Peugeot 408

Peugeot 408 Overview

The second-generation Peugeot 408 made its Malaysian debut back in 2016 in the sole e-THP variant. Locally assembled in Naza’s Kulim assembly plant, the Malaysian-spec model is priced from RM 143,888 when new and comes with a 5-year unlimited-mileage warranty.

Based on the 408 nameplate and its 4-door sedan layout, the Peugeot 408 would naturally be the successor to the Peugeot 407, but instead it is a long wheelbase version of the Peugeot 308 hatchback. 

They share a similar front end featuring the same ‘fanged’ full-LED headlights and a similar front bumper design barring a few subtle differences. Aimed primarily at emerging markets like China and South America, the C-Segment Peugeot 408 goes up against rivals in the likes of the Toyota Corolla Altis, Mazda 3 and the segment leader the Honda Civic.

Peugeot 408 Exterior

On the outside, the lion badge usually found on the bonnet is now inset amongst the chrome slats on the grille. A distinctive kink or ‘fang’ in the LED headlight is in line with Peugeot’s family design language. Difference to the Peugeot 308 includes a larger air intake flanked by a pair of body coloured fog lamp housing, accented by chrome trims. A subtle bulge on the bonnet and clean body lines gives the car an athletic stance.

At the rear, the Malaysian-spec models are identical to Chinese made ones, featuring C-shaped LED taillights and trapezoidal exhaust exits, doing without the Peugeot’s signature triple claw taillight design and the usual French quirky design touches. Based on the PSA EMP2 platform that also underpins the Peugeot 308 hatchback, the sedan equivalent is a whopping 497 mm longer with a 110 mm longer wheelbase. It is also marginally wider and taller too than the hatchback.

Peugeot 408 Interior

The biggest difference compared to the Chinese made variant is perhaps on the interior. In place of the conventional dashboard is the avant-garde i-cockpit layout, featuring innovative designs like the compact sport steering wheel that sits lower which Peugeot claims to reduce driver fatigue while offering more precise steering maneuverability.

The ‘head-up’ instrument panel is positioned slightly raised and deeper into the dashboard, allowing driver information to be viewed above, rather than through the steering wheel and is therefore accessed without taking your eyes off the road.

The cabin is tastefully designed with extensive use of textured soft touch material and gloss black inserts with satin chrome trims. Full leather upholstery comes as standard here, unlike in the hatchback sibling. The centre console features a 9.7-inch touchscreen display with minimal dials and buttons below for that minimalistic design. The massive 565 litre boot space is 46 litre more than the one available in the Honda Civic.

Peugeot 408 Features

Standard features include keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air-con vents, push-button start, auto lights and wipers a six-speaker sound system with Arkamys 3D, electrically adjustable front seats and a Smart Park Assist II system.

Exterior features include full LED headlights with daytime running light, full LED taillights, chromed window frame and a set of 17-inch turbine-design ‘Rubis’ alloy wheels. Safety wise, it comes fitted as standard with six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability control and a blind spot information system. 

Missing from the sedan is the Driver Assistance Pack available on the top of the range Peugeot 308 THP, which includes Dynamic Cruise Control, Emergency Collision Alert and Autonomous Emergency Braking.

Peugeot 408 Powertrain Performance

Powering the front wheels is Peugeot’s 1.6 litre Turbo High Pressure (THP) 4-cylinder engine, developing 165 PS at 5,500 RPM and 245 Nm of torque from 1,400 RPM, marginally beaten by the Honda Civic in terms of power and almost matching the Volkswagen Jetta in terms of torque.

The ‘Prince’ engine co-developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën and BMW features direct injection and special low pressure die-cast heads. The “e” in the engine’s e-THP name refers to the engine’s automatic start-stop feature that makes its debut in Malaysia on the Peugeot 408. The engine is mated to an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission with Quickshift technology.

Peugeot 408 Fuel Consumption

Peugeot 408 Ride Comfort

Based on the same platform that also underpins the very promising Peugeot 308, the Peugeot 408 rides supremely well. The significantly longer wheelbase translates to a comfortable and cosseting ride that is also refined. The trade-off inevitably is the fairly noticeable body roll in tight cornering and the steering is not as communicative as,say, the Ford Focus.

Peugeot 408 Conclusion

In the incredibly saturated and competitive C-segment sedan category dominated by the likes of the Honda Civic and Mazda 3, the Peugeot 408 has a pretty big shoes to fill. While the i-Cockpit unique interior driving layout may not be up to everyone’s taste, it certainly feels modern, upmarket, and comfortable to drive too. The lackluster rear design is not exactly helping its case when it comes to exterior appeal and