We highway take a look at the rakish new Peugeot 408. It’s definitely received kerb attraction, however what’s it wish to drive?
The all-new Peugeot 408 is marketed as a fastback. In reality, it’s extra of a mash up of a hatchback, SUV-coupe and saloon.
In the end, what actually issues is that with regards 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 (in the event you’ll excuse the pun).
The 408 is priced from £31,050 to £43,300, and this massive household automotive sits taller than a saloon or hatchback and decrease than an SUV/crossover.
You possibly can select between a traditional petrol or a plug-in hybrid, and each are paired with an eight-speed computerized gearbox, whereas a 100% electrical model will be a part of the line-up within the subsequent yr or so.
The 408 has a smooth, 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 favor 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 comfy when you get used to the set-up and plenty of drivers might favor the widely barely elevated driving place (in comparison with a traditional 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 nicely completed too and the seats are comfy 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 may be configured as favourites. There’s additionally a row of bodily switches under for necessities akin to local weather management. The infotainment system may also be up to date over-the-air.
There’s no scarcity of area up entrance or behind, although taller back-seat passengers might battle for headroom, because of the horny roofline.
Relating to baggage capability, the petrol model provides 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 area.
The brand new Peugeot 408 is nicely 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 totally different 19-inch alloy wheels, a body-coloured grille and a sporty physique equipment. 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 features.
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 economic 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 in the event you put your foot down, and it generally has to work somewhat tougher than a much bigger engine, however total it’s a powerful unit maybe greatest 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 velocity of 145mph. In principle, it’s able to as much as 269.5mpg, however as with all plug-in hybrid, your economic system will depend upon many elements 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 provides 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 each day commute is across the 25-mile mark (in step with the UK common) and you may cost in a single day at residence or elsewhere, your visits to the petrol station could possibly 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 customary, or an non-obligatory 7.4kW. Cost occasions are 3hrs 25mins and 1hr 40mins respectively.
There’s little doubt that the PHEV model provides probably the most relaxed driving expertise total and fits the 408 greatest.
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 somewhat extra vocal.
The eight-speed computerized gearbox works nicely too, solely sometimes holding on to a gear for a tad too lengthy.
The experience on each the petrol and hybrid variations is clean and the automotive soaks up the bumps properly.
The 408 has good highway manners. It feels substantial, but physique lean is nicely managed and there’s first rate 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 favor 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 residence. 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 steadiness between economic system, consolation, practicality and sportiness. Secure and nicely geared up, it has an aesthetic really feel and oozes kerb attraction.
