Review: 2024 Peugeot 408 GT - It's hard not to like

When you think of Peugeot, a brand known for its rich history of producing stylish and innovative vehicles, you might recall the classic 206 or perhaps the 308, which garnered a dedicated following in Malaysia. But for a while, Peugeot seemed to slip under the radar, with newer competitors overshadowing the French automaker in the local market, and the limbo period where it changed hands between distributors never helped.

That narrative, however, is changing. Peugeot is back through Stellantis Malaysia and it brought with it the Peugeot 408 —a car that not only marks Peugeot’s significant comeback in Malaysia but also promises to redefine what a family car can be.

If you’ve been yearning for a family vehicle that doesn’t just serve as a practical mode of transport but also excites you every time you get behind the wheel, then the 408 GT might just be what you’ve been waiting for. Let’s embark on a journey through this vehicle’s highlights, exploring why it could very well be the perfect blend of style, performance, and practicality for your family.

A Glance at the Exterior: Distinctive Design with a Bold Presence

Peugeot has never been one to shy away from bold designs, and the 408 GT is no exception. From the moment you lay eyes on this car, it’s clear that Peugeot has pulled out all the stops to create a vehicle that stands out in a sea of generic family cars. Peugeot officially labels it as an SUV, a fastback SUV at that, but whatever classification and jargon that is used, there’s no denying that the 408 is simply a unique looking vehicle.

The front fascia is dominated by a striking grille that exudes confidence, flanked by sleek, LED headlights that give the 408 GT an aggressive yet refined look. The sharp lines running across the bodywork add a dynamic flair, making the car appear as though it’s in motion even when standing still. The sculpted hood, bold Peugeot emblem, and the intricate detailing on the bumpers are all testament to the craftsmanship that has gone into this design.

There’s no running away that there’s some body cladding on the 408 which to us gets lost in other colours, except for this Okenite White hue, which accentuates its lines and cladding. Apparently, this pearlescent colour provides long lasting shine and hard-wearing durability - but all we know is that the dirtier it gets, the better it looks as it morphs into a grey colour. Whatever it is, whether you’re cruising down the highway or navigating through city traffic, the 408 GT’s design ensures that you do so with a sense of style and presence that few other cars in its class can match. We experienced this first hand as many on goers gawked at the car as we passed by.  

Stepping Inside: A unique Interior 

As you open the door and step inside the 408 GT, you’re immediately greeted by an interior that feels both luxurious and inviting. Peugeot has clearly placed a strong emphasis on quality, with high-grade materials used throughout the cabin. The seats, upholstered in a combination of leather and premium fabric, offer exceptional comfort, making long drives a pleasure rather than a chore.

The centerpiece of the interior is undoubtedly Peugeot’s i-Cockpit setup—a design philosophy that has become synonymous with the brand. The compact steering wheel, which might seem unconventional at first, quickly becomes intuitive, offering a more direct and engaging driving experience.

The high-mounted digital instrument cluster is positioned perfectly within your line of sight, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road while staying informed about your speed, navigation, and other vital information.However, the combination of this steering wheel and high mounted cluster does need some getting used to, as at first it can seem like the steering wheel intrudes on the view of the cluster - but fine tune the placing of seat and steering wheel, and you’ll be fine.

The infotainment system is another highlight, featuring a responsive touchscreen that’s easy to use and packed with features. Whether you’re streaming music, navigating to your destination via Apple Car Play or Android Auto, or managing your vehicle settings, the system’s intuitive interface ensures that everything is just a tap or swipe away. And for those who appreciate a well-tuned sound system, the 408 GT delivers with its high-quality 10 speaker Focal audio setup, transforming your favourite tracks into an immersive auditory experience.

But it’s not just about technology—Peugeot has also ensured that the 408 GT is a place where you and your passengers will feel at home. The cabin is spacious, with ample legroom. the headroom in the front is good but compromised at rear seats due to its design. The panoramic sunroof, available in GT trim, floods the interior with natural light, enhancing the sense of space and adding to the overall ambiance. Whether you’re taking a short drive across town or embarking on a weekend road trip, the 408 GT’s interior makes every journey a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

It must be said however that while it’s hard to find cheapish feeling and looking plastics at the front, the rear is another story, case in point the housing for the rear aircond vents, which does feel like it came from a Peugeot from yesteryears. I am however nitpicking, because generally, the interior does feel high quality.

