Car of the year candidate (3/7): Peugeot 408 – trendsetter or design flaw?

The resolution for the 2023 Car of the Year election is approaching. As in previous years, seven finalists were selected. Each day for the next seven days, we will be highlighting a contender for Car of the Year.

This year’s Car of the Year awards will take place on January 13th. Until then, the live stream can be seen via Autovisie.nl.

Peugeot 408 Car of the Year

Trendsetter or design flaw? That’s what we asked ourselves during the first test with the Peugeot 408. The car is not an SUV, but a raised hatchback with a coupé line, a lowered SUV or a modern high-leg sedan with a sloping roof line. If we had to choose a term: crossover. This commonly used term always includes the load.

In terms of design, the potential car of the year deserves the originality award. However, the Citroën C5 X also has a similar shape, so it is not absolutely unique.

The interior of the 408, which is similar to that of the 308, is also elegantly designed with beautiful materials. The infotainment has been greatly improved from what we’re used to from Peugeot and in the back you’re sitting like royalty with plenty of legroom and ample headroom.

Car of the year or too expensive?

The Peugeot 408 is not fully electric yet. The most powerful powertrain delivers 225 hp. This is a hybrid drive. There’s also a 180hp hybrid and a 130hp 1.2-liter three-cylinder.

The Peugeot 408’s price tag is a negative point of the Frenchman. The car will cost you at least 41,420 euros. The hybrids start at 46 grand.

Driving the Peugeot 408

Jaco Bijlsma shows what it’s like to drive the year’s finalist’s new car in the video below. As a member of the jury, Jaco can once again vote for the car of the year this year. Does this Frenchman have a chance of winning?