Test – Peugeot 408 (2023): the unclassifiable sedan, new Peugeot 408: the hybrid rechargeable sedan
New Peugeot 408: unexpected from all angles
The 408, as its name does not indicate, is therefore unofficially the third variant of bodywork of the 308, alongside the classic 5 doors and the Break SW. It is also the largest, along its 4.69 m: almost 6 cm more than the 308 break, and only 6 cm less than the most upset 508 ! The wheelbase is also equal to the latter, at 2.79 m.
Test – Peugeot 408 (2023): the unclassifiable sedan
The new Peugeot 408 would have been designed specially to shock ? The positioning of crossover – coupé – 5 doors is as strange as the pencil stroke is complex, its prices are high and no direct rival comes spontaneously to the spirit. After perplexity, let’s take the road and break the suspense a little: the 408 is always an authentic Peugeot.
The title already answers the first questions. What is it ultimately ? Some see it as a typed fastback hayon, 5 doors, which would have changed all-like audi allroad or volvo cross country with force plastic protections (wheel arches, imposing shields. )). Unless it is a SUV returned to reason by approaching the bitumen (the 408 is 2 cm lower than 3008). The multiple nested edges do not facilitate the task: we may scrutinize it from all angles, difficult to know by what end to look at the 408 first. Imagine for a moment a 308 dressed in “5 -door coupe”, crossed with a Lamborghini Urus and a Mega Track. Delirium ? A little, in the vein of what Citroën is served for us from the C4, recently available in C4 X, and especially the incredible break C5 x. It is not a secret: everything that looks closely or far from a backpacker pleases.
The case seems clear, however. The name 408, unprecedented in Peugeot, explicitly refers to the classic lion sedans. Numbering in “4” the place therefore by direct replacement for the 407, and the absence of “double zero” confirms that it is not a SUV. Phew, we are therefore reassured. But at leagues from good complexion classicism, perfect examples of balance, 405 and 406 !
A very large 308 ?
By discovering it in the open air, this strange silhouette seems much lower and slender that it looked in pictures. 1.48 m high, 4 cm more than 308, only because of the raised ground clearance. Technically speaking, it borrows the EVO EVO platform of the compact. As well as most of its components, for the sake of industrial rationalization.
The 408, as its name does not indicate, is therefore unofficially the third variant of bodywork of the 308, alongside the classic 5 doors and the Break SW. It is also the largest, along its 4.69 m: almost 6 cm more than the 308 break, and only 6 cm less than the most upset 508 ! The wheelbase is also equal to the latter, at 2.79 m.
The 408 is not as biting and agile as 308, but behaves in real road, stable and very healthy even at a big pace. Comfort and filtration remain ultra-featured, in any case with the 19-inch rims.
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.
These generous dimensions benefit in space on board, and in large widths: the rear seats are particularly large at the level of the legs. Much less for roof guard, counterpart of the fleeting roof line, which also requires contorting to climb. From 1.80 m, two adults travel with their heads in the ceiling, unless you move on the bench, which is well drawn and comfortable, as long as the headrests are raised to the maximum. But there arises another downside, also linked to the spectacular pencil stroke: rear visibility, frankly reduced. 360 ° cameras are therefore welcome (alas optional). The style is often paid on practical aspects, here is a perfect example !
On the other hand, the trunk can swallow a comfortable amount of luggage. 471 L under tablet, it’s almost as much as a 508 ! And again, our PHEV test model is penalized by the battery. On the PureTech 130 hp access version, the 408 offers 536 L. In comparison, a 308 is satisfied with 412 l (or 361 l in phev). On the other hand, the inclination of the tailgate prohibits almost any load of high objects.
The dashboard is rigorously identical to that of the 308, for better, finish and high level materials, and the less good: the slightly special driving position, because of the small steering wheel and overhang meters.
We find exactly the same driving position as the 308, with the small steering wheel and the overhanging meters (standard digital i-cockpit), not always well readable according to the driving position. who doesn’t like everyone. The bottom of the meters is often masked. But overall, the realization is of high level: materials and assemblies are flattering, and the ergonomics are now familiar.
