Peugeot 408GT -
Published on 17th May 2023 at 14:19
Last Word First
If the visual response to Peugeot’s new 408 is anything to go by, then this new player
in the C-segment is going to occupy many of our nation’s driveways in the coming
years. Coupe in style, it stands 1.48 metres tall, on 19” rims and while taller than your
normal hatch, it is not in SUV territory – Peugeot possibly creating yet another
choice-channel in the very competitive C-segment.
On the outside, it is distinctively different from the competition, with a street look
that will cause eyes to stare and heads to whip. Inside, it is very roomy, technically
advanced and finished to premium standard. On the road, it delivers a drive quality
few will find fault with, the walk to and from its great styling sure to generate an
extra glance of satisfaction, each and every time.
Now an integral part of the Stellantis Group, Peugeot has most definitely got its own
identity, the badges on its front doors, grill and boot, emphatically roaring its name.
It is well worth the listen.
Make: Peugeot
Model: 408GT
Drive: Front-wheel drive
Format: 5-door, 5-seat hatchback
Trim Range: Allure, GT
Motor: 1.2 PureTech, 3-cylinder petrol
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power:130bhp
Torque: 230Nm
CO2: 136g/km
Road Tax Band: B2
Annual Road Tax: €280
Length: 4687mm
Width: 1848mm
Height: 1478mm
Kerb weight: 1393kgs – 1,706kgs (Hybrid)
Boot space: 536 litres – 1611 litres, with rear seats (60/40) down
Price: Allure – from €39,995, Allure Pack from €41,995, GT from €44,995
Euro NCAP: 5-Star Rating
Warranty: 5-Year’s, 100,000kms
Some of the competition
Renault Arkana, Citroen C5X, VW Arteon, CUPORA Formentor, Audi Q3 Sportback
First Impressions
No question, this is one great looking car. My test car was positively eye-edible in its
Black Perla Nera paintwork. With no chrome enhancement, the lines on the 408
draw your eyes in, the fang-shaped LED day-running lights at the front and the rear
three-claw rear LED’s laying down Peugeot’s street-signature, distinguishing it from
the often mundane offerings in the national carpark.
The 408 sits on Peugeot’s EMP2, Efficient Modular Platform, the same as Citroen’s
C5X, is 4.69m in length, some 30mm longer than the current 308, with a wheelbase
of 2.79m, giving it a very spacious second row, with 188mm of legroom. The boot
comes with a volume of 536 litres, increased to 1.611 litres once the rear seats are
folded down.
This new PEUGEOT 408 will come in 6 colours: Obsession Blue, Titanium Grey,
Cumulus Grey, Elixir Red, Pearl White and Black Perla Nera.
Inside Story
As has been the Peugeot design philosophy for the past ten years, the 408GT comes
with a flat top and bottom compact steering wheel, optionally heated, and housing
the controls for the multimedia system (radio, telephone) and certain driving aids.
The driving position looks onto an eye level ten-inch digital screen, which on my GT
trim, is available in 3D technology. Fully customisable and configurable, the digital
cluster has several display modes (TomTom Connected Navigation, Radio/Media,
Driving Aids, Energy Flow, etc.) that can be changed directly from the control panel.
There is also a central screen, with fully configurable i-toggles arranged below. Each
i-toggle is a touch-sensitive shortcut to climate settings, a phone contact, a radio
station or application set to the user's preference.
Between the front seats the centre console provides storage and practicality, with an
armrest, two USB-C sockets (for charging and data connectivity), two large-diameter
cup holders 34 litres of miscellaneous storage.
Ambient LED lighting, from a choice of eight colours adds to the interior
atmosphere, extending to the door panels, which are either covered in fabric,
Alcantara or made up of genuine pressed aluminium parts depending on trim level.
The 408’s infotainment system allows for each driver (up to 8 profiles) to define and
save his or her display, atmosphere and setting preferences. The mirroring function
is wireless and it is possible to connect two phones in Bluetooth at the same time.
Uttering "OK PEUGEOT" – the voice recognition command provides access to all
infotainment functions and is highly recommended as a means to source the talents
of the 408.
Drivers who love their tunes can opt on the GT for the FOCAL Premium Hi-Fi
system, with 10 speakers featuring patented technologies and connected to a new 12-
channel 690W amplifier.
408 Driving Assistance Systems
Gathering information from 6 cameras and 9 radars, the new 408 has a
comprehensive range of driving aids to enhance driving and manoeuvring.
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function and adjustable
inter-vehicle distance setpoint.
• Automatic emergency braking with collision warning: detects
pedestrians and cyclists, day and night, from 7 km/h to 140 km/h
depending on version.
