In the night of brands moving in Stellentis today, it seems that Peugeot feels particularly secure in its place.
In a reality where not all the brands united under the relatively new company will be able to last until the end of the decade, Peugeot's place is guaranteed, and it is freed from fear and sets new and clear goals for itself.
The 408 in front of us is an excellent example of this confidence.
The vision to reposition this brand began a few months ago with a comprehensive refresh of the familiar symbol, giving it a cleaner, more shiny appearance.
The same symbol graces the new 408 and you can't miss it, for any reason.
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And in general, this 408 cannot be missed at all.
Already at the first face-to-face meeting, it is clear that there are things here that did not come across in the pictures at all.
This is a car with a very noticeable presence on the road and not only because of its design.
What strikes you first is the length.
The combination between a respectable length and a body with a low and long roofline, but it creates a different, unique and attractive silhouette.
And this is perhaps the most striking detail here but not the only one.
If this is the front that combines the new symbol with a particularly extreme expression of Peugeot's latest design language.
Or her name is the respectable abdominal space that is here.
Maybe it's the 20-inch rims with the unusual design.
All these and more create an impact here that cannot be ignored.
Photo: Manufacturer
And there are already things that are not sure that everyone will like.
Additional Peugeot symbols are placed on the sides of the doors.
Not exactly an acceptable design detail in top-of-the-line cars.
More something you can see in exotic cars that come from Maranello and Santa Agatha.
on taste and smell.
Also the rear design that combines motifs from the worlds of SUVs and typical Peugeot elements.
Among those present at the launch were those who were ready to swear that it reminded them from the outside of the Lamborgini Oros.
Others didn't quite see the resemblance.
What is certain is that no one remained indifferent to the very unique appearance.
place and more
The generous exterior dimensions also translate into the 408's ability to accommodate four full-grown passengers.
Peugeot talks about the "cat's ears" in the back of the roof, two protrusions that should allow more headroom for those sitting behind.
Not sure that this is indeed the purpose of this design detail.
What is certain is that there is a lot of space here.
In front, the driver and passenger can sit spaciously and even the sunroof does not affect the space.
The seats themselves are excellent and support just the right amount.
In the back the situation is just as good, the space itself is excellent and the feeling of the seat is impressive.
Photo: Manufacturer
The cabin features the latest Peugeot has to offer and then some.
The large multimedia screen here has a small screen along its lower part.
There you can update shortcuts for quick access to various functions.
The dashboard changes views and is even built from several layers.
The result is a very deep and beautiful sub-dimension display.
The design itself adds to the airy feeling when the upper part of the dashboard is away from the living area of the passengers towards the windshield.
And if we talked about these windshields in the front are thicker for the benefit of insulation, and in the same breath there is also a system with ten Focal speakers.
It is understandable that there is a demonstrable wealth here that Peugeot wants to emphasize.
Peugeot will start producing the new 408 and marketing it in Europe towards the end of this year with a variety of powertrain versions.
At the top of the pyramid is the plug-in hybrid version that produces 225 hp and 36.6 kgm.
The official performance figures tell of an electronically limited maximum speed of 225 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds.
The vehicles that were offered for initial testing at the global launch event were exactly that, plug-in hybrid versions, in the top trim level (GT) just like those that will arrive in Israel during 2023. Yes, the 408 will make an increase only in its most powerful, technological and equipped version.
Photo: Manufacturer
First taste
For the benefit of driving the winding Spanish roads, we set off with the aforementioned version that rides on 20-inch rims with a low section.
The entrance to the passenger compartment definitely conveys the message that Peugeot wants to convey.
If it's the choice of materials, the feel of the various switches, the comfort, all of these definitely feel like stretching the limits of the cut of this category.
Despite the conspicuous wealth the human engineering is quite good.
The possibility of making different shortcuts, operating the advanced driving systems and more, feel natural after a very short period of getting used to it.
Among the various rim options that were offered, we were a little sorry that we ended up with the most extreme option.
On urban bumps at slow speed the thin soles got in the way.
Despite the above, the feeling from the suspension was quite impressive, there is a feeling of a relatively long stroke and high-quality hydraulics.
Later on the highway the 408 will show excellent isolation from the road mainly thanks to the same suspensions.
The wide soles also produced road noise that penetrated the cabin.
In our opinion, there is no reason to choose such a huge rim and low-cut tires in such a car.
On the variety of roads at launch, the Peugeot felt very large, mature, behaved in a very safe and relaxed manner.
Thanks to the aforementioned dimensions and calibration.
We liked the small and weightless steering wheel less.
Here, too, it appears as part of Peugeot's ten-year-old I-Cockpit approach, something we're still having trouble getting used to.
The drive unit produces good performance and should offer a pure electric range of about 63 km.
On the road this 408 moves decisively but in extreme situations, for example overtaking on a steep ascent, there is a feeling that the drive unit is struggling to lift the considerable weight of this version.
The combination of the eight-speed planetary gearbox is also not always efficient.
It is very smooth and pleasant, but sometimes also a demand for light acceleration will manifest itself in lowering a few gears, jumping the engine to a higher RPM when its noise penetrates the cabin.
All of these sound easy, but given the general sense of quality, they are noticeable.
Peugeot wants to position the brand in a higher, more unique and more attractive place.
The 408 is absolutely a worthy representative of what this company wants for itself.
Its appearance is attractive, its passenger cabin is luxurious and up-to-date and the ride quality is very good.
During the next year, a version with a fully electric drive unit will be presented, this will add refinement to the drive system and more performance.
These will make it even more impressive.
Peugeot 408
PHEV
Engine:
gasoline, combined electricity
Power (combined):
225 hp
Torque (combined):
36.6 torque
Wheelbase:
279 cm
Weight:
1,706 kg
Fuel consumption (manufacturer):
16.6 km/l
From 0 to 100 km/h:
7.8 seconds
Maximum speed:
233 km/h
Price:
NIS 134,000
Pros:
design, space, technology
Against:
I Cockpit
Bottom line:
impressive and special
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