Compact Sedan of the Year
Peugeot 408
Peugeot's first fastback model is a real looker aimed at drivers seeking an alternative to SUVs and crossovers, but still need the flexibility and practicality they offer. The 408 GT offers a 536-litre boot with the rear seats up and 1,611 litres when they're folded. Roomy storage points can be found throughout the cabin, which hosts the latest generation 3D i-Cockpit that lets users customise both the instrument panel and infotainment menus.
Special Features
Reviews
 
Beauty maybe skin deep, but sometimes there's more than meets the eye.Definitely a difficult car to take your eyes off from, and you would be wrong to assume that Peugeot sacrificed a lot of practicality for the looks of the 408.Happy to report that they didn't. This car looks good, drives well, and is hugely practical, even as a family car. Really, what more can you ask for.I think there is a strong stigma in Asia over reliability of French marques. But this car just feels so right (for it's type) that you wouldn't care when you start chucking it nimbly down the roads, with a smile on your face...I have had pretty good experience with C&C so far, so fingers crossed.
 
Test drove the 408GT while I was car hunting last year. When it was first launched overseas and I saw the photos on the internet, I was immediately smitten by the gorgeous good looks and its fastback design. The interior is equally alluring with full of french flair and nice design touches. The quality of materials makes it feel a more expensive car than it is and the sporty bucket seats hug you in place should you decide to do some spirited driving. The snazzy 3D i-cockpit has got to be the party piece for the interior which is unique to Peugeot and not seen on any other makes. What lets the interior down is the rather laggy infotainment system and dated graphics. This is definitely an area that Peugeot needs to work on. Interior space is good and the sunroof lets in natural light to brighten up the rather sombre dark interior. Power from the 1.2L turbo 3 pot is sufficient for city driving but will probably run out of breath on your trips up north. Some extra omph from electric hybrid power wouldn't be missed here. Gear shifts form the 8 speed aisin gearbox are smooth and seamless which matches the engine's torque curve well. With COE being at its current prices, even at 177k for the GT model can be considered as a value for money buy. There is also nothing else that looks this good at that price bracket in my opinion. You'll be sure to turn a few heads driving this on the road. What's even better now is that CnC has taken over the dealership and that should allay any concerns on after sales support. This car deserves to do well if people can see pass the badge and the baggage that it carries with the brand.
 
408 Allure Stand out, sleek unique looking car on the road.Looks like a cousin to the much more expensive Ls (Lamborghini & Lotus)
 
The Peugeot 408 is the sleekest looking car from the firm in a long time. It's angular, looks fast even when sitting still, and is actually quite a long vehicle - so more metal for your money.
Verdict
Irresistible style, no doubt, has played a large part in the Peugeot 408's taking of the crown for the segment - the fastback is festooned with angles and design details everywhere you care to look.

Some commendable design touches include the vertical LED 'fangs' that sit below the car's head lights, the 20-inch wheels with their unique asymmetrical design, and of course, the gently sloping roof line at the rear.

But dig deeper and you'll find this Peugeot a lot more than just pretty sheet metal. Its 1.2-litre engine pulls it along with sufficient gusto, delivering a rorty note that we have come to love, while response from the unit is linear, making the car a predictable thing to pilot. Once you're up to speed, the Peugeot 408 will also impress with its pliant ride - the car simply floats over all sorts of unpleasant surfaces.

Step into the fastback and the car continues to deliver on style. Its dashboard design, with its varied material use and lines, looks outright futuristic. Thankfully, useability is hardly compromised by this radical design. The firm's 3D i-Cockpit now gets its fixed menu shortcuts replaced by customisable and digital ones for greater ease-of-use, and there's also plenty of customisation on offer from the car's infotainment system.

And of course, further back still, this Peugeot 408 offers a total of 536 litres of storage space within its boot - enough to fit a full-size bike, and to rival plenty of SUVs.

For offering a refreshing and distinctive style without compromising on useability, this Peugeot 408 deserves the top spot in the compact sedan category.