Peugeot 408

Fastback to the future

Disruptive design
Sporty saloon
Premium PHEV

Family friendly

With the new 2023 Peugeot 408, Stellantis appears to have achieved the impossible. The new French fastback was created to cater to three different kinds of buyers – saloon, hatchback and SUV – and it pulls off the feat admirably after seven years in development. A sharp feline silhouette represents the best of modern French design. Despite the stylish and sloping profile, there’s a remarkable amount of back row space and boot space. And inside the airplane-style cabin, there’s just the right amount of tech. All told, the new 408 roars ahead of other c-segment rides such as the Renault Arkana, and its own sister, the Citroen C4. With LeasePlan now taking orders for deliveries early in 2023, booking the new Peugeot 408 crossover could be the best present to yourself.

Animal Allure

The all-new model slots neatly between the 3008 SUV and the 508 hatchback. Face-on, the Peugeot 408 is distinguished by a modern new grille, in the same colour as the bodywork, and fang-like LED running lights that hint at its muscular fierceness. A swooping side profile shows off solid 17-inch wheels, and curves sharply into a chiselled, arrow-shaped rear with on-brand three-claw LED lights. Built on an updated version of Stellantis’ EMP platform, the new Peugeot 408 just about stretches the dimensions for its c-segment category. At 4.69m in length with a long wheelbase of 2.79m, there’s room enough for the family with 188mm of legroom in the second row, and the elevated height means there’s 536 litres of boot space. The Peugeot 408 is available in four trim levels from launch, including the entry-level Allure, the Allure Premium, the GT and the range-topping First Edition. The end of 2023 will see a mild-hybrid unit, with an electric e-408 following later.

Impressive i-Cockpit

Under the raised roof of the 408 sports saloon is one of the most attractive interior cabins for its class. The latest generation of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit system catches the eye straightaway with a compact but ergonomic steering wheel designed for active ride comfort and better motor control. The instrument cluster sits comfortably within your line of sight, and features five button-controlled display modes. Satin chrome touches channel a luxurious aesthetic – although the electric, heated massage seats are only available with the GT trim. But all Peugeot 408 models come with a host of future-forward tech features. The new i-Connect infotainment system and 10-inch digital instrument panel complement a similar 10-inch central touchscreen preloaded with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Just underneath are fully configurable virtual i-toggles that offer immediate access to air-conditioning controls, phone contacts and apps. A new voice control system, an optional night vision setting, and an array of driver assistance safety technologies round out the edgy, tech-tastic interiors.

Perky performance

With so many punters to please, the new 408 comes with a range of engines to choose from, including some of the 308’s powertrains. There are two rechargeable hybrid versions with 180 PS (178 hp, 132 kW) and 225 PS (222 hp, 165 kW), as well as a base 130 PS (128 hp; 96 kW) 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder PureTech petrol engine. Like with the 308, there’s a 1.6 four-cylinder combustion engine in the family-focused 408. It pairs with a 110hp-strong electric motor, which draws its power from a 12.4 kWh battery whose range is expected to be around 60km. All three engines are paired off with an 8-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox. An all-electric version will follow over the next few months when the electric drivetrain is released. But why wait? With only a few models being delivered in the first quarter of 2023, you can get a head start with LeasePlan by ordering the Peugeot 408 today.

Puretech 130

Petrol engine1.2L Puretech 130 EAT8 S&S
Maximum power (kW)96
Acceleration10.4 sec
Top speed210 km/h
Transmission8-speed Automatic
Battery capacity (kWh)-
AVERAGE CO2 EMISSIONS (WLTP)136 g/km
DrivetrainFront wheel drive

Plug-in Hybrid 180

Petrol engine180 e-EAT8
Maximum power (kW)81
Acceleration8.1 sec
Top speed225 km/h
TransmissionAutomatic
Battery capacity (kWh)12,4
AVERAGE CO2 EMISSIONS (WLTP)24-30 g/km
DrivetrainFront wheel drive

Plug-in Hybrid 225

Petrol engine225 e-EAT8
Maximum power (kW)81
Acceleration7.8 sec
Top speed233 km/h
TransmissionAutomatic
Battery capacity (kWh)12,4
AVERAGE CO2 EMISSIONS (WLTP)24-30 g/km
DrivetrainFront wheel drive