Peugeot 408

Overview:

Peugeot, the French car conglomerate was time honored in 1810 and since its inception the French carmaker is offering a wide variety of family cars. Ther brand was established as a part of PSA Peugeot Citroën which was a family business that preceded the current Peugeot company and manufactured coffee mills and bicycles. Peugeot recently added another heir to carry the company's legacy number series, The Peugeot 408. It is a four-door compact sedan vehicle released in the year 2010. It was developed against similar rivals of the segment specifically for countries like China. Variants launched other than its manufacturing country, differ slightly in its external-internal appearance, utility and technology aspect. Shifting our interest specifically to Malaysian markets, it is offered in two trims designed in elongated wheelbase, well-equipped interiors and safety features.

The 408 embodies the guiding spirit of Peugeot design stylists, summed up in very few words; space, performance and elegance. Its design cues are one of balanced proportions and simplicity, thus creating a subtly sleek, pure and sensual ride. The interior styling of the 408 is one of unbridled space and elegant sophistication. A combination of exceptional comfort and premium European styling creates the desire to extend the moment, the time of a journey, for as long as possible. Drive it to experience it.

The Peugeot 408 owns a 1.6-litre powerhouse placed under their hoods. This engine knocks out a maximum power counting 163 hp at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque measuring 240 Nm at 1400 rpm. The 6 speed auto adaptive gearbox with Tiptronic and Sport mode with front wheel drive make a perfect amalgamation with this engine and makes it a perfect one for this classy sedan. Peugeot 408 owing to its powerful 1.6-litre petrol engine catapults the premium sedan from standstill to 100 kmph on speedometer in just 12.5 seconds with an electronically limited peak speed of 215 kmph. The petrol engine runs 11.11 kms on an average after sipping one litre of fuel which is decent for a 1.6-litre engine. The striking feature of this sedan is its instrument panel LCD display which displays Speed limiter, cruise control, trip distance recorder, service indicator, total distance recorder, gear change indicator, ambient temperature and trip computer which not only adds aesthetic value to this vehicle but also allow the passengers to enjoy natural light. Apart from it the car features Antilock Braking System (ABS) with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Passive safety system employs airbags in front for driver and front passenger, side passenger airbag, front and curtain airbags.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

Fuel efficiency is the most deciding factor while buying a car. If the engine is not fuel economical, the vehicle is ultimately going to be a costly affair for you. Peugeot's efective fuel efficiency techniques can be very well seen in the Peugeot 408 as well. The petrol engine runs 11.11 kms on an average after sipping one litre of fuel which is decent for a 1.6-litre engine.

Power:

The Peugeot 408 is designed to thrill its occupants in every possible way it can. The car carry a 1.6 litre Twin Scroll Turbo High Pressure (THP) with Direct Petrol Injection engine beneath their bonnet. This engine knocks out a maximum power counting 163 hp at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque measuring 240 Nm at 1400 rpm. The 6 speed auto adaptive gearbox with Tiptronic and Sport mode with front wheel drive make a perfect amalgamation with this engine and makes it a perfect one for this classy sedan.

Acceleration & Pickup:

Peugeot 408 owing to its powerful 1.6-litre petrol engine catapults the premium sedan from standstill to 100 kmph on speedometer in just 12.5 seconds with an electronically limited peak speed of 215 kmph. The performance of this engine is decent considering the size and weight of the vehicle it is employed within.

Exterior:

Peugeot is one of those auto brands which are known for their elegant designing and 408 is not an exception. The 408 embodies the guiding spirit of Peugeot design stylists, summed up in very few words, space, performance and elegance. Its design cues are one of balanced proportions and simplicity, thus creating a subtly sleek, pure and sensual ride. Peugeot 408 is a four-door sedan which is designed in completely different layout with added creases added-over its front bonnet. The car features integrated halogen headlights with automatic functioning & fog lamps clear the distant vision in inadequate weather conditions. Peugeot symbol located at the centre states authoritative presence of the brand on roads. Side design of the car leaves elegant impression on on-lookers. The roof line is articulated in smooth manner starting from front windscreen to the rear bumper improving the aerodynamics of the car at high speeds.

Exterior Measurements:

This premium sedan by Peugeot has got decent dimension to ensure comfortable interior space for all its 5 occupants. Its overall proportions are measured as 4682 x 1815 x 1525mm (l x w x h). The wheelbase offered by this sedan is 2710mm which looks pretty good for a roomy interior.