The Driving Experience: A Harmonious Blend of Power and Precision

Now, let’s talk about the heart of the Peugeot 408 GT—the driving experience. At the core of this experience is a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that delivers a lively 218 PS and 300 Nm of torque. While these numbers might not seem extraordinary on paper, the way the 408 GT translates them into real-world performance is where the magic happens.

From the moment you press the accelerator, which by the way is quite responsive, the 408 GT responds with a surge of power that feels both smooth and exhilarating. The turbocharged engine ensures that you have plenty of torque available at lower revs, making city driving a breeze. The small steering wheel also helps with this, which you will quickly learn to enjoy. Overtaking slower vehicles on the highway is effortless, changing lanes in city traffic is enjoyable, with the engine providing ample power when you need it most.

The steering is another area where the 408 GT shines. It’s precise and well-weighted, giving you a sense of control that makes driving on twisty roads a delight. The suspension is finely tuned, striking a perfect balance between comfort and sportiness. It soaks up bumps and rough patches with ease, ensuring that your passengers remain comfortable, while also keeping the car planted and stable during spirited driving. I wouldn’t say it’s the best, because you’ll have to buy a BMW for that, but it’s surprisingly good.

One of the standout features of the 408 GT is its agility. Despite being a rather large-ish family car, it handles corners with poise and confidence, making it feel more like a sports sedan than a traditional family vehicle. This is a car that invites you to take the long way home, just for the sheer joy of driving it - and that 10 Speaker Focal Sound system helps with this exploration too.

Family-Focused Practicality: Space, Safety, and Comfort for All

Of course, while the 408 GT will make the driver happy, it’s also designed to be a practical family vehicle. Peugeot has ensured that it meets the needs of modern families, offering a spacious interior that comfortably accommodates both children and adults.

The rear seats provide plenty of room for passengers, with enough legroom for even taller individuals to sit comfortably on long journeys. The rear seats does feel a bit short, but it’s comfortable enough for you to forget about it. The boot is equally impressive coming in at 53 6litres, offering generous storage space that can easily handle the demands of a family road trip. We guess this is where the SUV bit comes in. Whether it’s luggage, sports equipment, or the weekly grocery haul, the 408 GT’s boot has you covered.

Safety is another area where the 408 GT delivers. Peugeot has equipped this car with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. These features not only enhance your driving experience but also provide peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected on the road. Other notable safety features include blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking, which are seamlessly integrated, enhancing both safety and convenience.

Efficiency and Technology: A Balance of Performance and Economy

While the 408 GT offers impressive performance, it does come at the cost of efficiency. The 1.6-litre turbocharged engine is designed to be fuel-efficient, making it a sensible choice for both city driving and longer journeys. Peugeot has managed to strike a balance between power and fuel economy, ensuring that you get the best of both worlds, but the fuel consumption isn't the best but acceptable, where we managed to get 7ish litre per kilometre when we’re trying really hard and 10ish when we’re not.

Peugeot’s Comeback: A New Chapter in Malaysia

The Peugeot 408 GT is more than just a new model in Malaysia; it represents a new chapter for Peugeot in Malaysia. For a brand that has been somewhat overshadowed in recent years, the 408 GT is a bold statement that Peugeot is back, and it’s here to stay. With its striking design, engaging driving dynamics, and family-friendly practicality, the 408 GT is set to carve out a new niche in the Malaysian automotive landscape.

It’s true that Peugeot doesn’t have the strongest resale value compared to Japanese brands, but who does? But consider this—the 408 comes with a seven year or 200k km warranty, so that should help with its resale value. Anyways, the 408 GT is a car you’ll want to hold onto because it’s good.

Final Verdict: The Peugeot 408 GT—A Family Car with a Difference

In a market crowded with similar-looking and similarly performing family cars, the Peugeot 408 GT stands out as a breath of fresh air. It’s a car that doesn’t just tick the boxes of what a family vehicle should be; it goes beyond, offering something unique and exciting.

If you’re in the market for a car and you don’t mind spending close to RM200k for a Peugeot, that offers a perfect blend of style, performance, and practicality, then the Peugeot 408 GT should be at the top of your list. It’s a car that makes every drive an event, whether you’re navigating city streets, cruising on the highway, or exploring winding back roads.

Peugeot is back, and with the 408 GT, they’ve made one hell of a comeback. One final thought, the GT variant will be  considered quite pricey to some, but I'll let you decide that, but for those who want the same style and engine you could always go for the other variants which start around RM146k.

Peugeot 408 GT Specifications

• Drivetrain: 1.6-litre Turbocharged Petrol
• Power output: 218 PS
• Torque: 300Nm
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
• Seats: 5 
• Price: RM 196,055