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By Jonathan Crouch

Peugeot's fashionable 408 looks a complete but pricey package in Plug-in Hybrid form, thinks Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Reviewword count: 43

We've seen the Stellantis Group's 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid powertrain feature on a growing number of models, but none have quite as much panache as this one, the Peugeot 408, which in PHEV form seems to offer an appealing combination style, power and parsimony.

Backgroundword count: 158

Many so-called industry 'experts' will tell you that Plug-in Hybrid models have quite a limited shelf life, stop-gap solutions until the market is completely swamped by a wave of new EVs. We think the PHEV area will last a lot longer than that. Indeed, with spiralling electricity prices and an increasingly under-funded approach to the necessary expansion of the public charging network, there's a good argument for suggesting that choosing one of the appealing new breed of Plug-in Hybrid models is the way to go right now. Here is arguably the most stylish one you could choose without completely breaking the bank, the PHEV version of Peugeot's 408. It ought to be badged '4008' because it's supposedly some sort of Crossover. It would also avoid the naming conflict with a completely different 408 model the brand sells in other markets. But anyway, the '408' badge is what's been chosen for this design. So what have we got here?

Driving Experienceword count: 282

Though it's now been around for a few years, you might still marvel at the technology on offer in this Plug-in Hybrid 408 variant, which mates an 81kW electric motor with a 1.6-litre PureTech petrol engine that primarily contributes to a total output of 225hp driving through the front wheels. The 12.4kWh battery that powers the motor is supposed to deliver an EAER-rated range of up to 41 miles before the engine cuts in. Compared to the alternative three cylinder Hybrid 136 more conventional version of this model, you'll feel the weight of the extra battery package if you start trying to throw the car around. But it's a lot lighter than would be the full-electric E-408 variant that Peugeot also offers. There's an 8-speed EAT8 auto transmission and if you're quick with its steering wheel paddleshifters, rest to 62mph takes 7.8s en route to 145mph. The base 180hp PHEV powertrain's no longer offered. Pulling power comes courtesy of a torque figure of 250Nm. Semi-autonomous drive tech is offered via a 'Drive Assist Pack' that allows stop-and-go driving in lane and semi-automatic lane changes with the indicator toggle stalk. On the road, you might find this 408 quite a curious confection. The Fastback visual demeanour's sporty; the soft-orientated ride quality isn't. The grippy little 'i-Cockpit' steering wheel feels ready for wrist-flick B road brawling; the mandatory and rather hesitant 8-speed auto gearbox doesn't. Put aside preconceptions and genre pigeon-holing and you'll be happier. 4-series Peugeots have always been comfort-orientated and the auto gearbox swaps smoothly when unstressed. Plus you might well find the steering to be actually a quite nicely-weighted and engaging set-up, providing you can get on with the 'i-Cockpit' arrangement.

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