Behind the wheel of the Peugeot 408 PHEV, an attractive and efficient feline

The Peugeot 408 is one of those models that leave a mark, and after this first test it is even clearer what the lion brand intends to do. The new 408 sits between an SUV and a saloon, although the French manufacturer refuses to call it an SUV. It belongs to the C segment even though it offers a raised ground clearance. At first glance, we can assure you that the Peugeot 408 will capture all your attention.

At first sight, the 408 is a very attractive model with a combination of coupé and fastback styling. Moreover, the lines look even better thanks to the colour palette chosen by the Stellantis group brand to dress what will surely become one of its most important flagship models.

The Peugeot 408 is only available with a petrol version and two plug-in hybrids. From 2024 onwards, we will be able to see its fully electric version. The powertrains are paired with an eight-speed gearbox and front-wheel drive. Now that the introductions are done and its beauty has been revealed, let us focus on one of its features: interior space.

https://youtu.be/4BSPbcRb1Ms

We test the Peugeot 408 plug-in hybrid

On entering the new member of the lion family, we find great interior space and roominess. In the rear seats, the 408 offers 19 centimetres of knee room, which means passengers over 1.80 metres tall can still travel in complete comfort. The same goes for headroom, despite the roofline dropping off before the C-pillar.

All the seats are comfortable, especially the front ones, which feature AGR technology. The new Peugeot 408 measures 4.68 metres long, 1.84 metres wide and 1.47 metres high, while the wheelbase increases to 1.78 metres. As for boot capacity, it is homologated at 536 litres, which can grow to 1,611 litres with the rear seats folded down. In the case of the PHEV models, boot capacity is reduced to 471 litres and, with the seats folded, it reaches 1,545 litres.

Specifically, we have taken the wheel of the Peugeot 408 Plug-in Hybrid 225, possibly one of the models with the most performance and GT finish. Once seated in the driver’s position, we are greeted by the Peugeot i-Cockpit with 3D effect and a flat-bottomed steering wheel positioned lower than usual. The instrument interfaces can be changed from the steering wheel to adapt them to the driver’s needs.

The version we tested is made up of a PureTech petrol engine block producing 180 CV, together with an 81 kW electric motor, which results in a combined output of 224 CV. It offers performance of 233 km/h in Sport mode, while in electric mode it has a top speed of 135 km/h.

The new model offers three driving modes called Hybrid, Sport or Electric. They are activated by the selector placed under the gear lever.

On-road sensations

We drove the new Peugeot 408 on the roads of Sitges, where we covered motorway and conventional roads, including some stretches that made us push the new model from the lion brand a little.

Consumption averaged around 5-6 litres/100 km. Naturally, if we drive in urban environments, consumption drops noticeably to as low as 1.3 litres/100 km. The Peugeot 408 handles very well on complicated routes, moves with ease through corners and is very capable on most occasions.

As for the suspension, we can say it is well balanced, neither too soft nor too hard. It absorbs road irregularities and no “wobbling” is felt inside. The steering is direct and performs very well in different scenarios such as overtaking or demanding manoeuvres.

In short, we liked the Peugeot 408. I am sure that the 408 will become your best travelling companion, whether for everyday driving in the city or for long journeys with friends or family. To sum up, the Peugeot 408 is a versatile, all-round, comfortable, functional, emotional model and, above all, one with very good interior space.

At the start of this test we spoke about the 408’s colour palette, and it is no surprise, since it has debuted colours such as Obsession Blue, Titanium Grey, Elixir Red, Pearl White, Perla Nera Black and Artense Grey. It is available in three trims called Allure, Allure Pack and GT.

Technical specifications of this car

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