THERE is a striking new addition to our roads here in the UK in the shape of the newly-launched mid-sized Peugeot 408.
Few new cars have managed to exactly nail their design brief as well as this fastback newcomer… which looks great from any angle.
With prices from £31,000 it is value for money too with an impressive list of standard equipment and there is a plug in hybrid version that gives up to 40 electric miles on a full charge starting from £38,400.
I got to test the near range-topping GT Hybrid 225 (£43,200) at the UK launch event and found it to be quick, comfortable and griped well in the corners boasting Peugeot’s latest corporate styling that stands out from the crowd – especially at night with its distinctive ‘fang’ shaped front and ‘three claw’ rear lights.
Getting behind the wheel you are met by Peugeot’s now signature i-Cockpit with the instruments mounted above the steering wheel to be more in the driver’s line of sight.
There is an impressive dashboard layout which on our GT version boasts a first for me, a 3-D display ahead of the driver, plus a 10-inch central touch screen.
The car’s i-Connect® technology brings navigation with live traffic updates and voice recognition gives easy access to all infotainment features.
The new 408 is available with two Plug-in Hybrid powertrains as well as one PureTech three cylinder petrol engine. The Hybrid 225 combines a 179hp petrol engine with an 81kW electric motor for a total power output of 225hp while the Hybrid 180 models come with a 150hp petrol engine combined with an 81kW electric motor for a total power output of 180hp. Every trim level, from Allure to First Edition is available with Hybrid powertrains.
The 12.4kWh battery has an eight-year / 100,000-mile warranty and two types of charger are available, a 3.7kW single-phase as standard and an optional, faster, 7.4 kW version.
Estimated charging times are approximately 5.5 hours with the smaller charger and 1 hour 40 minutes to full charge with the more powerful option.
There are six cameras and nine radars around the vehicle to provide 30 advanced driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, night vision, blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alert, which warns of hazards when reversing.
There are four trim levels, Allure, Allure Premium, GT, and First Edition with all having LED headlights keyless entry and Advanced Emergency Braking. Allure adds larger alloy wheels, a 180-degree reversing camera, rear parking sensors and navigation with ‘over the air’ updates.
Allure Premium models have 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, with Hybrid 225 models featuring a different 19-inch design, all round parking sensors and a Drive Assist Pack which adds rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control as well as long range blind spot detection.
GT models are set apart by the ‘Lion’ shield on the front doors. The front grille is also upgraded with vertical, body coloured accents and inside there are aluminium door and boot sill trims while ambient lighting with eight colour choices is also standard.
A heated leather steering wheel is on the GTs plus a driver sport pack which adds steering, throttle and gearbox modes to enhance feedback and response while the engine sound can also be digitally enhanced.
Limited edition First Edition models add 20-inch ‘Monolithe’ diamond cut alloy wheels the upgraded 7.4kW charger, 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat and six-way for the front passenger with both having heated and massage functions.
With first customer deliveries in February 2023 I predict we will be seeing quite a few of the new 408s on our roads here in the UK very soon.
For more information see www.peugeot.co.uk
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth