Peugeot 408 review: what the car critics say
Peugeot has come up with something different with this chic crossover SUV

Peugeot deserves praise for coming up with something different with this chic hatchback/coupé/crossover SUV, said Top Gear. The 408 is available as a 1.2l, 3-cylinder petrol version, or there are two hybrids giving a total of 178bhp or 222bhp. The 12.4kWh battery officially offers 40 miles of electric range, and all models have eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. An all-electric version is in the pipeline.
A stylish and capable family car, the 408 isn’t quite as sporty as its bold looks might suggest, said Auto Express. The steering is light and devoid of feedback. The petrol model has good road hold and an impressively smooth ride at cruising speeds, but the suspension isn’t great. The PHEV models are 300kg heavier, and thus bouncier at slower speeds, with more body roll. Overall, though, it’s a pleasant car to drive.
The 408 feels upmarket inside, with swathes of upholstery and ambient lighting, said The Daily Telegraph. It’s roomier than expected, and at 536 litres, the boot is generous. The main screen has smart graphics, but is still fiddly, with no separate panel for climate control. There are good shortcut buttons on a screen below though. With the i-Cockpit setup, drivers have to peer over the small steering wheel to see the digital instrument cluster. Price: from £31,075.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In pictures: Peugeot 408
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Store closings could accelerate throughout 2025
Under the Radar Major brands like Macy's and Walgreens are continuing to shutter stores
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Crossword: February 20, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Sudoku hard: February 20, 2025
The Week's daily hard sudoku puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
6 spa-like homes with fabulous bathrooms
Feature Featuring a freestanding soaking tub in California and a digital shower system in Illinois
By The Week Staff Published
-
Tessa Bailey's 6 favorite books for hopeless romantics
Feature The best-selling author recommends works by Lyla Sage, Sally Thorne, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Mountains and monasteries in Armenia
The Week Recommends An e-bike adventure through the 'rare beauty' of the West Asian nation
By The Week UK Published
-
Manouchet za'atar (za'atar-topped breads) recipe
The Week Recommends Popular Levantine street food is often enjoyed as a breakfast on the go
By The Week UK Published
-
Becoming Led Zeppelin: an 'exhilarating' documentary
The Week Recommends First authorised documentary captures the legendary rock band's energy – but avoids their 'nearly mythic destructive arc'
By The Week UK Published
-
Eimear McBride picks her favourite books
The Week Recommends Irish novelist shares works by Christa Wolf, Edna O'Brien and Bram Stoker
By The Week UK Published
-
Amandaland: Lucy Punch dazzles in 'glorious' Motherland spin-off
The Week Recommends Joanna Lumley reprises her role as Amanda's 'exquisitely disparaging' mother
By The Week UK Published
-
6 refreshing homes in Miami
Feature Featuring a home previously owned by concert pianist Ruth Greenfield in Spring Garden and a wraparound balcony in Coconut Grove
By The Week Staff Published