Interior:

The interior styling of the 408 is one of unbridled space and elegant sophistication. A combination of exceptional comfort and premium European styling creates the desire to extend the moment, the time of a journey, for as long as possible. Drive it to experience it. The steering wheel is leather wrapped with aluminium ring and inserts, height and slide adjustable front seat and dual zone automatic air conditioning system with rear passenger air conditioning vents. Moreover to highlight the effects, chrome-inserts have been appointed to steering wheel, door handle and gear shift lever knob. Dual zone automatic air conditioning system with rear passenger ac vents makes journey pleasurable. The Peugeot 408 has actually got much more than what there was in the earlier version. The 408 proffers a feel of its soft-touch plastic and premium finish trim. Its improved ergonomics, bold interior styling and intelligently designed dashboard give a luxurious look to this premium sedan. Other features which are employed for the comfort and convenience of the travelers are automatic weather control and cruise control.

Interior Comfort:

Talking about the comforts you can avail in your Peugeot 408 ride, you have plenty of them. This premium drive has got plenty of petty storage compartments and pockets so that you may keep the handy things there in the cabin. Apart from it the automatic Dual Zone air-conditioning system, Rear passenger air-conditioning vents, Premium leather seats, Leather wrapped steering wheel with aluminium inserts, Slide and height adjustable front centre armrest with storage are just another additions to it. The striking feature of this sedan is its instrument panel LCD display which displays Speed limiter, cruise control, trip distance recorder, service indicator, total distance recorder, gear change indicator, ambient temperature and trip computer which not only adds aesthetic value to this vehicle but also allow the passengers to enjoy natural light.

Interior Measurements:

Peugeot 408 has decent interior measurements which provide comfort to all its 5 occupants. Not only the passengers get ample space but their luggage is also taken well care of. This sedan has a capacity of swallowing 562 litres of luggage in its boot to laden your cargo on long journeys and can be expanded after split folding the rear seats in 60:40 ratio making this cargo space lavish. Though this cargo space, with all its 5 seats up, looks short in comparison of other similar segment cars in the market but the petty cabin storages cover this flaw evenly.

Engine and Performance:

The Peugeot 408 owns a 1.6-litre powerhouse placed under their hoods. This engine comes with Twin Scroll Turbo High Pressure (THP) with Direct Petrol Injection, 4 Inline cylinders, DOHC 16 Valve, VVT (Variable Valve Timing) which makes this 1.6-litre engine more efficient and economical. 408's 4-inline cylinder DOHC engine generates a peak power measuring 163 hp at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque measuring 240 Nm at 1400 rpm. This petrol engine is mated with 6 speed auto adaptive gearbox with Tiptronic and Sport mode and front wheel drive to deliver satisfactory performance expected by the customers of this Peugeot product.

Stereo and Accessories:

The car has ample amount of fun segment to keep its occupants entertained. The Peugeot 408 is loaded with an LCD display on instrumental panel, audio-cruise control switch mounted steering wheel, AM, FM, CD, MP3, USB and Bluetooth connectivity surrounded with 6-speaker sound system.

Wheels:

The stylish wheels of these Peugeot 408 trims add more sportiness to its exterior making it an irrestible drive. The 408 comes fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, comes in tyre size 225/45 R17 for Turbo trim and 215/50 R17 for the other. These stylish and strong wheels and tires are designed to add more to the performance other than addiding to 408's aesthetic value.

Braking and Handling:

Peugeot 408 can be brought to halt at top speeds within a short span of time under full control owing to its braking and handling with perfectly coordinated braking-suspension mechanism. Front and rear, both the wheels comes fitted in disc brakes for effective stopping of the vehicle. Furthermore, additional braking support system is given by independent with McPherson type struts and torsion beam rear suspension for smooth passage over all kind of terrains. Antilock Braking System (ABS) with EBD keeps the vehicle maneuvered in emergency brake conditions, not allowing the wheels to get locked.

Safety and Security:

Safety is among the first and foremost concerns when it comes to a family car. Various active and passive safety features are employed in Peugeot 408 which prove that the buyers' concern are listened well by the company. Peugeot 408 carries a perfect exterior structure which distributes the energy after an impact and safeguard the passengers. Apart from it the car features Antilock Braking System (ABS) with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Passive safety system employs airbags in front for driver and front passenger, side passenger airbag, front and curtain airbags. Other safety features packed in this car includes anti-slip regulation, anti-skid regulation, rear parking sensor, Peugeot transponder immobilizer security and more. Peugeot has also provided Immobilizer along with security alarm system to protect this sedan from any theft.

Pros:

Aesthetic ecteriors
Good safety features
Appealing interior

Cons:

Single petrol engine