The large 10 -inch touch screen (finally fluid and neat graphics, from the last 308) overlooks customizable shortcuts to ventilation functions, navigation. Subtlety to note compared to the 308, the side windows are thicker. We still tick on a few finish points, which could have been a little more worked on a model positioned above the 308, especially in view of the prices charged (more than 37.000 € at the entry level Puretech 130, we will come back to it). No dressing around interior doors (the sheet is apparent) and the rear buttresses are made of hard plastic, unlike the front cell. Concern for saving or weight hunting ?
On the road: pure juice peugeot
The range is reduced to the upper engines of the 308. The offer begins with the small 3 cylinder 1.2 PureTech Essence (130 hp), and climbs directly to the PHEV hybrid offered in two configurations (180 and 225 hp). We took the steering wheel of the most powerful, in the finish of the GT top of the range. The only version offered during our test. Under his best light, so ! A 100 % electric version, twin of the E-308, will complement the current range 2023. On the other hand, no diesel on the program. Too bad, the big rollers would have appreciated the sobriety of the 1.5 Blue HDI 130 (see our test).
The generous wheelbase, identical to that of a 508, results in a giant leg space. The very low roof line unfortunately penalizes access to board and roof guard for adults.
Mechanics, well known, does not reserve a surprise. After emptied the 12.4 kWh battery in approximately 40 km (on fast track and secondary road), the 4 cylinder 1.6 L (180 hp) works in concert with the 110 hp electric motor. We actually have 225 hp announced (combined, not cumulative power) than in sport mode. Overall, hybridization is properly managed and this engine shines more by its softness of walking than by its temperament. The lap times are honest (7.8 s from 0 to 100 km/h), the energetic reminders. as long as we have the support of the electric motor. Empty battery, it’s less shiny and the 4 -cylinder sometimes requires climbing high in the towers to restart properly. There are still 1.7 tonnes to move. Spontaneously, we preferably have a flowing pipe, forgetting the most dynamic mode. “Hybrid” selector, engine management sticks better to the car and passes its reports earlier.
Like the ground connections, in the current Peugeot chassis vein, the comfort takes precedence over any sportiness. Settings a little more flexible than at the wheel of the 308, as well as the much more important wheelbase, result in wiser behavior. The 408 no longer has the typical bite of the old Peugeot sedans, and the back train seems to be screwed to the ground. A little too Volkswagen maybe ? The judgment would be severe and reducing, because we always take advantage of a dynamism of good quality and this 408 agrees to be carried out at a big pace. Fortunately, we find the sharp and precise front axle of the 308.
Failing to be a champion of agility, the car remains stable in sequences, support changes, and the movements are well contained, without firmness. Finally, gums are the first to shout stop. Her favorite field, at the end of these first laps of roads, therefore remains the fast way (imperturbable in the large curves swallowed at high speed) and the large laces, or she behaves like a real little GT of families. A slightly more expressive cavalry would therefore be appreciated.
The 12.4 kWh battery allows you to roll just over 40 km electric. Enough for daily journeys. Empty batteries, hybrid 225 remains quite sober. But the 180 hp version, cheaper, is almost as efficient !
And pump side ? As expected, the appetite of the PHEV 225 is with variable geometry. It all depends on the use we reserve for him, and the discipline that we impose: load ! By rolling everyday in all-electrical (which autonomy allows), we obviously sip no drop of unleaded. Reaching 64 km promised, however, requires confinement of exclusively urban or high -speed routes at very moderate pace. Empty battery, consumption logically climbs very quickly … Our trial ended, however, with a very correct average of 6.5 l/100 km. Given the treatment inflicted on the car, we expected worse.
