Are you looking for a spacious, comfortable family car but prefer something other than ubiquitous SUVs? Do you want a vehicle that stands out from the crowd with its sleek and distinctive design? Do you also care about performance and efficiency, especially if you are a company car user? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should look at the new Peugeot 408 Hybrid.
The Peugeot 408 Hybrid is a new addition to Peugeot's lineup, and it aims to offer a different option for buyers who want a large family car. It is not a conventional hatchback, nor an estate, nor a coupe, nor an SUV. It is a hybrid of all these things, and Peugeot calls it a fastback. It combines the practicality of an estate with a generous boot space of 548 liters, which can be expanded to 1,634 liters by folding the rear seats. It also has a style of a coupe, with a low roofline, frameless doors, LED headlights and taillights, and a large grille with the Peugeot lion emblem. And it has the high driving position of an SUV, which gives the driver a good view of the road and a sense of confidence.
The Peugeot 408 Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter petrol engine and an electric motor that produce a combined output of 178bhp. It can travel up to 40 miles on electric power alone, thanks to a 12.4kWh battery that can be recharged in less than two hours using a 7kW wall box. This makes it eligible for low company car tax rates and exemption from congestion charges in some cities. It also has an official fuel economy of 269.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 24g/km, which are impressive figures for such a large car.
The Peugeot 408 Hybrid joins the existing Peugeot 408 Hybrid 225, which has a more powerful 222bhp system, and the PureTech 130, which is a conventional petrol engine with 129bhp. All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The hybrid versions also have four driving modes: Electric, Hybrid, Sport, and Comfort.
The interior of the 408 is equally impressive, with a modern and premium feel. It features Peugeot's i-Cockpit, which consists of a 10-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and a 10-inch touchscreen on the center console. The touchscreen has a dedicated touch bar allowing users to create shortcuts to access various functions. The infotainment system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging for compatible smartphones.
The Peugeot 408 also comes with a high level of standard equipment, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The higher trims add features such as a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, a hands-free tailgate, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The Peugeot 408 is stylish and practical, and enjoyable to drive. The hybrid versions offer smooth and quiet performance, especially in electric mode, which can be used for most urban journeys. The petrol engine is also refined and responsive, and it works well with the electric motor to provide ample power and acceleration. The Sport mode enhances the driving dynamics by sharpening the throttle response, steering feel, and suspension settings.
The Peugeot 408 also handles well for its size, with reasonable body control, grip, and stability. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The ride quality is commendable, as the suspension absorbs most bumps and potholes without compromising comfort. The Comfort mode softens the ride by adjusting the damping and reducing the noise levels.
The Peugeot 408 Hybrid is available to order now in Germany, with prices starting from €41,250 ($48,500). It will arrive in other European markets later this year. Peugeot has not confirmed whether it will bring the 408 to the UK or other countries outside Europe.
The 408 is a unique car that does not have many direct competitors, but it can be compared to some other models that offer a similar blend of style, space, comfort, performance and efficiency. Here are some of them:
- The Citroen C5 X is the closest rival to the 408, as it shares the same platform and powertrains. It is also a hybrid of a hatchback, an estate and an SUV, but it has a more conventional design and a higher roofline. It offers more headroom and boot space than the 408, but less rear legroom. It also has a softer suspension and a more relaxed driving character. The Citroen C5 X is slightly cheaper than the 408, but it has less standard equipment and a less premium interior.
- The BMW X2 is another coupe-SUV that competes with the 408, but it is more focused on sportiness and dynamics. It has a sharper handling, a firmer ride and a more powerful engine range than the 408, but it also consumes more fuel and emits more CO2. It also has a smaller boot and a less spacious rear seat than the 408. The X2 is more expensive than the 408, but it has a higher resale value and a stronger brand image.
- The Renault Arkana is a budget-friendly alternative to the 408, as it also combines the style of a coupe with the practicality of an SUV. It has a similar size and shape to the 408, but it has a simpler design and a lower quality interior. It offers decent space and comfort for passengers and luggage, but it lacks some of the advanced features and technology of the 408. It also has a weaker performance and a lower fuel economy than the 408. The Renault
- Arkana is much cheaper than the 408, but it also feels less refined and sophisticated.
These are some of the cars that can be compared to the 408, but none of them can match its unique appeal and personality.
The Peugeot 408 is an attractive proposition for those who want a large family car that stands out from the crowd. It offers a unique blend of style, space, comfort, performance, and efficiency, making it a viable alternative to SUVs. It also showcases Peugeot's expertise in hybrid technology and design innovation. The Peugeot 408 is a car that deserves more attention than it might get in a crowded market segment.
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