Quickly between chair and bench

In 2015, the wrecking ball was rolled at Peugeot: decline in sales, massive layoffs and model diversity disappeared. Fast-moving even from some versions of the Audi TT, sports versions are enough for fun cars with convertibles and Coupé RCZ. But seven years later, sales and profits at the Stellantis subsidiary were back on track, thanks to a difficult restructuring process. And now, with the new 408, Peugeot is once again doing something extraordinary in a niche segment.

You don’t know exactly which one: The in-between five-door SUV coupe is flatter than most of its rivals and looks almost like a hatchback sedan. Like its sister model, the Citroën C5 X, where the designers couldn’t decide between an SUV and a station wagon. Both share the technology platform: While the wheelbase is the same at 2.79 metres, it has given the Peugeot 408 a sportier appearance and shortened the overall length by twelve centimeters. However, the engine range is the same: no diesel, and the base version’s 130 hp (96 kW) three-cylinder turbo doesn’t seem to be out of place on the 408. Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) with system performance of 180 and 225 hp (132 and 165 kW) are more suitable; Here, instead of a 1.6-liter turbo with 150 or 180 HP (110 or 132 kW), a 110 HP ( 81 kW) powerful electric motor is supported. Four wheel drive? No. An 8-speed automatic is mandatory for this, and a fully electric version will also arrive at the end of 2023.

Travels 62 kilometers on electricity

The battery of the plug-in hybrids offers a net capacity of 11.5 kilowatt-hours and should provide a full electric range of up to 62 kilometers and a top speed of up to 135 km/h. The 408 charges as standard with a charging capacity of only 3.7 kW; Doubling to 7.4 kW costs extra. Depending on the equipment and mains connection, it takes between two and seven hours to recharge the battery. However, most daily routes should be possible entirely on electricity.

Inside, it looks like a typical Peugeot thanks to the small steering wheel, through which you can look at the instruments – this saves the C5 X’s head-up display. The middle seat is quite narrow. There are no restrictions on knee room and headroom. Quiet thanks to the thicker windshield and even double glass on the sides at the front. 471 to 1545 liters of luggage fit in the rear; even more so on the basic petrol engine, because the battery under the loading floor is not constrained.

The chassis is a highlight

Let’s start the test round. With the more powerful PHEV, the 408 performs well. It accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, and when braking, electrical recovery and mechanical brakes work together in harmony. However, the biggest surprise of the 1.8-ton vehicle is the chassis. Despite the wide 20-inch wheels, there is hardly any impact and body roll remains within limits. Another trump card is the small, very direct steering wheel and balanced weight distribution. Sometimes the auto is a little hesitant, but in Sport mode it quickly bounces back before cornering. The 408 isn’t really sporty, but it’s fast and above all comfortable.

The new Peugeot 408 starts at 43,000 francs in January for the 130 hp base petrol engine. A charge of at least 51,100 francs will be charged for the 225 hp top PHEV version.