Peugeot is one of the car brands betting on a wide selection of power units on the Norwegian market. They have great success with 208 and 2008 electric cars. Also, they have several plug-in hybrids and diesel engine cars.
Many of the competitors have long since abandoned diesel cars in Norway. At Peugeot, they are still part of the mix. The 5008 multi-purpose car is one of the few diesel cars that still has a certain sales volume among the most popular car brands.
Now there is a brand new model from Peugeot, we just met it for the first time, in Spain.
LAUNCH: Peugeot brought the first test drive of the 408 to Spain, with press from all over Europe.
Electric car – but not at the start
As the name suggests, 408 sits between today’s 308 and 508. The car is a five-door sedan, but Peugeot insists on calling it a fastback.
COMING SOON: In Norway, the electric version of the 408 will be by far the most interesting.
The starting price is NOK 459,900, before the new taxes that will take effect from the beginning of the year. The top model starts at NOK 519,900, even before the tax increase. Prices will likely increase by just over NOK 30,000 from 1 January 2023.
A completely new car model now means an electric car for many brands. That’s not the case with the 408. An electric 408 is indeed on the way and should hit the market in 2024. But first and foremost, we’re talking about a plug-in hybrid here.
There are actually waiting lists for this diesel car from Peugeot
KOMBI: Peugeot itself calls it a fastback, the 408 is a five-door sedan.
Family car size
408 will arrive in Norway this winter, probably February. Peugeot offers two engines, respectively of 180 and 225 horsepower. The two have the same powertrain, with a 12.4 kWt battery pack. This provides an estimated range on electricity of 55 kilometres. That’s not a very high number, many of the new entrants go further.
BOOT: There is room for 440 litres.
With a length of 4.69 metres, we are talking about the typical dimensions of a family car. The trunk is 440 liters. It is not very roomy and the inclined tailgate also means that there are not all the possibilities in the world to pack in height.
Important things have happened here with the electric car from Peugeot
SPORTY: The 408 has more off-road detail, here Peugeot have created a car that will stand out a bit.
Small steering wheel
Space up front is good, and legroom in the back seat is also sufficient for most people. But you notice that the car is low, both when you sit in the back seat and when you get in and out.
Peugeot has received much praise for its i-Cockpit. The small steering wheel is positioned low down, so you can see the instruments above it. Here is also a brand new 10 inch screen, the so-called master buttons are programmable.
The driving characteristics deserve praise. The car is very comfortable, while at the same time thriving on winding and narrow country roads. The battery pack contributes to a rather heavy driving sensation. Noise reduction is also good, which helps sustain the quality feel.
– I braked and braked – to no avail
DISTINCTIVE: The small steering wheel takes some getting used to, but it’s a clever solution. The interior quality is good.
Strengthen the design
Design will be a major selling point for the 408. Peugeot has received a lot of praise in this area over the last few years and is tracking well here. The 408 is a bit hatchback, a bit crossover, with several off-road inspired details that reinforce its design. There are quite a few elements and effects here, minimalist we shouldn’t accuse the 408 of being.
Given the way development is now for plug-in hybrids in Norway, there’s reason to expect somewhat limited sales to begin with. But as an electric car, the 408 should definitely be able to bite well. We still don’t know anything about the battery pack and range, but it would be surprising if the car didn’t cover between 400 and 500 kilometers here.
Click here to read our test of the e-2008
Watch the video of the Peugeot 408 below:
