Peugeot 408 1.2 EAT8 Fastback GT Review: Europa Chic

What we like:

You won't mistake the 408 for anything else in the parking lot

Interior room for rear passengers

Liftback is very practical

What we dislike:

Interior UX takes some getting used to

The Peugeot 408 is a first of its kind for the brand - imagine a fastback but with raised suspension and you may be close to grasping the concept.

But whatever it may be, there’s no denying that its looks are super distinct. Most people who set their eyes on the 408 thought it was a refreshing take in a crowded crossover market.

One key benefit for its unique styling is its 2.73 metre long wheelbase, which makes it currently the most spacious Peugeot for rear passengers. One could almost imagine it to be somewhat of a Peugeot limousine, except that the 408 isn’t positioned as a flagship. In fact, it’s priced comfortably between the small Peugeot 3008 SUV and the larger Peugeot 5008 SUV.

Its boot space is also rather impressive at 536 litres, as it is very usable thanks to the liftback that allows one to load up bulky items too.

As part of the GT specification, the car gets trippy 20-inch matte black rims that Peugeot calls ‘geometric’. I just think it looks like nothing else out there and gives the 408 a purposeful gait whenever it is on the move.

However, while the 408 is by no means uncomfortable, it seemed to ride a fair bit stiffer than the previous Peugeots I have driven. There is some trade-off for the distinct looks of the wheels.

The 408’s 1,199 cc 3-pot engine has always been a belter, and in the 408 it doesn’t disappoint. It pulls amazingly strongly for something so small, but one can definitely feel it working that bit harder with the larger body of the 408. Still, its torque figure of 230 Nm is nothing to scoff at and allows the 408 to complete 0-100 km/h in a respectable 11.5 seconds.

The test car also came with i-Toggles, a customisable widget bar just beneath the centre screen that also comes with the GT specification. This allows you quick access to your favourite shortcuts, and while I like the idea, configuring the desired widgets did take a few tries.

Otherwise, the 408 comes with the now familiar small diameter steering wheel as well as a 3D i-Cockpit. It’s fancy to look at and to be dazzled at the graphics while you swap between different layouts, but functionality wise it still does what it needs to do.

The 408’s seats are a mix of fabric, technical mesh, Alcanata and leather - again a GT special. That’s a whole lot of materials, but it works and somehow uplifts the ambience of the interior as a whole.

There is a feline theme going on with the 408, and the first sign of it are the cat ears located subtly above the liftback. If you scroll through the front seat massage functions, you’ll also chance upon a Cat Paw massage. It’s all rather amusing.

For something so radical, the 408 is indeed very easy to live with and allows you to stand out while not needing you to withstand anything.

Is the Peugeot 408 a family car?
Peugeot says the 408 is built for couples who may or may not have children. We take that as a yes.

Is the Peugeot 408 an SUV?
Sort of, but it’s also a fastback. Imagine them cross-breeding and you get the idea.

What is the fastest Peugeot 408?
There are hot versions overseas that have more than 250 hp, but we only get the 130 hp version in Singapore. It’s rather suited for our roads, though.

Is the Peugeot 408 all wheel drive?
We get front wheel drive 408s in Singapore.

Photos by New Gen Marketing
---

Selling your car? Whatever the reason, caryousell@carousell, sell your car at the highest price today.