The French always do things a little differently; I mean, just look at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Even their cars are always a little oddball too, from the Citroen 2CV from way back when, to even their latest cars, like this all-new Peugeot 408.
It’s a crossover, but not the kind that you’re used too. Instead, it straddles the divide between a traditional sedan and a coupe-SUV, resulting in something that almost feels like a shooting brake, yet with a bit more height presence – despite not being particularly tall. It’s odd, but there’s no denying that it looks good.
The Peugeot 408 is offered in three different configurations; this here is the middle-of-the-pack Premium variant, which loses out on some of the fancier equipment appointments. But even then, its unique styling touches already do a lot to make the 408 stand out from the crowd.
You’ll find the iconic lion fangs daytime-running light up front, the chrome-pinned expanding front grille, and two-tone 18-inch wheels. Even if it doesn’t get the 3D claw effect light signature at the back like the GT variant does, the three-piece lighting in the taillights still gives the Peugeot 408 an unmistakeable look from the rear that just screams “Peugeot“.
But perhaps the most stand-out design element on the Peugeot 408 are its various creases and lines on its bodywork, on the bonnet, own the sides, and even the little dissecting lines on the wheel arches. It’s almost an antithesis to modern design, where simplicity and minimalism is paramount, but they really do make the 408 unique.
And then there’s the interior. Peugeot’s unique i-Cockpit layout, where the digital instrument cluster sits above the small octagonal steering wheel in the normal driving position, finds its way into the 408 here. But it’s the unique multifaceted dashboard design that makes it truly a special place to be in.
The centre infotainment display, while not particularly feature-packed, functions well with a good level of polish to its software. But the true pièce de résistance on the inside is actually the amount of physical control surfaces – some that even the range-topping GT variant doesn’t have.
Particularly, the Premium variant of the Peugeot 408 retains physical controls for its climate control panels, with two satisfying turntable-style dials that make temperature adjustments a breeze. Ditto the “Piano Keys” right underneath, with shortcuts to most of your frequently-used settings on-screen.
The Peugeot 408 is powered by a single 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four engine option across all three variants, offering 218 hp and 300 Nm of twist. The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox to drive the front wheels. Power output is definitely sufficient, even for an executive car like the Peugeot 408, but the sluggish response of the gearbox does put a damper on things when it comes to driving.
Get past that (and the steering wheel position), though, and you’ll find perhaps one of the most technically-competent chassis in the segment underpinning it. As with most Peugeot models, the 408 has a slightly firmer ride, but still doesn’t sacrifice on comfort. On the back roads is where the 408 shines, displaying athleticism with a sharp and agile turn in, and impressive poise and body control in faster sweeping corners.
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The Peugeot 408, as much as its design might suggest, is truly more than just about style. It’s got character, the technical capabilities, and most importantly, it’s also not afraid to be different – in true French fashion.
For a detailed breakdown on the Peugeot 408’s specifications and equipment offerings, head on over to our launch coverage, linked here. But for now, feast your eyes on these photos below.
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