2024 Peugeot 408 hybrid review: First international drive

January 2024: 408 pricing revealed

Peugeot Australia confirms pricing and features for its plug-in hybrid crossover, though its arrival has been delayed

STORY CONTINUES: New 408 driven

Peugeot’s renaissance continues with a crossover unlike any other.

Its maker calls it a ‘dynamic fastback’ – we call it a curious mash-up between the world of sedans and SUVs. A car that’s in danger of alienating both markets but which, with a pinch of bravery from its buyers, might unexpectedly unite them.

It serves the chunky, rugged look most family buyers are going gaga for while actually sitting around 150mm lower – little higher than a 308 hatch or wagon, in fact – while offering a traditional hatchback boot of generous proportions.

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We’re delighted it exists, that Peugeot has such design swagger and is feeling so emboldened right now. You can at least partially thank its parent company Stellantis and its vast platform- and powertrain-sharing philosophy.

The lower cost of making a diverse bunch of cars from a similar toolkit is allowing oddballs like the 408 and its Citroen C5 X relative to thrive. And we couldn’t be happier.

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When is the Peugeot 408 due in Australia?

While the Peugeot 308 offers a mixture of petrol and hybrid power, only its range-topping plug-in option will migrate to the 408’s price list when it lands on Aussie shores at the end of 2023.

Which is no shame, really, as sampling petrol and hybrid 408s in Europe reveals the 165kW petrol-electric option in question to be the prime choice. It combines a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol with an 81kW electric motor and 12.4kWh battery pack for 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds and 64km of electric-only range.

A price tag is yet to be confirmed, but it’s safe to expect a bit of a premium for going so bold. An estimate based on its 308 sibling suggests it’ll start north of $70,000, although Peugeot goes hard on standard equipment these days and the 408’s interior will drop your jaw with its design while feeling immaculately put together.

This is a premium player and a far cry from outdated French car cliches.

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What's it like to drive?

Weighing a chunky 1706kg, the 408 hybrid was never going to feel truly light on its feet. And yet it’s sharper than just about every crossover it’s looking to nick customers from.

Though not an outright entertainer, it works its axles evenly in quick cornering and feels far better balanced than a car sending 360Nm purely through its front wheels ought to. Allied to the small wheel and darty steering we’ve become accustomed to in modern Peugeots, it’s refreshingly keen to drive for its sector.

And on a long, settled cruise the 408 is a remarkably plush and cossetting car, the engine dipping in and out of business with little fuss, the speed readout of its natty holographic dials turning blue when the engine is resting. You could cover long distances in this with nary a concern beyond its small fuel tank (a typical PHEV quirk).

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While it rides more firmly than its C5 X cousin, it still offers plenty of comfort, and anyone under 180cm in height should feel perfectly ensconced in the back.

The powertrain works well with smooth inputs, though asking for a sudden surge of acceleration can get it a little flustered. The plucky 1.6-litre engine is always game, bringing its verve and appetite for revs from the dinkier hot hatches it’s shared with.

Getting engine, electric motor and eight-speed automatic transmission to all work seamlessly together during more committed driving isn’t always a simple task, however.

Even some of Porsche’s plug-in hybrids haven’t evaded such qualms; very few PHEVs feel anything other than a stepping stone to fully electric motoring – something the 408 range is likely to offer in the not-too-distant future.

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Is it worth waiting for the Peugeot 408?

Has your family reached a stalemate arguing the merits of a traditional hatch or sedan versus a ubiquitous SUV? Well, Peugeot might have just carved out a curious middle ground.

By mashing up several genres and power sources, the 408 can’t help but end up imperfect. However, therein lies its appeal as a much-needed oddball in an often samey corner of the car market.

There’s even a bright and varied colour palette to really underline the point this car hopes to make. That its driving experience can back up its styling says all you need to know.

No, the 408 won’t be for everyone, but those who get the idea are likely to really get the car.

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