• Active lane departure warning with lane correction.
• Driver Attention Alert, which detects impaired alertness over long
periods of driving and at speeds of over 65 km/h, by analysing the micro-
movements of the steering wheel.
• Extended road signs recognition and display on the digital cluster:
stop signs, one-way signs, no overtaking signs, end of no overtaking signs,
in addition to the usual speed-related signs.
• Night Vision system, which detects living creatures
(pedestrians/animals) in front of the vehicle at night or in poor visibility.
The range of the system ensures detection, beyond the range of the high
beam, with a central infrared vision display in the digital cluster located
directly in the driver's field of vision. (Optional on GT)
• Long-range blind spot monitoring (75 metres).
• Rear traffic alert: when reversing, alerts the driver to a nearby
hazard.
• 180° high-definition reversing camera with integrated cleaning
nozzle.
• 360° parking assistance with 4 high-definition cameras (front, rear
and side),
• Door mirror angle adjustment when engaging reverse gear.
• Matrix LED headlamps for maximum use of high beam power without
dazzling preceding or approaching vehicles.
• Automatic high beam.
Later this year, the Drive Assist 2.0 package semi-autonomous driving, consists of
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Lane Keep Assist.
It adds two new functions, which are available on dual carriageways:
• Semi-automatic lane change, which allows the driver to overtake the
vehicle in front of him or her and then turn back, from 70 km/h to 180
km/h.
• Anticipated speed recommendation, which suggests that the driver adapt
his or her speed (acceleration or deceleration) according to the speed limit
signs.
Other convenience systems on the 408:
• Proximity hands-free access and start
• Automated motion-activated boot opening
• Fully de-frostable heated windscreen and heated steering wheel
• Perimeter, volumetric and deadlocking alarm
• Electric parking brake as standard
• Panoramic electric sunroof with manual sunshade blind, available as an
option
• AGR approved driver and front passenger seat
Lastly, the new PEUGEOT 408 is equipped with the e-call assistance system:
• E-call+ emergency call with information on the number of passengers and
location including the vehicle's direction on the road.
Engine Choice
First things first - No diesel version is available in the 408 line-up, a 100% electric
model will be introduced at a later date.
Those wishing to stay full internal combustion can opt for that of my test car, the
130hp, 1.2-litre PureTech, 3-cylinder petrol engine. This engine complies with the
latest Euro 6.4 emissions regulations, and is mated to an 8-speed EAT8 automatic
gearbox, with a Start & Stop system.
Two plug-in hybrid engines are on the new 408 menu:
Plug-In Hybrid 225 e-EAT8: 2-wheel drive/combination of a 180 bhp (132
kW) PureTech engine and an 81kW electric motor coupled with the e-EAT8 8-
speed automatic gearbox.
Plug-In Hybrid RID 180 e-EAT8: 2-wheel drive/combination of a 150 bhp
PureTech engine (110kW) and an 81kW electric motor coupled with the 8-
speed e-EAT8 automatic gearbox.
The Li-ion battery on both plug-in hybrid versions has a capacity of 12.4kWh and an
output of 102 kW. Two types of on-board chargers are available: a 3.7kW single-
phase charger as standard and an optional 7.4kW single-phase charger
Charging times:
From a 7.4kW Wall Box (32 A) and with the 7.4kW single-phase on-board
charger, fully charged in 1 hour 40 minutes.
From a standard socket (8A) and with the single-phase on-board charger
(3.7kW), full charging takes approximately 7 hours 05 minutes.
On the Road
There are no surprises with taking this new 408 to the roads. Around our capital, it
coped with the speed bumps and road irregularities, defending those of us within
from any major intrusions. In keeping with nearly every Peugeot, the driving feel is
quite decent and involved.
Peugeot’s compact steering wheel takes a bit of getting used to, to ensure smooth
directional changes, but is well worth taking the time to familiarise with. My test car
was running on Michelin 205/55 x 19,” weren’t overly noisy or thumpy and once out
on our motorway network didn’t require a full volume rise to hear the radio – road
roar not resulting in occupant laryngitis.
Powered by the 130bhp, 1.2 litre petrol engine, it does need to be worked to get it up
the speed range, the Plug-in Hybrid variants, with 180 & 225bhp spoiling you with
their extra-easy electrical push – shame the price leap is such a stretch.
Anyone looking for a roomy family hatchback has to have this new Peugeot 408 on
their test drive list – you will not be disappointed.
Tony Toner is a member of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland and is a juror on Irish
Car of the Year and Irish Van of the Year
