We street check the rakish new Peugeot 408. It’s actually acquired kerb enchantment, however what’s it prefer to drive?
The all-new Peugeot 408 is marketed as a fastback. The truth is, it’s extra of a mash up of a hatchback, SUV-coupe and saloon.
Finally, what actually issues is that in relation to automotive design, Peugeot is on a roll. From the 208 supermini, to the 308 hatchback and 3008 crossover, there’s not a pug within the vary (for those who’ll excuse the pun).
The 408 is priced from £31,050 to £43,300, and this huge household automotive sits taller than a saloon or hatchback and decrease than an SUV/crossover.
You possibly can select between a standard petrol or a plug-in hybrid, and each are paired with an eight-speed computerized gearbox, whereas a 100% electrical model will be part of the line-up within the subsequent 12 months or so.
The 408 has a glossy, sloping roofline, giving it a coupe-esque profile. Up entrance, there’s a large, imposing grille with body-coloured strakes, flanked by ‘lion’s fang’ daytime operating lights and slim, mean-looking headlights.
The rear finish sees a modest outing for Peugeot’s signature ‘lion’s claw’ tail lamps and a chunky black bumper under. Total, the 408’s derriere is just not not like a Lamborghini Urus, no much less.
Inside, it’s very similar to the smaller 308 (which is not any unhealthy factor). So, as ever with Peugeots, the small steering wheel is positioned under the digital driver’s show.
Nevertheless, this ‘i-Cockpit’ design is to not everybody’s style. I choose to take a seat low in any cabin, and within the 408 I discovered the highest of the steering wheel obscured the higher reaches of the instrument binnacle.
That mentioned, it’s completely snug when you get used to the set-up and lots of drivers might choose the widely barely elevated driving place (in comparison with a standard saloon or property).
Elsewhere, the cabin displays Peugeot’s push upmarket with high quality supplies, loads of soft-touch surfaces and a satisfying weight to the doorways. It’s all properly completed too and the seats are snug and supportive.
The centrally mounted 10-inch i-Join Superior infotainment system is evident and slick sufficient, and I favored the row of i-Toggles (touch-sensitive, short-cut buttons mounted decrease down), which might be configured as favourites. There’s additionally a row of bodily switches under for necessities corresponding to local weather management. The infotainment system can be up to date over-the-air.
There’s no scarcity of house up entrance or behind, although taller back-seat passengers might wrestle for headroom, because of the horny roofline.
Relating to baggage capability, the petrol model gives 536 litres, rising to 1,611 litres with the rear seats folded down. The plug-in hybrid delivers barely much less (471/1,545 litres) as a result of the battery eats into the boot house.
The brand new Peugeot 408 is properly geared up and there are 4 trim ranges – Attract, Attract Premium, GT and First Version.
Attract will get 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a reversing digital camera with rear parking sensors and part-leather seats, plus a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Attract Premium provides bigger 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, entrance parking sensors, adaptive cruise management, rear cross-traffic alert and long-range blind spot safety.
Vary-topping GT automobiles get completely different 19-inch alloy wheels, a body-coloured grille and a sporty physique package. Inside, there are aluminium trims on the door sills, ambient lighting and inexperienced distinction stitching.
Restricted-run First Version provides goodies together with 20-inch alloy wheels and a 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with therapeutic massage capabilities.
I examined each the 128bhp petrol and the extra highly effective of the 2 plug-in hybrid variations (178bhp and 222bhp).
This entry-level mannequin utilises the 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder engine used extensively throughout the Peugeot and Citroen ranges.
It’s a punchy performer and appears swifter than the 0-62mph determine of 10.4 seconds. It tops out at 130mph, whereas financial system is as much as 48.1mpg and CO2 emissions are as little as 133g/km.
It might appear odd to energy a comparatively massive automotive with such a dinky engine, however it works. Sure, it’s thrummy for those who put your foot down, and it typically has to work a little bit tougher than a much bigger engine, however total it’s a formidable unit maybe finest suited to city environments.
The plug-in hybrid model we examined has a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a 109bhp electrical motor, producing a mixed 222bhp.
The PHEV will get from 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and goes on to a most pace of 145mph. In concept, it’s able to as much as 269.5mpg, however as with all plug-in hybrid, your financial system will rely on many components such because the size of your journey, whether or not you retain the battery absolutely charged, the temperature and the way your drive.
Simply as importantly, the 408 PHEV gives as much as 40 miles of electric-only driving, whereas CO2 emissions are as little as 26g/km, unlocking substantial tax financial savings for enterprise customers.
So, in case your every day commute is across the 25-mile mark (consistent with the UK common) and you’ll cost in a single day at house or elsewhere, your visits to the petrol station may very well be few and much between.
The battery on each plug-in hybrid variations has a capability of 12.4kWh and two sorts of on-board single-phase charger can be found – a 3.7kW as normal, or an non-obligatory 7.4kW. Cost instances are 3hrs 25mins and 1hr 40mins respectively.
There’s little question that the PHEV model gives essentially the most relaxed driving expertise total and fits the 408 finest.
There’s extra energy on faucet, and naturally, it’s hushed in all-electric mode, whereas the swap from petrol to hybrid and vice versa is seamless.
That mentioned, push on or choose Sport mode and the 1.6-litre engine turns into a little bit extra vocal.
The eight-speed computerized gearbox works properly too, solely sometimes holding on to a gear for a tad too lengthy.
The experience on each the petrol and hybrid variations is easy and the automotive soaks up the bumps properly.
The 408 has good street manners. It feels substantial, but physique lean is properly managed and there’s respectable grip.
The steering is mild and responsive, and the automotive is simple to manoeuvre. Nevertheless, visibility out of the slim rear window isn’t nice and I’d choose a rear wiper.
The Peugeot 408 occupies one thing of a distinct segment, so figuring out rivals isn’t really easy. The Volkswagen Arteon Taking pictures Brake, Renault Arkana and Cupra Formentor, spring to thoughts, however its most blatant competitor is nearer to house. The C5 X, from Citroen (Peugeot’s French cousin) could be very comparable, but cheaper.
Verdict: The all-new Peugeot 408 manages to strike a stability between financial system, consolation, practicality and sportiness. Protected and properly geared up, it has an aesthetic really feel and oozes kerb enchantment.
Peugeot UK
