Peugeot 408 Review

Nowadays, consumers in the C-segment car market are increasingly concerned about unique design and practical space. A simple sedan or SUV can no longer meet everyone's needs — and the 2024 Peugeot 408 ALLURE is here to address this "crossover demand." As the base model of the lineup, it comes at a price of RM 146,055, offering 218PS 1.6T turbocharged power, a 7-year or 200,000 km extended warranty, and exceptional wheelbase performance, inevitably raising curiosity: Can the base model really support the "fashionable" positioning of the 408 series? In this test drive, we focus on the ALLURE model to see if its static experience and dynamic performance meet the daily needs of family users.

The appearance of the 2024 Peugeot 408 ALLURE immediately sets it apart from traditional sedans: Its coupe-like sloping roofline gently descends from the B-pillar, paired with a ground clearance of 189mm, offering the passability of an SUV while retaining the sleekness of a sedan. The front features Peugeot's signature frameless grille with a dot-matrix design inside, while the LED daytime running lights on both sides are shaped like "lion claws," providing high recognizability when illuminated. The waistline on the side of the car extends from the front fender to the tail light, matched with 225/55 R18 tires, giving the overall proportions a balanced look. The rear design continues to stand out: Smoked LED tail lamps adopt a seamless layout, with the Peugeot lettering embedded in the center. The lower diffuser design adds a touch of sportiness, and even the base model does not feel overly simplistic.

Once inside, the first noticeable feature is the i-Cockpit cabin layout: The steering wheel is relatively small in size and features a flat-bottom design. Coupled with a 10-inch fully digital instrument cluster, drivers don't need to lower their gaze too much to view vehicle information while driving. The 10-inch touchscreen on the center console is slightly tilted toward the driver, making it easy to operate. The system supports basic Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto, and responds at an average speed. In terms of materials, soft-touch plastic is used for the door panels and the top of the center console, while harder plastics are used in the middle sections, but the seams are handled quite evenly. In terms of features, the ALLURE variant comes standard with power-adjustable driver seats, automatic air conditioning, and a 6-speaker audio system, which is sufficient for daily use. The rear offers air-conditioning vents and power outlets, but the rear seats are manually adjustable, which differs from the higher PREMIUM trim.

Space performance is one of the 408's advantages: Its 2787mm wheelbase is among the top-tier in the C-segment. When the front seats are adjusted to a comfortable posture, a 175cm tall passenger still has a headroom of a fist and two fingers in the front; the rear legroom can reach two fists, and the headroom, though slightly compressed due to the sloping roofline, still leaves about four fingers' worth of space, so it doesn’t feel restrictive. The trunk has a capacity of 536L, which can easily accommodate two 28-inch suitcases plus a carry-on. The rear seats support a 60:40 split folding mechanism, allowing for greater expansion of the storage space to accommodate long items easily.

In terms of performance, the ALLURE variant is equipped with a 1.6L turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum power of 162kW (218PS) and a maximum torque of 300Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 8.8 seconds. During actual driving, the power response is relatively brisk in the initial stage, with the turbo kicking in around 2000 RPM, delivering a noticeable push when it does. When overtaking, stepping on the accelerator deeply prompts the gearbox to downshift quickly, providing direct power delivery. The normal mode is sufficient for daily driving, while switching to sport mode increases throttle sensitivity and delays shifting, which is suitable for occasional driving excitement. Regarding fuel consumption, we drove 50 kilometers each in urban congestion and highway conditions, achieving a combined fuel consumption of about 8.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official 7.56L, but reasonable considering real-world conditions.

The handling and chassis performance exceed expectations: the steering wheel has a relatively firm turning force and precise directionality, with no obvious play. During cornering, the body roll is well controlled. The suspension is tuned to be firm but elastic, effectively absorbing most minor bumps when passing speed bumps or uneven roads, without feeling loose. As a rear-wheel-drive model, its rear tracking is excellent. The body remains stable during high-speed lane changes. Regarding noise control, at speeds under 80 km/h, wind and tire noises are not noticeable, though at speeds above 100 km/h, wind noise gradually increases but does not affect conversations inside the car. The seats provide good support, and the electrically adjustable driver seat allows comfortable seating positions, ensuring long drives are not tiring.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2024 Peugeot 408 ALLURE are clear: its crossover exterior design, spacious interior, powerful performance, coupled with a price of RM 146,055 and a 7-year/200,000 km warranty. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord in the same segment, it offers better performance parameters, comparable space, and a more competitive price. Compared to its own PREMIUM version, it lacks the electric passenger seat and all-wheel drive system, but its basic configuration is sufficient to meet the needs of family users.

This car is clearly suitable for specific groups of people: families seeking a unique design and spacious interior or young individuals who enjoy an occasional driving thrill. It can serve as a daily commuting vehicle while also meeting the needs of family outings on weekends. If you are not interested in choosing a conventional sedan or SUV but value performance and space, the 2024 Peugeot 408 ALLURE is a worthwhile choice.