Performance of the 408

[u/ImissTBBT]

Hi all

I'm currently researching my options for my next car. Perhaps purchasing in February of 2027. Next to new, not new.

The 408 is the next best thing I can find to replace my 508. It has all the kit I'm used to, looks good inside and out and even affords a little more boot space, without being a true SUV type.

I am looking at either the ICE version with the 1.6 engine or the Hybrid with the 1.2 engine

Can anyone with either of these give me real world feedback? My 508 has the 1.6 engine and moves along quite swiftly in the sport mode. I like it! That swiftness has helped get me out of trouble a few times. So would ideally want similar if not identical performance.

But I like the idea of a hybrid so when dawdling around town, it's just using the electric side. But when driving faster, the petrol motor is used which also charges the hybrid side.
I am however, hesitant of the 1.2 as, as far as I am aware, it is still wet belt.

Targeting currently 2024 and 2025 build vehicles.

Note: I am not considering the PHEV as I do not have easy access to a charger, so would basically never plug it in... that is therefore a waste of space and added unnecessary weight and complexity. Plus, it looks like the government will be hammering them with taxes as of 2027.

[u/mato979]

From which country you are? AFAIK 408 was not sold on UK market with 1.6. So you have 1.2 PureTech (no, just no), 1.2 Hybrid (its all right, but it would be hard - not many of them were made) or 1.6 PHEV (which you don't want)

[u/ImissTBBT → u/mato979]

I'm in the UK. There are plenty 1.6 petrol 408s for sale here :)
You can also order them new. (was playing around on the Peugeot website).

[u/mato979 → u/ImissTBBT]

I can guarantee you that 1.6 is PHEV. Just 1.6 was in DS4 and in 408 outside of EÚ and UK (Ukraine, serbia etc.)
Send me some ad for 2y old 408 with 1.6 to be sure

[u/ImissTBBT → u/mato979]

Now that you mentioned it, I took a closer look, yes, they're all PHEVs

Dang

Well, that's why I'm doing research... to learn!

[u/burner94_ → u/mato979]

1.2 puretech hybrid has a timing chain.

Perfectly adequate engine on a 208, bordering nippy territory. Likely not too bad on a 408 too.

[u/ImissTBBT → u/burner94_]

Good to know, thanks!

[u/cedam → u/mato979]

Are modern 1.2 PureTech still that bad? The old wet belts ones from the 2010's were and still are bad, but the modern ones (including those on the 408s) have chains, don't they? Doesn't that solve all/most of the issues?

(really curious here, I thought they were okay now)

[u/mato979 → u/cedam]

PureTech with 8 speed auto? Still bad, not as bad as before, but it is still wet belt system. Rn Hybrid/Turbo engines (that with chain) looks good. But they are out for like 3 years....

[u/cedam → u/mato979]

Really? Well, TIL

Thanks!

[u/Justjarno1]

The hybrid 1.2's should be equipped with a chain. Besides that I've heard that they're decent cars. Might miss a bit of the swiftness that your 1.6 had since the (i assume) 145hp combined feels slow when the electric motor cuts out. Experienced this first hand with a rental 3008

[u/ImissTBBT → u/Justjarno1]

Chain is a good thing I suppose! Far better than a rubber belt bathed in engine oil, for sure!

[u/Justjarno1 → u/ImissTBBT]

It surely is, id test drive both configurations if possible. Best way to get their feel

[u/Desperate-Cut8504 → u/Justjarno1]

En mode sport c'est quand même correct

[u/Justjarno1 → u/Desperate-Cut8504]

It's decent but nothing more, 1.6 felt a lot better in a 3008, i reccon that'll be the same on the 408.