Test – Peugeot 408 (2023) 1.2 PureTech 130: The first price is frequentable

With small 1.2, the 408 is much lighter than the hybrid versions. The 130 hp are sufficient to move its 1.400 kg, but the 3 cylinder lacks refinement.

Configure your new Peugeot 408

You are interested in the new Peugeot 408 Hybrid or Peugeot 408 sedan ? Customize it with the Peugeot configurator: choose the finish, the engine, the color, the equipment and project yourself behind the wheel of your future hybrid rechargeable sedan !

Discover the available versions

The Peugeot 408 sedan is available in the following finishes: 408 Allure, 408 Allure Pack and 408 GT for the rechargeable hybrid version and for the petrol version.

Choose your motorization

Depending on the chosen version, you can then choose the engine that suits you best. Opt for a rechargeable hybrid motorization if the selected finish of the Peugeot 408 allows it. Otherwise, the PureTech 130 engine equipped with stop & start is also available if you choose a petrol engine.

A suitable design and technologies

Depending on the Peugeot 408 finish chosen, different options are also available to you, in terms of design in particular but also in terms of technologies. On the design side, differences are notable in the rims, steering wheel, ultra compact full led headlights as well as finishes present on the dashboard in particular. As for technologies, depending on the version you choose, certain basic technologies will be included such as the 3D Peugeot I-Cockpit, the 3D navigation system, the Peugeot Drive Assist and others.

The dimensions of the new Peugeot 408

The Peugeot 408 sedan measures 1848 mm in width for a length of 4687 mm and a height of 1486 mm. The capacity of the trunk is 471 liters for the rechargeable hybrid engine. These dimensions are common to all the finishes available for the Peugeot 408.

Test – Peugeot 408 (2023) 1.2 PureTech 130: The 408 “First Prize” is frequentable ?

Unveiled at the end of 2022, the Peugeot 408 first went into our hands in its top -level versions. If the Phev hybrid responds rather well to its “almost premium” family sedan ambitions, the prices are high and encourage to look at the smallest engine proposed. Less expensive, the classic Puretech 130 essence seduces on paper. But pay more than 37.000 € for a three -cylinder.

Let it be said, the Peugeot 408 disturbs and seems very difficult to fit in a precise category. But it is indeed a sedan, intrinsically: the nomenclature in “400” the place well in descendant of the intermediate family of the lion. Well, with a few elements of crossover inspiration, a few millimeters of additional ground clearance, and a roof line fastback. After all, if it can recall the benefits of a classic sedan to the public acquired in the SUVs, why not.

The 408, as its name suggests, is therefore inserted between the 308 and the most chic sedan 508. It is curiously closer to the latter, in prices, than from the compact whose platform and mechanics it borrows, in a tight range at only 3 offers: the 3 cylinder 1.2 PureTech 130, and two hybrids, in reality the same engine (4 cylinders 1.6 l) declined in two power levels (180 and 225 hp). No diesel on the program, damage: the 1.5 BlueHDI 130, sober and efficient, would allow you to attract the graces of large wheels.

The 408 is therefore a car dear, in absolute terms: in GT Phev 225 hp, the version of our first test, we must pay 51.400 €. Almost almost the price of a BMW 4 GRAN series cut in the entry -level or a MERCEDES CLA of near configuration ! Remember our controversial confrontation. Result, the gaze quickly is on the more affordable models of the catalog: the PHEV 180 begins at 45.€ 450, and the most modest 1.2 PureTech provides the call price to 37.350 € in basic allure finish. Unavailable during our test, we had to “satisfy” the level of intermediate Equipment pauck at 38.700 €.

With small 1.2, the 408 is much lighter than the hybrid versions. The 130 hp are sufficient to move its 1.400 kg, but the 3 cylinder lacks refinement.

Good to know: anticipate purchase and resale.

It is possible to know the resale or recovery value of your vehicle thanks to the Turbo auto rating of your Peugeot 408, the alternative to the Argus coast.

