Peugeot 408 – Back to Basics

Peugeot 408 Allure, €41,490

Although an electric version of the Peugeot 408 will also appear in the future, the brand now supplies the 408 with three powertrains: two plug-in hybrids and only one with ‘just’ a combustion engine. Whichever you choose; You don’t have to switch yourself, because the 408 is only available with an automatic transmission. For the entry-level price of just over 40 grand, you get the simplest powertrain. It consists of a blown 1.2-liter three-cylinder with 130 hp and 230 Nm of torque. The automatic transmission that Peugeot couples to it has eight gears and ensures that the 408 with PureTech engine can reach 100 km / h in 10.4 seconds if desired.

For the plug-in hybrid you have to dig much deeper into your pockets. Although it has considerably lower CO2 emissions on paper and you therefore have to pay less bpm, the prices of the Peugeot 408 equipped with the ‘Hybrid 180’ powertrain start at €46,160. For that amount you do get a wider standard equipment. If you want the strongest motorization, so the plug-in hybrid with 225 hp, then you have to rely on the ‘Allure Pack’ or the ‘GT’, the second and third trim levels of the 408. All versions can be ordered with the conventional powertrain.

As an entry-level model, there are few differences with more expensive versions

If you don’t spend a penny more than €41,490, Peugeot will deliver the 408 as ‘Allure’. It is the slip-on, but as such it is not easy to recognize. At least; from the second trim level, the 408 is on 19-inch wheels and the Allure is on 17-inch, which is of course an easy to recognize difference. Other than that, the two look exactly the same. For example, both have tinted windows at the rear and LED lighting with tusks at the front. Only the GT really stands out. It has differently drawn taillights and LED matrix headlights, Peugeot badges on the sides and a different grille. The GT is also the only one available on the characteristic 20-inch wheels that were also under the introduction 408.

You can only get these special 20-inch wheels on the most expensive version.

With the 408-at no extra cost you can choose from three metallic shades: black, silver gray and dark gray. A white or red metallic paint costs €300 extra, the blue introduction color €400. The mirror caps of the 408 always spray Peugeot black: the same color as the artificial leather part of the standard seat upholstery. The rest consists of a gray fabric and looks quite special for a ‘free’ upholstery. The front seats are always adjustable in height, with those on the driver’s side always having adjustable lumbar supports.

When you sit on it, you look at a dashboard that is partly covered in the same fabric as you find on the seats. That dashboard always offers room for mood lighting and two large screens: one that serves as instruments and one for infotainment. Under the infotainment screen is another small screen, which you can use to operate the climate control, among other things. Automatic air conditioning is standard in the 408.

A number of standard active safety systems

The same applies to the ‘Pack Safety’. This consists of cruise control, a system that monitors whether you are still paying attention, a city emergency braking system, traffic sign recognition and lane keep assist. While you are safely on the road, the standard infotainment system offers wireless access to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. If you are not a fan of that, you still have access to a navigation function and internet radio. Connecting with Bluetooth is of course possible, as well as operating the system with buttons on the steering wheel.

Arriving at your destination, parking is relatively easy due to the rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. If you are standing, you switch off the engine with the push of a button and the side mirrors can fold in electrically. Very nice and not a matter of course for every car.

Are we missing something?

All in all, we are quite pleased with the standard equipment of the 408. It is slightly richer than that of the 308, which fits the aforementioned higher market position. Well, those 17-inch alloy wheels are a bit on the small side for an unusual crossover like this, but Peugeot’s accessory range may offer a solution. The ever-present infotainment system, the metallic paint, the cruise control, the LED headlights and the automatic air conditioning make up for a lot. What else do you need now?

You may be a fan of heated seats or adaptive cruise control. Those things are of course possible. For adaptive cruise control you need to order the ‘Pack Drive Assist 1’ for €400, which also includes more extensive traffic sign recognition. Seat heating can be ordered separately and costs €200. The same applies to an anti-theft alarm (€400) and front parking sensors (€300). Something like an electrically operated tailgate is only possible on the GT.

This is what a Peugeot 408 looks like as an entry-level car. A black or dark gray paint is also an option at no extra cost.