Peugeot is one of the car brands betting on a wide range of engines in the Norwegian market. They have achieved great success with electric cars 2008 and 2008. In addition, they have several hybrid cars – and cars with a diesel engine.
Many competitors have long since dropped diesel cars in Norway. At Peugeot, they are still part of the mix. The 5008 MPV is one of the few diesel cars that still has some sales volume among the more popular car brands.
There is now a completely new model from Peugeot, which we have just met for the first time in Spain.
Launch: Peugeot made its first test drive of the 408 to Spain, with pressure from all over Europe.
Electric car – but not at first
As the name suggests, the 408 sits between the 308 and the 508. Today it’s a five-door hatchback, but Peugeot insists on calling it a fastback.
Coming soon: In Norway, the electric car version of the 408 will be most interesting.
The starting price is NOK 459,900, before new taxes starting at the turn of the year. The top model starts at NOK 519,900, also before tax increases. Prices are likely to increase by just over NOK 30,000 from January 1, 2023.
A completely new car model now means electric vehicle for many brands. That’s not the case with the 408. The 408 electric is already on its way and expected to hit the market in 2024. But primarily, we’re talking about a plug-in hybrid here.
There are already waiting lists for this diesel from Peugeot
Combi: Peugeot itself calls it a fastback, the 408 is a five-door hatchback.
Family car size
The 408th will come to Norway this winter, possibly February. Peugeot offers two engines with 180 and 225 horsepower, respectively. The two have the same powertrain, with a 12.4-kilowatt battery. This gives an estimated electric range of 55 km. That’s not a very high number, many of the newer competitors go even further.
BOOT: There is room for 440 liters.
With a length of 4.69 meters we are talking about the size of a typical family car. The luggage compartment is 440 liters. It’s not very big, and the sloping tailgate also means there isn’t all the possibilities in the world for packing in height.
Important things have happened here with the Peugeot electric car
Sporty: the 408 has more off-road details, and here Peugeot has created a car that will stand out a bit.
Small steering wheel
Space is good in the front, and the legroom in the back seat is sufficient for most people. But you notice that the car is lower, both when sitting in the back seat and when getting in and out of it.
Peugeot has received a lot of praise for the i-Cockpit. The small steering wheel is positioned low, so you can see the instruments above it. There is also a new 10-inch display, the so-called main programmable buttons.
Driving characteristics are commendable. The car is very comfortable, while at the same time it thrives on winding and narrow country roads. The battery pack helps give a somewhat heavy driving feel. Noise reduction is also good, which helps enhance the sense of quality.
– I braked and braked – to no avail
Characteristic: The small steering wheel takes some getting used to, but it’s a clever solution. Interior quality is good.
Design stresses
Design will be an important selling point for the 408. Peugeot has received a lot of praise in this area in recent years and is following it up quite well here. The 408 is a bit of a hatchback, a bit of a crossover—with many off-road-inspired details accentuating the styling. There are quite a few minimalistic elements and effects here that we shouldn’t accuse 408 of having.
The way hybrids are being developed in Norway now, there is reason to expect somewhat limited sales at first. But as an electric car, the 408 should be able to bite well. We don’t know anything about the battery pack and range yet, but it would be surprising if the car didn’t cover 400-500km here.
Click here to read our test of the e-2008
Watch the Peugeot 408 video below:
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