MOTORING REVIEW: Stunning 408 is a new breed of Peugeot

PEUGEOT Ireland dared to be different with the introduction of their new generation 408 in February of this year. The new model is positioned at the top end of the C-segment slotting in between the brand’s 308 estate the 508.

It took courage to introduce a new model that defies being pigeon-holed as any particular style of vehicle. Peugeot say it is the first of its kind in the history of the brand, a blend between SUVs, hatchbacks and saloons. It is a dynamic looking, long, low crossover with a long bonnet and a sloping roof - an elegant yet sporty design - with a lovely little upward ‘slope’ at the rear side window.

The car simply looks a million dollars from every angle with its athletic stance, sharp lines, the large grille the same colour as the bodywork, and the new Peugeot coat of arms. The fang-shaped running lights signature integrates the car into the Peugeot family as do the three-claw LED lights at the rear. The sleek silhouette also improves aerodynamic efficiency - at the rear of the roof, the air flow is guided by two 'cat ears' which create an aerodynamic corridor towards the boot lid spoiler.

The car is 1.48m high, 4.69m long with a long wheelbase of 2.79m providing generous rear seat space with good head and legroom for tall people as the roof line remains quite high over their heads before sloping downwards. Another bonus is a low transmission tunnel. However, tall people will have to bend their heads when getting in or out of the car.

The cabin is one of the very best in terms of comfort, styling, materials and trims. Everything is top notch. Seats, and their upholstery, were engineered to be particularly comfy and proved ideal for a long journey.

The dash is interesting with sharp lines and shapes and the central console is angled towards the driver. Peugeot’s i-Cockpit has been enhanced and comes with a 10-inch digital cluster driver’s screen sporting superb 3D graphics (in the GT trim) which can be fully customised and personalised. The same sized touchscreen infotainment system has multi windows that you use like a tablet swiping through the various menus that include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. My car had navigation by TomTom. Up to eight different driver profiles can be stored in the system to allow each user have their own display, air con and setting preferences. Below this screen is a row of toggle switches which are short cuts for the climate settings, among other uses. There's a wireless phone charging area, and two small ‘C’ type USBs with another in the front as well as a 12v socket.

Storage cubbies include a decent glovebox, good sized door bins, a very big area below the twin-door front armrest with yet another USB below.

The boot is a generous 536 litres which can be increased to 1,611 litres with rear seats folded down (including 36 litres of storage space under the boot mat for this internal combustion engine version). The boot floor is high, and with the backrest folded down, you can load up an object of up to 1.89m long.

Trims are Allure, Allure Pack (my review car) and the top end GT. My car was in an Obsession Blue exterior colour, the launch colour. But customers can choose from two shades of grey, a gorgeous Elixir Red, Pearl White or Black Perla Nera.

A drive mode selector allows you select electric, eco, hybrid, normal and sport functions, depending on the engine. Driver assistance systems include Adaptive Cruise Control, Night Vision which warns of animals, pedestrians or cyclists ahead before they appear in the high beam, long-range blind spot monitoring up to 75 metres, a 360deg parking assistance which is always appreciated in my press cars, as is a rear traffic alert when reversing. I soon turned off the Lane Keeping Assist which annoyingly appeared in a green alert on my driver’s screen.

MOTORING REVIEW: New Kangoo is smart, versatile yet frugal option for Limerick drivers

Also among the long list of standard features were front and rear parking sensors, a very good reversing camera and overhead view of the car, electric parking brake, dual zone climate control, and 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels in Onyx black gloss.

While the range includes two plug-in hybrid engines with 180 and 225bhp, my review car was the petrol version outputting 130bhp; all three are paired with an excellent 8-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox. Average fuel consumption is from 5.9-6.9 L/100kms.

My trips included a quite difficult 20kms of very twisty byroads. I found the car handled beautifully in all road conditions. Given its head, it cruises the motorway with ease but is equally at home driving in urban areas. All round visibility is good.

This petrol engine will be replaced by the end of this year with a mild-hybrid version in keeping with Peugeot’s timeline on electrification and an all-electric EV is planned for next year. There is no diesel option.

Prices are from €39,995 for the 1.2 130bhp petrol; My Allure Pack petrol from €41,995 excluding dealer delivery related charges etc. Annual road tax is €210.