The vary of bigger automobiles with attention-grabbing proportions is expanded after the Citroën C5X with the Peugeot 408. The automobile seems to be like a excessive sedan, however technically it’s a hatchback. The design of the automobile is new and futuristic, however the underlying is ‘bizarre’ and C5X. So what’s the distinction between these two fashions?
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| + Area within the again | – Highway noise |
| + Consolation | – Cussed display screen |
| + Driving behaviour | – No heating knob |
What’s the Peugeot 408?
As we simply talked about, the Peugeot 408 is a sedan-shaped automobile on stilts. The whole lot is a bit larger than you’d anticipate, a bit just like the Polestar 2. Nonetheless, the tailgate really makes this automobile classify as a hatchback. The automobile is probably the last word instance of the form of the enterprise automobile of the longer term. Along with the 308, the Peugeot 408 is a good-looking look in lease land.
The design of the Peugeot 408 reveals the renewed course that the French model has taken. The extra pronounced tusks, elegant grille and the three-piece taillights are strongly current on this mannequin. The distinctive entrance reveals that Peugeot has actually created its personal id and needs to point out it to the world. The automobile reveals very good design parts similar to a built-in ducktail spoiler within the trunk and two geometric protrusions on the roof. This give the automobile a one in one million look. That is nice in these instances when many automobiles look the identical.
We drove a Peugeot 408 GT Hybrid 225 e-EAT8. That is precisely the identical powertrain that’s obtainable within the Peugeot 308 and the Citroën C5X, amongst others. The Plug-In hybrid delivers a complete energy of 225 hp. The electrical motor gives the automobile with a median 40-50km electrical driving vary. The engines are linked to the digital 8-speed computerized transmission, which makes for a really economical automobile. 1 in 25 on common isn’t any downside with regular use and slightly plug self-discipline. Typically you even drive full rides (virtually) with out petrol!
How does he drive?
As we approached and obtained into the automobile, two issues struck us. First, the elective blue leather-based upholstery of the seats with contrasting neon yellow seams is basically, actually cool. As well as, it’s best to have a low automobile to get into. You sink down within the old style means, this offers a sportier feeling. The steering wheel is a la Peugeot beneath the dashboard, that is typically a problem for tall folks.
The inside of the 408 is good Peugeot. The 3D i-Cockpit has been significantly improved and clarified in comparison with the beforehand examined 308. That may be a nice aid. The inside of the Peugeot 408 is calm and easy but fashionable and futuristic. It’s a highly effective and distinctive design with out an excessive amount of fuss and frills.
Whereas driving you discover that the 225 hp are greater than sufficient. The automobile is clean and comfy, simply as anticipated from this section. As well as, we all the time reward Stellantis Plug-In Hybrid methods for his or her implausible gasoline consumption. The Peugeot 408 can be very economical. The suspension is comfy however not extraordinarily tender or onerous, it’s a nice mixture of simply the correct factor. Braking and steering goes with none feedback and the view exterior is high notch with the assistance of the cameras.
Strengths
Our experiences have proven that not each massive automobile really has loads of inside house. With the Peugeot 408 that could be a completely different story. The passengers within the again have loads of legroom. Surprisingly, the truth is. The headroom can be wonderful, regardless of the sloping roofline. This ensures that the 408 can all of the sudden attempt to enter the luxurious automobile classification, and that’s not fallacious.
What additionally helps with that’s the consolation of the automobile. The automobile not solely drives comfortably, as we simply talked about, the inside can be excellent. The entrance seats have heating and therapeutic massage. As well as, they’re simply very tasty. Lengthy journeys aren’t any downside within the Peugeot 408. You additionally sit regally within the again, the couch is comfy and doesn’t trigger ergonomic nightmares.
As well as, it’s price mentioning that the Peugeot 408 merely drives very nicely. The automobile has sufficient energy to drive sporty, but additionally throughout regular driving, loads of energy is typically good and helpful. The suspension is a really good mixture of comfy and sporty and the steering wheel gives a playful driving expertise. One other hanging level is that the tires (particularly within the rear) are very huge, which ensures an infinite provide of grip. At all times good to have.
Weak factors
Sadly, not every part is rose scent and moonshine. There may be additionally one other sensory facet impact with the Peugeot 408. That is the highway noise. As with the Citroën C5X, there’s a stunning quantity of highway noise within the 408. That is in fact partly the case because of the huge tires, however it’s so hanging that we needed to say it.
The opposite two weak factors could be discovered within the inside. Though it’s lovely, useful and distinctive, it additionally has some digital snags. Firstly, the display screen, which isn’t all the time very responsive. Typically you need to press (onerous) a number of instances to ensure the display screen responds. That is particularly annoying (and harmful) should you’re making an attempt to alter one thing whereas driving. Which brings us properly to the final level: the heating. Within the Peugeot 408 it’s not potential to control the air flow and/or temperature by way of a (rotary) knob. This must be finished via the display screen, and, as we all know, that display screen will not be all the time cooperative.
Tools
The usual tools of the Peugeot 408 on this trim degree is okay. For instance, there’s keyless entry, lane positioning help, a heated steering wheel and an computerized boot lid. As an choice, our take a look at automobile has the Metropolis Pack with parking cameras and sensors. The extremely cool rims are additionally elective. Our automobile additionally had the elective speaker system, wi-fi cellphone charger and panoramic sunroof.
Conclusion driving take a look at Peugeot 408
The Peugeot 408 is a trendy larger sedan with hatchback tailgate. The design is spectacular and we hope it’ll change into the brand new commonplace for Peugeot. The automobile is surprisingly spacious and comfy. It drives very nicely. Fats tires and a small steering wheel guarantee a nice driving expertise. Sadly, these tires, amongst different issues, trigger loads of highway noise. Not very loud, however noticeable. Sadly, the display screen will not be all the time very responsive both. That is particularly unlucky since you can’t regulate the temperature and the fan by way of a button.
The Peugeot 408 within the primary model is on the market from 41,420 euros. Our take a look at mannequin is the most costly model within the vary, the GT. With all choices added, we arrive at 52,370 euros.
All pictures on this article had been taken by with out berger van Cinelabs Media.
