Peugeot 408: Stylish Sedan That Redefines Everyday Driving

Ever wondered if a car could blend the sleekness of a coupe with the practicality of an SUV? The Peugeot 408 does just that, turning heads with its fastback design while delivering a driving experience that’s equal parts fun and functional. As a fresh take on the family hatchback, this French crossover promises to shake up your daily commute or weekend adventures.

In a market flooded with boxy SUVs, the 408 stands out for its bold, aerodynamic lines that scream sophistication without trying too hard. Let’s dive into what makes this model a compelling choice for both enthusiasts and practical buyers.

Exterior Elegance: A Design That Turns Heads on Every Street

Picture this: you’re pulling up to a coffee shop, and all eyes are on your ride. The Peugeot 408’s exterior captures that magic with its elongated fastback silhouette, inspired by Peugeot’s i-Cockpit philosophy. Sharp LED headlights and a sculpted grille give it a premium feel, making it look more like a concept car than a daily driver.

The wheelbase stretches to about 2,840 mm, providing a stable stance that hints at its agile handling. Available in vibrant colors like Olivine Green, it appeals to those who want style without the flashiness of luxury brands. First impressions? It’s love at first sight, especially if you’re tired of bland commuter cars.

Inside the Cabin: Where Comfort Meets Cutting-Edge Tech in the Peugeot 408 Interior

Step inside, and the Peugeot 408 interior wraps you in a cocoon of luxury that’s surprisingly spacious for a crossover. The seats are plush, with supportive bolstering that keeps you comfy on long hauls, and the cabin feels airy thanks to the panoramic sunroof option. Materials like soft-touch plastics and Alcantara in higher trims elevate the vibe, making it feel like a step up from typical family vehicles.

Infotainment shines with the 10-inch touchscreen, seamlessly integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for effortless connectivity. Rear passengers get ample legroom, perfect for kids or groceries. Have you ever felt like your car’s interior was designed just for you? That’s the charm here, blending French flair with everyday usability.

• Ample headroom and legroom for five adults
• Climate control zones that keep everyone happy
• Ambient lighting that sets the mood for night drives

For those eyeing the upscale side, the Peugeot 408 GT variant amps up the luxury with sportier seats and advanced audio systems. It’s a hidden gem most drivers overlook when shopping for crossovers.

Power and Poise: Unleashing the Peugeot 408’s Driving Dynamics

Hit the accelerator in the Peugeot 408, and you’ll feel a smooth surge of power that belies its efficient nature. The base engine is a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder delivering 130 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic for seamless shifts. For more thrill, the plug-in hybrid options crank up to 225 horsepower, blending electric torque with petrol punch for quick overtakes.

Handling is where it truly shines, thanks to the multi-link rear suspension that soaks up bumps while keeping corners planted. Ride comfort is plush yet responsive, ideal for twisting country roads or urban traffic. During my test drive, the steering felt precise, like the car was an extension of my thoughts, making every journey engaging without being tiring.

Fuel efficiency impresses too, with the standard model hitting around 50 mpg in real-world mixed driving, according to expert tests. The hybrid variants offer up to 40 miles of electric-only range, perfect for short commutes. Is the Peugeot 408 reliable? Early reports from owners and reviews suggest yes, with Peugeot’s improved build quality pointing to strong long-term dependability.

Efficiency Edge: Real-World Fuel Economy and EV Smarts in the Peugeot 408

Buyers often ask, “What is the fuel economy of the Peugeot 408?” In practice, expect 45-55 mpg for the petrol version, depending on your driving style, while the plug-in hybrid can achieve over 200 mpg equivalent when charged regularly. It’s a smart pick for eco-conscious folks who want savings at the pump without sacrificing performance.

The EV range in hybrid models reaches about 40 miles, enough to cover daily errands on battery power alone. Charging is straightforward via a home wallbox, and regenerative braking helps extend that range. Compared to gas-guzzlers, this model’s efficiency boosts resale value, making it a wise investment for budget-savvy drivers.

Safety First: Advanced Tech That Keeps You Secure

Safety ratings for the Peugeot 408 are top-notch, earning a five-star Euro NCAP score for its robust structure and suite of driver-assist features. Standard kit includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking that reacts to pedestrians and cyclists. It’s like having a vigilant co-pilot watching your back.

For deeper insights, check out the official specs on Peugeot’s hybrid models page. Tech highlights also feature a 360-degree camera for parking ease and blind-spot monitoring that prevents nasty surprises. Reliability in these systems means peace of mind, especially for families hitting the road.

Trim Options and Value: Breaking Down the Peugeot 408 Price and Packages

Wondering about the Peugeot 408 price? Entry-level Allure starts around $35,000, offering great bang for your buck with essentials like alloy wheels and keyless entry. Step up to the GT trim for about $40,000, adding leather seats, a head-up display, and enhanced styling that justifies the premium.

Higher trims like GT Sport pack even more punch with adaptive dampers for a tailored ride. Affordability shines through with competitive leasing deals and strong warranty coverage. Value-wise, it undercuts many rivals while delivering European refinement.

• Allure: Base model with solid features
• GT: Luxury upgrades for comfort seekers
• GT Sport: Performance-oriented with extras

Pros and Cons: The Good, the Great, and the Trade-Offs

Every car has its strengths and quirks, and the Peugeot 408 is no exception. Here’s a balanced look:

Pros:

• Stunning design that stands out in a crowd
• Impressive fuel efficiency for daily drives
• High safety ratings and tech-loaded cabin
• Strong resale value due to reliability gains

Cons:

• Rear visibility could be better in the fastback style
• Base engine might feel underpowered for highway merging
• Limited cargo space compared to full SUVs

Overall, the pros outweigh the cons for most buyers seeking style and efficiency.

Rival Roundup: How the Peugeot 408 Stacks Up Against the Competition

How does the Peugeot 408 compare to its rivals? Against the Volkswagen Golf Variant, it offers a more stylish edge and better hybrid efficiency, though the VW edges out in outright space. The Skoda Octavia provides similar practicality at a lower price, but lacks the 408’s French charisma.

For a closer look at compact alternatives, explore our review of the 2025 Peugeot 308, which shares platform tech but in a hatchback form. Versus the larger Peugeot 508, the 408 is more agile for city life, while the 508 suits long-distance cruisers. It holds its own with superior interior quality and driving fun, per MotorTrend experts.

Ideal Owners: Who Should Jump Behind the Wheel of the Peugeot 408?

This crossover is tailor-made for urban commuters craving style without the SUV bulk, or young families needing safe, efficient transport for school runs. Off-roaders might look elsewhere, but adventure seekers will love its versatile hybrid power for light trails. If you’re a tech-savvy professional eyeing resale value, it’s a solid match.

Enthusiasts drawn to the Peugeot 408 GT will appreciate the sporty tweaks, while budget buyers get value from the base trims. Have you ever wondered how this car fits your lifestyle? It’s versatile enough for most.

Wrapping It Up: Why the Peugeot 408 Deserves a Spot in Your Garage

The Peugeot 408 blends eye-catching design, peppy performance, and smart efficiency into a package that’s hard to beat. Sure, minor visibility issues exist, but its strengths in safety, tech, and driving joy make it a winner. With strong reliability and competitive pricing, it’s worth every penny for those seeking a fresh alternative to the usual suspects.

Ready to experience it yourself? Schedule a test drive or compare deals today, the Peugeot 408 might just be the stylish upgrade your garage needs.