Premium, the modest way of speaking big underside
If some doubted Peugeot ambitions, here is a confirmation: the 408 begins at 37.350 € in basic allure finish, with the small 1.2 PureTech 130. Dear, for a 3 -cylinder. Especially since the 308, however technically close, requires almost 3.000 € less with mechanics and equivalent endowment. Financially, the 408 is therefore exactly halfway between the compact and the 508. This starts at 43.€ 420 with the same “3 legs”, but offers richer equipment. And a whole other stature, on the road as in terms of style (this last point is very personal, but we bet that the 508 will collect better in years). Our GT PHEV 225 test model, top of the range, is displayed at an insolent 51.400 €. Otherwise, a BMW 4 Gran Step Cut, that tells you ? The PHEV 180 hp, hybrid plug-in identical but slightly less muscular, is to be considered: it does almost the same work and delivers the same approval for a little less excessive (from 45.€ 450 in pace).
Fortunately, the equipment is complete to compensate for strong prices, from the basic version version. The classic panoply of driving aids, the media interface and the rear view camera are standard.
Direct competition is quite rare. In the mixture of comparable genres, the Cupra form is placed in near rival. More compact (4.45 m), but its prices and positioning are close to the French (from 35.990 € with the 1.5 TSI 150 hp).
Peugeot 408 technical characteristics (2023)
| Model Tied: Peugeot 408 GT Hybrid 225 | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions L x W x H | 4.69 / 1.86 / 1.48 m |
| Wheelbase | 2.89 m |
| Mini / maximum volume of the trunk | 471/1.545 L (thermal: 536/1.611 l) |
| Unloaded weight | 1.706 kg |
| Engine displacement | 4 -cylinder petrol online, Turbo – 1.598 cm3 + electric motor |
| Maximum combined power | 225 hp (180 hp thermal + 110 CH electric) |
| Combined maximum torque | 360 Nm (250 Nm Thermal + 320 Nm electric) |
| 0 to 100 km/h | 7.8 s |
| Max speed | 233 km/h |
| Theoretical CO2 rate | 28 g/km (WLTP) |
| Announced consumption | 1.2 l / 100 km – 6.5 l / 100 km |
| Announced electrical autonomy – Raised | 63 km – 41 km |
| Malus 2020 | 0 € |
| Prices | from 37.350 € (model tried: 51.400 €) |
Good to know: anticipate purchase and resale.
Whether for the purchase of a new or used car, it is important to provide all expenses by comparing different car insurance offers.
- – Comfort, Chassis balance
- – PHEV General Approval
- – Mastered consumption
- – Vast chest
- – Habitability
- – Careful presentation
- – Rear roof
- – Visibility ¾ rear
- – Some finishing details
- – Prices
- – Driving position, instrumentation readability
This is a rather offbeat way to revisit the genre of the classic family sedan. If the 408 allows you to bring back part of the public acquired to the SUVs, why not. In automotive, diversity is often beneficial. After the look and the daring positioning, the presentation does not lack cachet and the sense of reception is generally neat. It remains to graft engines in accordance with its road qualities and its prices. unexpected, too, on the part of Peugeot.
New Peugeot 408: unexpected from all angles
New “fastback” inspiration silhouette. Pace. PEUGEOT-I-COCKPIT® Latest generation.
Treat yourself to the freedom to choose between a rechargeable petrol or hybrid autonomy engine under WLTP approval .
Design 408
Feline posture
The unexpected silhouette of the new Peugeot 408 sedan is characterized by its dynamic “fastback” inspiration posture. Its modern elegance gives it a strong presence on the road. With an enhanced ground clearance but a height contained, its design is sporty and its fluid lines highlight its aerodynamics.
Driving station 408
Peugeot I-Cockpit® 3D
The latest generation Peugeot I-Cockpit® driving station with compact steering wheel with integrated controls, 3D combined available as standard or optional depending on the versions with 10 ” digital slab and central tactile screen 10 ” HD makes you benefit from a Ergonomics and quality technology.
The driving position worthy of a sedan of the new Peugeot 408, associated with a higher posture, will make you discover the road from a new angle.
New Peugeot 408: Here is what you think !
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