Peugeot 408 1.6 Turbo (A) Review
26 Dec 2012|27,620 views
Despite its name, the latest car from the second largest carmaker based in Europe breaks the usual tradition of its marque's naming convention, as it turns out that the Peugeot 408 is not a direct replacement for the 407, but rather a long wheelbase saloon version of the Peugeot 308 hatchback.
The 408 is primarily targeted at emerging markets in Asia, where customers demand four-door saloons with separate boots and plenty of space for rear passengers.
Built based on the theme of harmony, elegance and dynamism, the 408 is ideal for young professionals with families. Through a combination of the dynamism typical of a Peugeot, it is set to redefine the mid-sized sedan segment with high levels of comfort and premium quality.
Exterior
Draped in Peugeot's latest signature grille, which has been nipped and tucked to make it smaller than the outgoing models, the car features redesigned headlamps and bonnet to help it look sleeker, with a dash of athleticism to boot.
 |
The structure from the A-pillar to the rear boot reminds us of an offering from a neighbouring country while the rear is reminiscent of its bigger sibling, the 508. As a result, it feels like the car is right smacked in the middle, displaying looks that are rather uninteresting.
But on the bright side, there are some details that deserve praise. The taillights are one of them. Taking on the form of three diagonal strips, the rear lamps serve as a tribute to the claws on the marque's lion emblem.
Coming from a major French car brand that created the sizzling and sexy RCZ, you would expect charming curves on the 408. However, we feel that the car lags in the aesthetic department.
 |
Interior
The cabin looks and feels familiar with the usual dials, trip computer and central display which you can find in most Peugeots. The centre console is also decked out in piano black, adding to the luxurious feel. Complementing it are plush leather seats which give good lumbar support. However, it takes quite a bit of adjusting to get to the optimal driving position.
What's good though is that the leather wrapped steering wheel with aluminium inserts is nicely shaped and feels good to the touch. The fact that it provides a firm grip further enhances this aspect.
The panoramic windscreen gives a clear and good view of the road ahead, but it could do with some tinting along the edge to block out those harmful UV rays, especially on a hot and sunny island like ours.
Generous interior volumes have always been a strong point of Peugeots, and the 408 is no exception. Built with space in mind, the rear is extremely spacious all thanks to its long wheelbase. As a result, rear passengers are treated comfortably, with ample leg and headroom in a relaxed, laid-back environment.
Speaking of volume, the 408 has a surprisingly spacious boot that's enough for three golf bags. Additionally, the 60/40 rear seats which fold automatically at the touch of a button provide all the room to cart around your load with convenience.
 |
The Drive
Under the bonnet, the 408 is powered by a 1.6-litre twin-scroll Turbo High Pressure (THP) engine that provides for 163 horses and 240Nm of torque, thus allowing the pug to go from a standstill to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
Mated to a six-speed 'Tiptronic System Porsche' automatic transmission with manual override, gearshifts are quick, maximising the time that the engine spends in the optimal range of revs, thus enhancing fuel efficiency.
Serious momentum is built around the third gear or around 60km/h. Once past that speed, you may find yourself in a state of becoming more alert to the speed lasers at the side of the road.
The 408's steering is nicely weighted and feels confident at higher speeds, however it does not provide adequate feedback, giving rise to a slight 'rubber band' feel. As a result, not that the car is meant for it, the 408 restricts you from carving corners with aplomb.
Still, without any doubt, the 408 is stable on the straights. Body roll is minimal, thanks to excellent weight distribution as well as specialised suspension and dampers. Together, they give the car a kind of firmness that is just right for soaking up bumps and ruts on broken tarmac.
Conclusion
Being a saloon version of the Peugeot 308, the 408 is structured well to ferry families around. Not compromising on performance either, the pug serves well as an all rounder, albeit being a tad weaker in its looks.
The 408 is not slated for the Western European market, and is also not built there, thus it can be considered as an Asian-exclusive model.
At a price of $158,800 (as of 21st December 2012), there are other alternatives you can also consider. But if you're keen on standing out from the usual Altis or Jetta, this could be a worthy alternative.
Despite its name, the latest car from the second largest carmaker based in Europe breaks the usual tradition of its marque's naming convention, as it turns out that the Peugeot 408 is not a direct replacement for the 407, but rather a long wheelbase saloon version of the Peugeot 308 hatchback.
The 408 is primarily targeted at emerging markets in Asia, where customers demand four-door saloons with separate boots and plenty of space for rear passengers.
Built based on the theme of harmony, elegance and dynamism, the 408 is ideal for young professionals with families. Through a combination of the dynamism typical of a Peugeot, it is set to redefine the mid-sized sedan segment with high levels of comfort and premium quality.
