while rear passengers will have no trouble getting comfortable as there’s a great deal of room back there.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

All 408 models get a decent amount of equipment, with the entry-level Allure featuring a 10-inch touchscreen, reversing camera and LED headlights. The small 17-inch alloy wheels ruin the look, however, so we recommend the mid-spec Allure Premium trim, which gains smarter 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control and keyless entry. The flagship GT brings an electric boot, heated steering wheel, matrix LED headlights and a sportier look.

Prices for the Peugeot 408 start from £31,050 for the petrol model, and even the mid-spec Allure Premium petrol car here comes in at an attractive £32,175. It’s quite a step up for the plug-in hybrid, however, with these being available from £40,825.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?

Top Gear said: ‘The 408 turns out to be a tempting concept that drives more engagingly than most crossovers.’

WHAT DO WE THINK?

The 408 is a very interesting addition to Peugeot’s range and shows that there’s life outside of an SUV while still having a practical and stylish family car. We suspect it will be the car’s looks that will be the decision-maker. But there’s a lot more to the 408 than just its design, as the interior is great and it’s good to drive as well.

Styling

The 408’s design is both striking and bold as well as refreshingly different to other cars in its class.

TARGET BUYERS:

Conquest from premium brands, executive and family buyers.

THE RIVALS:

Citroen C5 X Cupra Formentor BMW 3 Series

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. Efficient engines

2. Quality interior

3. Impressive levels of technology

DEAL CLINCHER:

Inside Peugeot has given the 408 one of its best interiors, with the use of interesting materials and angles.

The 408’s design really makes it stand out in the executive car park.