NEW Peugeot 408 review: is Peugeot cool again?

The 2023 Peugeot 408 aims to forge a new class of car, and we’ve driven it.

Read more at Auto Express:

It’s been more than 10 years since the Peugeot 407 bowed out of the French firm’s line-up, replaced effectively by the 508. However, a ‘40’-designated model is back in the Pug fold, thanks to this: the unconventional 408.

Peugeot calls the new 408 a ‘C-segment fastback’. It’s a five-door hatchback with an almost saloon-like three-box shape, complemented by a lifted, SUV-esque stance with protective body cladding. 408 product manager Aurelie Bresson told us the brand is confident the 408 won’t rob sales from the 508, buyers of which she describes as “more traditional,” whereas the 408 customers are likely to be coming from cars like C-segment hatchbacks and C-SUVs. It’s a cousin to Citroen’s C5 X, although that car has a more estate-like shape and a bigger focus on comfort.

The 408’s aesthetic won’t appeal to everyone, but you can’t argue that it’s a striking thing to look at, with its lion-themed elements including the ‘fang’ daytime running lights, ‘cat’s claw’ rear light clusters and the ‘cat ears’ (yes, you read that right) spoiler elements.

We’re testing the 222bhp plug-in hybrid here in range-topping GT trim. It combines a 1.6-litre inline-four petrol engine with an electric motor and a 12.4kWh battery pack, giving an electric-only range of up to 39 miles. In his first appearance on the Auto Express channel, Matt Robinson (Instagram @ctmatt201) delivers his verdict on Peugeot's new challenger.

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[tomtom]

Over 9 Million Peugeot with i-Cockpits sold to date in the past 10 years.
Peugeot in120+ years of automotive history, never had so much identity and recognition regarding it's interior.
I don't think 9 million people are wrong.

[js]

Maybe I'm getting old but I remember a typical family hatchback being well under £20k and the hot performance models barely touching £25k, how on earth have we ended up with Peugeots at £42K?!

[MrZaragon]

During the noughties peugeots were dire - everyone acknowledges that but now they're smart, stylish, well built and comfortable..I have a 508sw and at 6ft 1 I have absolutely no issue with the I - cockpit. Everyone who gets in loves the car (it helps as it's a nice light coloured interior)

[Sherukka]

Saw one live yesterday and it was even nicer than in pictures! ❤ Love the iCockpit, it’s the best!

[stephandolby]

There are a few configurable touch pads below the screen which, whilst they don't give you actual HVAC controls, do give you a pretty large set of icons to tap to get you where you need to be, so whilst it's not ideal, it's still better than having to trawl menus (or, heaven forbid, slide your finger to change temperature or volume). Also, I think the general idea with i-Cockpit is you need to lower the steering wheel where the bottom is where it would've been with a larger wheel, not only making it easier to see the "dials" but supposedly reducing driver fatigue; I have a first-gen 208 and I have no issues with the technology even in its infancy, but your mileage may vary.

[jamiep]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. The Citroen features some physical buttons that the Peugeot doesn’t so I would choose the Citroen C5 X 😊

[Ad_Alta]

I test drove one a couple of days ago, the 1.2l GT. Nice quality overall. Boot is small, the quoted figure includes a lot on under-floor spaces that aren't much use if you need to fit some suitcases. The glovebox won't open if you have a passenger, the dash extends so it hits their knees, rather stupid. The icockpit is a nice idea, but what not just have a normal LCD display and a proper HUD?

I'm extending the lease on my 320i Touring...

[MrAdambinnie]

Who is this new talent? What a brilliant review. Informative and engaging. What a breath of fresh air you are Matt.

[Kruse]

Really liking Peugeots but pity they don't offer the 2L diesel anymore ...nowadays probably better to wait for a full EV version.

[paulmackintosh]

Cracking review Matt, love your direct and honest comments
Ref the car, I much prefer the Citroen C5X.
Looking forward to more from you.
Excellent stuff.👍😎
Paul

[victorgrasscourt]

This car looks very much like the new Citroen C5x

[gpaje]

That 3/4 rear view is quite attractive especially, but overall a very nice looking vehicle.

[tonyb]

These newer Peugeot's are like marmite. Personally, I don't like the small, low wheel, which also obscures the drivers display (iCockpit isn't all that great anyway). The new central display is ok, but those wipes/fades between every press are irritating and unnecessary. Peugeot couldn't help themselves in just jacking this thing up and calling it a fastback (or xover, whatever you like). I still really like the D-segment saloon's, but this damn SUV craze (which I never understood) killed them off.

[ranggaputra]

To be honest, this back side of the car are the most coolest ever feel like Urus, i hope they will remove « fang » style on the front and use just strîp led to make it the perfect car with that price range

[autochampwandelen]

I also reviewed the Peugeot 408 in my channel and I must say it looks nice, and promising! But it's high price changes it all!

Greetings from Belgium

[tomcat]

Very similar looking to the Citroen C5X.

[Muushondje]

Superb elegant car. Dull host and review.

[chrisdineen]

Buy a Cupra Formentor 190 Dsg Awd for an Integrale like experience!!😊

[davidhayes]

Hybrids occupy that expensive half-way house between E.V.s and I.C.E.s . Compared with I.C.E.s they are pricey. Would they exist if it wasn’t for tax incentives, I wonder? These are not sporty cars but they are stylish, comfortable and roomy. Unlike the 407, the basic 408 is quite light. A mid-spec 408, 1.2 litre I.C.E, 130PS is tempting and avoids all that extra luxury car tax at £40K plus.

[BotulinSpikedMarzipan]

It's like An SUV that biasfully doesn't recognize that term.