2024 Peugeot 408 GT Review

In the C-segment market, there aren’t many options for models that focus on crossover designs. Most consumers either choose a traditional sedan or go straight for an SUV. However, the arrival of the 2024 Peugeot 408 GT perfectly fills this gap—it combines the low center of gravity and handling of a sedan with the ground clearance of an SUV. Plus, with a high-power 218PS engine, these features have piqued the curiosity of many users who pursue individuality and performance: Is this “crossover coupe” truly practical? This time, we got our hands on a test car and aim to assess its design, configuration, and driving performance from the perspective of daily usage to see if it genuinely matches its pricing of over 190,000 MYR.

First, looking at the exterior, the overall silhouette of the 408 GT is very distinctive. The fastback-style roofline slopes gently from the B-pillar, paired with a ground clearance of 189mm, making it neither feel as close to the ground as a sedan nor as bulky as an SUV. The front face features Peugeot’s signature frameless grille, with a black dotted design inside. The sharp-shaped LED headlights on both sides create a three-segment light strip effect when illuminated, which offers high recognition during the day. On the sides, the most eye-catching feature is the 20-inch two-tone wheels paired with 245/40 R20 wide tires, providing a strong visual presence. The chrome trim on the lower edge of the doors extends from the front to the rear, slightly enhancing the proportion of the body. The design of the rear is relatively simple, with a striking full-width LED taillight. Although the center part is not entirely connected, the lighting effect appears continuous. The diffuser design below and the dual exhaust layout on both sides match its GT positioning. However, the exhaust is decorative, as the real exhaust is hidden.

Once inside, the first impression is that the interior offers both advanced technology and good materials. Peugeot’s i-Cockpit layout is quite distinctive. The 10-inch 3D full LCD instrument cluster is positioned higher, so you don’t need to lower your head to see the information while driving. The steering wheel is very compact, designed in a flat-bottom racing style, providing a solid grip. The center console features a 10-inch i-Toggles touchscreen, with a clear interface logic. Frequently used functions such as air conditioning and volume are also assisted by physical buttons, making operation easier compared to an all-touch interface. Regarding materials, the upper part of the center console and the insides of the door panels are wrapped in soft leather with well-crafted stitching details. The FOCAL 10-speaker sound system comes as standard and is rare to find in this class. Its audio quality is significantly better than ordinary brand sound systems.

As for space, the 408 GT has a wheelbase of 2787mm. The front seats are AGR-certified and come with a memory function. After adjusting the driver’s seat, there is still a headroom space of a fist and two fingers. In the rear, a passenger of 175cm will have two fists of legroom. Due to the fastback design, headroom is slightly constrained but still provides about a fist's worth, which is not overly cramped. As for the trunk, it offers a standard capacity of 536L, and the rear seats support a 60:40 split fold. When folded down, it can accommodate strollers or large suitcases, which is sufficient for daily family use. In terms of storage, the center armrest box is very deep, the door pockets can hold two water bottles, and there’s a wireless charging pad in the front row. These details are quite well thought out.

In the power department, the 408 GT is equipped with a 1.6T high-power turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 218PS and maximum torque of 300N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The throttle response is very sensitive at startup; even a light press can trigger power delivery. The turbo engages quite early, reaching maximum torque at 2000 RPM. During mid-range acceleration or overtaking, deeply pressing the throttle will prompt the transmission to shift down quickly, ensuring smooth power delivery. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 8.8 seconds, though it feels quicker in real driving conditions. There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Sport mode, the steering becomes heavier, and the throttle response more aggressive, suitable for highway or mountain road driving. In Eco mode, power output is smoother and better suited for daily commuting.

In terms of handling, the 408 GT's chassis tuning leans toward sportiness, with excellent suspension support. The body roll is minimal when cornering, and the steering is precise. Although it's electric-assisted, there is minimal play in the steering. When dealing with bumpy roads, the suspension can filter out most of the fine vibrations. However, when going over speed bumps, the rear seats experience slightly more noticeable vibration — a trade-off for the sporty tuning. Noise control is well-executed, and when driving at 120km/h on the highway, wind and tire noise are hardly noticeable. Even when the FOCAL sound system is played at a low volume, it can easily cover it. As for fuel consumption, we tested it on a route that was half city and half highway driving. The fuel consumption was approximately 8.2L per 100 kilometers, slightly higher than the official estimate of 7.56L. However, considering the high-power engine and 20-inch wheels, this result is reasonable.

In summary, the 408 GT's core advantages are quite apparent: unique crossover design, rich interior features (especially the FOCAL sound system and AGR seats), and strong performance. Compared to similar models like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, it has a younger design and higher configuration; compared to SUVs like the CR-V, it offers better handling and lower fuel consumption. However, it does have some minor drawbacks, such as slightly cramped rear headroom and the fastback design affecting the trunk height.

Who is this car suitable for? If you are around 30 years old or a small family, looking for a uniquely styled vehicle that is practical for daily commuting and has decent power, the 408 GT would be a good choice. It is not an all-rounder, but it strikes a great balance between design, features, and driving fun. Overall, the 2024 Peugeot 408 GT is a versatile crossover that is both practical for family use and capable of occasional spirited driving. Priced at just over 190,000 MYR, along with a 7-year/200,000-kilometer warranty, its value for money stands out in its segment.