Not sub-motorsed, but the 408 deserves better

With the small 3-cylinder archi-refunded within the Stellantis galaxy, the 408 benefits from some interesting virtues compared to hybrids. Here, no battery, charger or electric motor. The empty weight is given for 1.392 kg, approximately 300 kg at PHEV. Always that that the brakes and connections on the ground will not have to cash in. On the dynamic level, we can only win it: the 408 PHEV was already distinguished by its pleasant behavior, relatively agile despite its weight. Large of a few tens of kilos, especially on the front axle, we enjoy a slightly brighter chassis here, always lined with good comfort. Sometimes stiff at low speed, due to the slightly firm suspensions and large 19 “rims (from the 17” (from the basis of a basic version), but the comfort / dynamism compromise is high level. In particular on a fast track where in chain of curves swallowed at a good pace, where the 408 shows remarkable stability. Well done !

We will not blame him for his time, very correct: there are 10.4 s in acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, and the reminders are sufficiently energetic (230 nm from 1.750 rpm). In practice, printing is more mixed. With four adults and a few luggage on board, a fortiori on a highway or as soon as the relief is accentuated, we start to solicit the little “three legs” more to keep his cruise pace. He shows good will, but lack of discretion and education. The metal sound is hardly engaging, its somewhat rough operation despite the overall careful insulation of the 408, and the hesitations of the EAT8 box. That swears in this cozy car, with a rather upscale standing. Nothing helps: the best isolated three-cylinder in the world will always be struggling to illusion (well, we will always find counter-examples with the Ford Fiesta St and Toyota Gr Yaris, in a completely different register).

Basic, the 408 is already well equipped. Here, the intermediate level Allure Pack adds as standard tissue / imitation of flattering appearance, adaptive regulator and hands -free access, among others.

This lack of refinement is particularly felt in town or at low speed, with lifts of vibrations in the crankset and some jolts of the car gearbox. What a pity. In a 208, still passes. Here, we would prefer a 4 -cylinder with much more homogeneous operation. This is the kind of situation that arises, when we leave an administration to dictate their profession to motorist engineers. And in the end, the result is not so convincing at the pump: 7.2 l / 100 km on average on a varied 600 km course, with a use of use and without torturing the mechanics. 4-cylinder micro-hybridization, such as 1.5 ETSI at Volkswagen or the 1.3 TCE at Renault, are often more sober and more pleasant.

Life on board, comfort: intact qualities

Past these grievances, especially linked to the legitimate requirements for a self -curling 40.000 €, the 408 fortunately retains real qualities of road sedan. We will still tick on the dashboard identical to that of the 308, of good quality but of a lower segment. What about exclusivity ? Some design details too, inherent in the 408: rear visibility obstructed by the plunging roof line, driving position and questionable steering wheel. This does not detract from the meaning of the reception of this interior, vast in the rear seats and with a comfortable upholstery.

The relatively contained mass and the excellent chassis make 408 a reasonably dynamic sedan, with cozy comfort in the key: the movements are contained, without excessive firmness.

In addition, at stabilized speed, the three cylinders is discreet and we benefit from a rather neat soundproofing. The thick double glazing (on allure pack, the basic finish contenting with standard glazing) is an index of the work brought to the overall design of the car, just like the deaf click of the doors and the trunk when closing. We confirm, the 408 is a car seriously built.

Compared to hybrid versions, the 408 in PureTech 130 advances an interesting argument on the chest side: it displays 536 l of volume under cover (up to 1.611 l bench folded), to be compared to the 471 l of the PHEVs, penalized by the battery. It is better than 508 (487 l) or a 3008 (520 l). Simplicity has virtues, this is not new.

A concrete asset of the simple essence of the entry -level 408: the large trunk of 536 l, 75 l higher at PHEV versions. Here, no battery.

Technical sheet title
Technical sheet: Peugeot 408 1.2 PureTech 130 in a few figures

Model Try: Peugeot 408 1.2 PureTech 130 Active Pack

Maximum power / torque	130 hp / 230 nm
Displacement	3 turbo cylinders, 1.199 cm3
0 to 100 km/h	10.4 s
Unloaded weight	1.392 kg
Prices	from 37.350 €

• – General comfort
• – High -level road qualities
• – Finish, perceived quality
• – Habitability and trunk

• – Still high prices
• – 3 rough cylinders, sound
• – Disappointing consumption
• – Low -speed gearbox management

No miracle with the well -known 3 cylinders Peugeot. As we feared, the 1.2 PureTech denotes in this family petrius of qualities. Result, he especially encourages to look at the hybrid PHEV 180. Certainly more expensive, but otherwise more pleasant and in line with the general refinement of the 408. which remains a completely successful car.