Peugeot 408 2019 Review

The competition in the C-segment sedan market has become increasingly fierce in recent years. Consumers not only want enough space to meet family needs but also have higher expectations for power performance and fuel economy—especially in the context of fluctuating fuel prices in Malaysia, "efficient power" has become a core indicator for many in choosing a car. The 2019 Peugeot 408 e-THP, as a popular model in this segment, features a 1.2T three-cylinder turbocharged engine combined with a 48V mild-hybrid system, which precisely meets the needs of "powerful yet fuel-efficient." This time, we have a test car to see how this mild-hybrid system performs in practice and whether its design, features, and space meet the expectations of C-segment car users.

In terms of appearance, the 2019 408 e-THP continues Peugeot's sharp design style, with smooth overall lines that exude a sense of sportiness. At the front, the large trapezoidal grille is paired with internal chrome dot-matrix trim strips, offering high recognizability. The LED daytime running lights on both sides adopt Peugeot's iconic "lion claw" design, which is striking when illuminated. On the side, the dual waistline design extends from the front to the rear of the car, complemented by 17-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, making the side profile look less bulky. The design at the rear is relatively simple, with smoked LED taillights continuing the "lion claw" motif, echoing the design of the front end. The dual-exhaust layout at the bottom adds a touch of a sporty vibe to the overall look of the vehicle.

Sitting inside the car, the first impression is the quality of the interior materials. The upper part of the dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, providing a fine tactile experience. Combined with silver trim and a piano black finish, the overall ambiance leans towards minimalism without losing sophistication. The steering wheel is Peugeot's signature compact sporty design, offering a full grip with integrated multimedia control and cruise control buttons on both sides, making it convenient to operate. The central control screen is an 8-inch touchscreen with a simple interface design, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity functions. However, the responsiveness of the screen is average. The seats are made of a leather and fabric combination, and the front seats support manual adjustments with decent support. Long hours of sitting do not cause discomfort.

In terms of space, the 2019 408 e-THP has body dimensions of 4750mm×1820mm×1488mm, with a wheelbase of 2730mm, making it a standard C-segment car. The front row offers ample space; for a passenger with a height of 175cm, there is still a fist’s worth of headroom after adjusting the seating position. The rear space is equally impressive, with legroom reaching two fists and headroom of about four fingers. Even with three adults seated in the back, it does not feel too cramped. In terms of storage space, the front door panels can hold two bottles of mineral water, while the center armrest box and glove compartment offer average capacity. The rear row is equipped with a central armrest and cup holders, and the door storage compartments can also meet daily needs. The trunk has a standard volume of 455 liters, and the rear seats support a split-folding design, which can expand the storage space, making it sufficient to handle luggage needs for short family trips.

For the powertrain, the 2019 408 e-THP is equipped with a 1.2T three-cylinder turbocharged engine coupled with a 48V mild hybrid system. The engine delivers a maximum power output of 130PS and a peak torque of 230N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The performance of this powertrain exceeds expectations: during acceleration, the 48V mild hybrid system provides additional torque assist, making the start smooth and brisk without the typical vibration issues of a three-cylinder engine. During acceleration, the engine delivers its maximum torque at 1750rpm, and the mid-range acceleration (60-100km/h) is responsive. When overtaking, you just need to press the accelerator deeper; the transmission shifts down quickly, and power delivery is seamless. In terms of driving modes, the vehicle provides three options: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Eco mode, the throttle response is slightly delayed but helps further reduce fuel consumption. In Sport mode, the transmission stays in lower gears, delivering more direct power output, suitable for occasional spirited driving.

Handling and chassis performance are Peugeot's strengths, and the 408 e-THP is no exception. The small steering wheel offers precise steering with minimal slack, and you can clearly feel the road feedback when turning, which gives a strong sense of driving confidence. The suspension setup consists of a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam semi-independent suspension, tuned toward sportiness. When cornering, the suspension provides adequate support, effectively controlling body roll. On uneven roads, the suspension quickly filters out minor vibrations. However, when encountering larger potholes, rear passengers can still feel a noticeable bump.

In terms of fuel consumption, we tested the car for a week under mixed driving conditions (about 60% city roads, 40% highways). The average fuel consumption indicated was 5.8L/100km, with an actual calculation of approximately 6.2L/100km. This figure is above average for the C-segment and demonstrates the fuel-saving effect of the 48V mild hybrid system. Regarding noise control, the engine noise is almost inaudible when idling. During highway driving (120km/h), wind noise and tire noise become slightly noticeable but remain within an acceptable range, not affecting the normal conversation of passengers inside the vehicle.

Overall, the 2019 Peugeot 408 e-THP's core strength lies in its "balance"—the 1.2T + 48V mild hybrid system achieves a good balance between power and fuel efficiency. Its handling performance surpasses many competitors in its class, while its space and features meet family needs. Compared to its segment competitors, such as the Toyota Camry 2.0E or Honda Accord 1.5T Comfort Version, its price (RM 139,751) offers better value for money, and the 48V mild hybrid system is a unique advantage. This car is well-suited for families looking for a C-segment sedan that values space, fuel efficiency, and dynamic driving experience, particularly for those primarily commuting in the city with occasional highway journeys. If you don’t mind the "label" of a three-cylinder engine and want a well-rounded C-segment sedan with no significant drawbacks, the 2019 408 e-THP is worth considering.