2019 Peugeot 408 e-THP Review

In 2019, the competition in Malaysia's C-segment sedan market remained intensely fierce. Consumers not only seek the quality of joint-venture brands but also expect richer configurations and practical pricing. The Peugeot 408 e-THP was introduced precisely to meet such demands. It focuses on a combination of "turbocharged power + premium configurations," attempting to find a breakthrough between traditional family sedans and entry-level luxury sedans. This time, we got the actual car to test its power performance, verify whether its configurations are practical for daily use, and assess its practicality as a family car.

From the exterior, the 408 e-THP continues Peugeot's family design language, with an overall style that leans towards being steady yet refined. The front face features a large inverted trapezoidal grille with chrome dot-style strips inside, paired with sharp LED headlamps on both sides. The headlamps also integrate claw-shaped daytime running lights, giving it high recognizability. The body side features smooth lines, with a waistline running from the front to the rear, adding a sense of dimension. The 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels are also quite modern in design. At the rear, the claw-shaped LED tail lights echo the front headlamps, while a small ducktail design on the trunk lid adds a touch of sportiness. The dual exhaust pipes on both sides of the rear further enhance its visual sophistication.

Stepping inside, the first impression is Peugeot's iconic i-Cockpit design. The overall interior style is simple, yet materials are solidly built. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, decorated with silver trims, offering both a pleasant tactile and visual experience. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster can toggle between different display modes, showing clear information on speed, RPM, fuel economy, and more. An 8-inch central touchscreen sits atop the dashboard, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and operates quite smoothly. In terms of features, this car is equipped with keyless entry, one-touch start, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, and electrically adjustable seats, ensuring a good level of convenience and comfort for daily use.

As for dimensions, the length, width, and height of the 408 e-THP measure 4750mm × 1820mm × 1488mm, with a wheelbase of 2730mm, putting it at mainstream levels within the C-segment sedan category. The front seats offer good bolstering and support. For a person standing 175cm tall sitting in the front row, there's a headroom space of approximately one fist and two fingers, and the legroom is also quite ample. The rear seating space is equally impressive. When sitting in the back, the headroom provides about one fist of space while legroom extends to about two fists, ensuring no feelings of constraint even on long journeys. Additionally, the raised floor at the rear is not too high, so foot space for the middle passenger is not overly cramped. Regarding storage, the trunk offers a capacity of 508L, which can meet the storage needs for daily family trips. Furthermore, the rear seats support a foldable split, further expanding storage space. Inside the car, there are plenty of storage compartments available, such as door storage slots, a center console box, cup holders, and more, making it highly practical.

In terms of power, the 408 e-THP is equipped with a 1.6T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power output of 167 hp and a peak torque of 245 N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. During actual driving, the power response is fairly aggressive in the initial acceleration stage, with a slight press on the accelerator offering a noticeable thrust. The acceleration in the mid-to-late stages is equally strong; when overtaking vehicles, pressing the accelerator harder causes the transmission to quickly downshift, and the power output feels smooth. There are three driving modes to choose from: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Eco mode, power output is relatively gentle, making it suitable for daily commuting. In Sport mode, the throttle response is more sensitive, offering stronger power output, ideal for users who enjoy driving dynamics.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and it feels relatively light, making daily driving very effortless. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension design. The overall tuning leans toward comfort but also offers some support. When driving on bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out most vibrations, making the ride inside the car less bumpy for passengers. When cornering, the body roll is well controlled, ensuring excellent stability.

In terms of fuel consumption, we conducted a real-world test. For urban driving, the fuel consumption is approximately 7.5L per 100 kilometers; for highway driving, it is around 5.8L per 100 kilometers. Such fuel efficiency performance is quite economical for a 1.6T turbocharged engine. Regarding noise control, wind and tire noise are well managed during highway driving, and it does not interfere with normal communication among passengers inside the car.

Overall, the 2019 Peugeot 408 e-THP's core highlights lie in its balanced performance: it offers strong power with economical fuel consumption, rich and practical configurations, as well as spacious and comfortable interiors. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord in the same class, it holds more price advantages and is better equipped. This car is suitable for families who value quality, performance, and features while also prioritizing cost-effectiveness. Whether it’s for daily commuting or long-distance travel, it can meet your needs well. If you are looking for a C-segment sedan from a joint venture brand, the 2019 Peugeot 408 e-THP is worth considering.