Test Car Specifications
Model: 2023 Peugeot 408 GT 1.2 PureTech 130
Price: 408 from £31,050 (GT from £34,650)
Engine: 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol
Transmission: eight-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Power: 130hp
Torque: 320Nm
Emissions: 136g/km
Economy/Range: 41.0-48.1mpg
0-62mph: 10.4 seconds
Top speed: 130mph
Boot space: 536 litres (508 with Focal audio system)
Styling
There's very little difference between the petrol- and hybrid-powered 408s in terms of looks, and that's a good thing. Because, at least from the front, the new 408 is a good-looking thing. It's certainly striking, and it looks like yet another strong showing from Peugeot, which is knocking out some cracking designs at present. But then you go around the back and it all goes a bit wrong. In an attempt to give it some off-road looks, Peugeot has fitted black plastic body cladding, and the designers seem to have overcooked it. The rear bumper looks oversized and cheap, particularly if you go for white paint. Stick with darker colours and it's less jarring.
Interior
It isn’t just Peugeot’s exterior designs that have impressed of late. Credit must also go to the interior designers, who have turned Peugeot cabins from cheap to semi-premium in the space of about a decade. The 408’s cabin is closely related to that of the latest 308, and that’s great news for all concerned. Generally speaking, the quality is very good for a mainstream car, and the design is futuristic. As is the tech. Like the 308, the 408 has a 3D digital instrument display and a new infotainment system, which is much slicker and more responsive than those fitted to some older Peugeot models. It isn’t perfect – it’s occasionally fiddly and laggy – but it’s a big step forward for the brand and it’s supported by the ‘i-Toggles’ under the screen. Essentially a configurable second touchscreen, the smaller panel allows you to choose a rack of shortcuts for the touchscreen, making it easier to access features such as the navigation system or climate control, depending on your preferences.
Practicality
The 408 is designed to sit somewhere between the 3008, the 508 and the 308 in terms of space and practicality, but it leaves us with mixed impressions. The low roofline, for example, means headroom is a little tight for taller rear-seat passengers, although legroom is generous enough. For children, it'll be great, but adults over six feet tall might be less enamoured. That said, the boot will appeal to plenty of customers, measuring 536 litres in 1.2-litre petrol models. It isn't as useful a space as that of the 308 SW, and choosing the hybrid or the Focal sound system (or both) will impact the space significantly, but it's still pretty roomy.
Performance
Peugeot 408 buyers get a choice of three powertrains, with this 1.2-litre petrol option representing the starting point in the range. Even though it's the least powerful choice, with just 130hp, it's smooth and refined, while offering adequate performance for everyday life. It doesn't feel like a cheapskate choice. You get an automatic gearbox as standard, too, and it will manage well over 40mpg without too much effort. Of course, the hybrids claim to exceed 200mpg, but you'll need a very specific set of circumstances to achieve that, and for longer journeys, the hybrids are unlikely to prove much more efficient than the 1.2.
Ride & Handling
This is something Peugeot plans to hang its brand on, and it seems the company may have a job on its hands. The 408 drives quite tidily for a car with a slightly raised ride height, but it still doesn't feel as nimble as a Ford Focus or a Mazda3, despite its tiny steering wheel and light steering. That said, the ride is quite soft, particularly in the hybrid, and it makes the car comfortable on the motorway. The petrol-powered versions are slightly stiffer, but they have less weight to deal with, making them less likely to feel unsettled by potholes and around town, although neither car has especially impressive low-speed ride. That said, they both strike a solid balance between comfort and handling, which leaves them feeling safe and stable in equal measure.
Value
Prices start at just over £31,000 for the basic 408 Allure with the 1.2 PureTech 130 engine, making it almost £9,000 cheaper than the mid-range 1.6-litre Hybrid 180 model. That's a big saving, and you get much the same level of equipment, including the touchscreen, digital instrument display and two-zone climate control. You get a reversing camera and satellite navigation, too, plus rear parking sensors. It's pretty much all you need. It should be noted, however, that the more practical 308 SW is more than £2,000 cheaper in the equivalent specification.
Verdict
The 408 will always be a style-led choice – those wooed by practicality will prefer the 308 SW – but there’s a competent family car lurking under the fastback design. Considering the price differential between the petrol and hybrid options, it seems petrol is the obvious choice for private buyers. While company car tax advantages might be appealing for some, real-world economy gains will only apply to those with a very particular lifestyle, and you’d have to save a lot of fuel to make your money back.
