AMID the wave of (affordable) SUVs from China particularly, there is a French vehicle for those looking for something fresh and different in a crowded market: Peugeot 408.
The 408 from Fench-Italian-American auto giant Stellantis N.V offers a fresh take on the sedan-crossover hybrid. It is a vehicle that immediately grabs attention.
A departure from the Peugeot brand's typical lineup, the 408 blends elements of both a sedan and an SUV. With its striking design, advanced technology and performance-focused features, the 408 carves out a unique niche in the sedan/SUV market.
Bold And Dynamic Design
One of the 408's striking traits is its bold, coupe-like silhouette. This immediately sets it apart from other vehicles.
The sharp lines across the bodywork add a dynamic flair, making the car appear as though it is in motion even when standing still.
The 408 is relatively low to the ground but boasts a higher ride height than traditional sedans, offering an SUV-like presence.
The design is sleek and modern, with a sharp front end dominated by Peugeot's iconic LED headlamps and an aggressive, wide grille. The rear end features a sloping roofline that not only looks dynamic but also contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency.
The overall profile of the 408 gives it a sporty and premium feel, with clean lines and a slightly elevated stance.
The car's stance is enhanced by large wheels, available in up to 20 inches in some trims (top-of-the-line GT variant, lesser variants come with 18-inch wheels in Granite Grey), giving the 408 an impressive presence on the road.
Inside, the 408 boasts a high-quality, tech-focused cabin. The materials are well-chosen, with soft-touch surfaces, attractive trim and a clear focus on comfort and modernity.
The central touchscreen is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the cockpit is laid out in a way that feels intuitive and driver-centric.
A standout feature is Peugeot's i-Cockpit, a digital cockpit system (it is a 3D quartz version for the GT) that places a compact, customisable digital display ahead of the driver.
Interior Comfort
The 408 comfortably accommodates five passengers, with generous legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats.
The front seats are well-cushioned, supportive and adjustable, offering a good range of positions for drivers of various sizes. The rear seats are spacious enough for adults, making the 408 a viable option for families or those who frequently carry passengers.
One of the main selling points of 408 (only in range-topping GT variant) is the comfortable Nappa leather-wrapped front seats fitted with a massage function.
There are different types of massages, such as Lumbar, and different intensities to choose from. This is not a common feature for cars under RM200,000.
They are AGR-certified by an independent German association for ergonomics and back health. The massage functions are easy to activate via i-Toggles.
The cabin is also impressively quiet, with good sound insulation and minimal road noise creeping into the cabin, even at higher speeds. This contributes to an overall serene driving experience, especially on longer journeys.
The boot space is another selling point. With the rear seats in place, the 408 offers a solid amount of trunk space, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats increase its versatility.
Offering between 536 litres and 1,611 litres of space, it matches every other big sedan or SUV in the price range.
In the 408 GT, there are levers to flatten the seats from the boot.
Safety and Technology
The 408 has a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, all of which help enhance the driving experience and provide extra peace of mind.
When it comes to technology, the vehicle boasts a wealth of features that puts it on par with other high-end vehicles in the same category.
The central infotainment system is housed within a high-resolution touchscreen, offering support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The system is intuitive, quick to respond and can be controlled via voice commands or physical knobs, making it easier to interact with while on the move.
The high-quality 10-speaker Focal audio setup in the GT transforms one's favourite tracks into an immersive auditory experience.
Beyond the infotainment system, the 408's digital dashboard is another high-tech highlight.
The 10-inch digital display is fully customisable, allowing drivers to access important information such as navigation, vehicle settings and driving stats with ease.
The premium trims feature even more advanced tech, such as a head-up display that projects crucial information onto the windshield, and an upgraded sound system for audiophiles.
Driving Experience
The unit loaned to this writer is the top-of-the-line GT variant. Its performance strikes a balance between comfort and driving engagement.
Nestled within the body is a PureTech 1.6 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine making 218PS (215hp or 160kW) at 5,750rpm and 300Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. This is standard for all three variants of the 408 offered here, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
The 408's suspension is finely tuned. It offers a smooth ride while delivering enough handling dynamics to keep the driver engaged.
On the road, the 408 feels composed and stable, even when tackling tight corners or rougher road surfaces.
The compact steering wheel might seem unconventional at first but quickly becomes intuitive, offering a more direct and engaging driving experience
The steering is responsive and precise, which helps make the 408 more agile than you might expect for a vehicle that is a blend of a sedan and an SUV.
It may not be a performance car, but the 408 does provide a satisfying driving experience, especially for those who value a comfortable yet responsive ride.
Conclusion
The 408 was launched here in April this year and is available in three locally-assembled variants. It starts with the base Allure at RM146,055 on-the-road without insurance. This is followed by the Premium at RM166,055, while the range-topping GT goes for RM196,055.
These prices range position the 408 as a premium option within the segment, but it still offers strong value considering the level of technology, comfort and performance it provides.
The 408 not only marks Peugeot's significant return to the country under Stellantis Malaysia after having changed hands between distributors in the past years. It also redefines what a family car can be blending style, technology, performance and practicality.