Exterior
Draped in Peugeot's latest signature grille, which has been nipped and tucked to make it smaller than the outgoing models, the car features redesigned headlamps and bonnet to help it look sleeker, with a dash of athleticism to boot.
The structure from the A-pillar to the rear boot reminds us of an offering from a neighbouring country while the rear is reminiscent of its bigger sibling, the 508. As a result, it feels like the car is right smacked in the middle, displaying looks that are rather uninteresting.
But on the bright side, there are some details that deserve praise. The taillights are one of them. Taking on the form of three diagonal strips, the rear lamps serve as a tribute to the claws on the marque's lion emblem.
Coming from a major French car brand that created the sizzling and sexy RCZ, you would expect charming curves on the 408. However, we feel that the car lags in the aesthetic department.
Interior
The cabin looks and feels familiar with the usual dials, trip computer and central display which you can find in most Peugeots. The centre console is also decked out in piano black, adding to the luxurious feel. Complementing it are plush leather seats which give good lumbar support. However, it takes quite a bit of adjusting to get to the optimal driving position.
What's good though is that the leather wrapped steering wheel with aluminium inserts is nicely shaped and feels good to the touch. The fact that it provides a firm grip further enhances this aspect.
The cabin looks and feels familiar with the usual dials, trip computer and central display which you can find in most Peugeots. The centre console is also decked out in piano black, adding to the luxurious feel. Complementing it are plush leather seats which give good lumbar support. However, it takes quite a bit of adjusting to get to the optimal driving position.
What's good though is that the leather wrapped steering wheel with aluminium inserts is nicely shaped and feels good to the touch. The fact that it provides a firm grip further enhances this aspect.
The panoramic windscreen gives a clear and good view of the road ahead, but it could do with some tinting along the edge to block out those harmful UV rays, especially on a hot and sunny island like ours.
Generous interior volumes have always been a strong point of Peugeots, and the 408 is no exception. Built with space in mind, the rear is extremely spacious all thanks to its long wheelbase. As a result, rear passengers are treated comfortably, with ample leg and headroom in a relaxed, laid-back environment.
Speaking of volume, the 408 has a surprisingly spacious boot that's enough for three golf bags. Additionally, the 60/40 rear seats which fold automatically at the touch of a button provide all the room to cart around your load with convenience.
The Drive
Under the bonnet, the 408 is powered by a 1.6-litre twin-scroll Turbo High Pressure (THP) engine that provides for 163 horses and 240Nm of torque, thus allowing the pug to go from a standstill to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
Mated to a six-speed 'Tiptronic System Porsche' automatic transmission with manual override, gearshifts are quick, maximising the time that the engine spends in the optimal range of revs, thus enhancing fuel efficiency.
Serious momentum is built around the third gear or around 60km/h. Once past that speed, you may find yourself in a state of becoming more alert to the speed lasers at the side of the road.
Under the bonnet, the 408 is powered by a 1.6-litre twin-scroll Turbo High Pressure (THP) engine that provides for 163 horses and 240Nm of torque, thus allowing the pug to go from a standstill to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
Mated to a six-speed 'Tiptronic System Porsche' automatic transmission with manual override, gearshifts are quick, maximising the time that the engine spends in the optimal range of revs, thus enhancing fuel efficiency.
Serious momentum is built around the third gear or around 60km/h. Once past that speed, you may find yourself in a state of becoming more alert to the speed lasers at the side of the road.
The 408's steering is nicely weighted and feels confident at higher speeds, however it does not provide adequate feedback, giving rise to a slight 'rubber band' feel. As a result, not that the car is meant for it, the 408 restricts you from carving corners with aplomb.
Still, without any doubt, the 408 is stable on the straights. Body roll is minimal, thanks to excellent weight distribution as well as specialised suspension and dampers. Together, they give the car a kind of firmness that is just right for soaking up bumps and ruts on broken tarmac.
Conclusion
Being a saloon version of the Peugeot 308, the 408 is structured well to ferry families around. Not compromising on performance either, the pug serves well as an all rounder, albeit being a tad weaker in its looks.
The 408 is not slated for the Western European market, and is also not built there, thus it can be considered as an Asian-exclusive model.
At a price of $158,800 (as of 21st December 2012), there are other alternatives you can also consider. But if you're keen on standing out from the usual Altis or Jetta, this could be a worthy alternative.
Photos by Regan Ong
Car Information
Peugeot 408 1.6 Turbo (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.2km/L
Horsepower
122kW (163 bhp)
Torque
240 Nm
Acceleration
9.2sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Peugeot 408
Thank You For Your Subscription.
Tags
Products & Services
For Owners
Quick Links
About Sgcarmart
