Peugeot's new 408 aims to propel the brand more upmarket than its rivals in terms of luxury and brand appeal. Can the new 408 tow? What is the maximum towing capacity of the Peugeot 408?

Peugeot's new 408 aims to propel the brand more upmarket than its rivals in terms of luxury and brand appeal.  Can the new 408 tow?  What is the maximum towing capacity of the Peugeot 408? Need a towbar?

It is hard to tell whether it is a hatchback, sedan, fastback or SUV, Peugeot likes to be unconventional, and the new 408 is just that - love it or hate it, you be the judge.

The entry-level Peugeot 408 comes with a 130hp 1.2-litre petrol engine, additionally, two rechargeable hybrid versions with 180 and 225bhp are available, with a 1.6 engine. All models get an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, there’s no manual option.  A pure-electric e-408 will arrive in 2024. The PHEVs are fitted with a 3.7kW onboard charger which means the battery can be fully charged in just less than three-and-a-half hours. An optional 7.4kW onboard charger reduces the charging time to just over one-and-a-half hours.

The 408 is a pleasure to drive. The steering feels nice, and responsive thanks to Peugeot’s trademark fast-rack directness and well-judged weighting that increases with speed. The softness of its suspension means it soaks up bumps and lumps really well, making it effortless to cover distances in comfort.

Build quality is high, with plenty of soft-touch material throughout the interior. There is plenty of room for all occupants and, given the 408 has a longer wheelbase than the 308, it offers increased legroom in the rear. Headroom is ample for all but the tallest of back-seat passengers.

The 408 also features Peugeot’s now traditional i-Cockpit dashboard, which means it has a small steering wheel placed below a high-set digital instrument panel, so the driver looks over the steering wheel to see the 10-inch digital instrument cluster instead of through it.

Peugeot’s latest infotainment has a more responsive touchscreen and a step up from what came before: well laid out and user-friendly.  The graphics are clear and modern, and the interface is straightforward to use, with functionality helped by having six customisable digital shortcut keys underneath the main screen to allow the driver to access their most-used functions with a single touch.
The 408 is fitted with a 12.4-inch display with two screens mounted on top of one another to give a 3D effect. It looks great and offers plenty of information, including impressive animations to show the energy flow if you are in the hybrid.

Other technologies inside the cabin include wireless phone charging, four USB-C ports, ambient LED lighting, an electric panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power tailgate, a heated windscreen and steering wheel, and a 10-speaker Focal sound system.

The seats are trimmed in fabric, Alcantara, standard leather or Nappa leather depending on the variant, with flagship models offering contrast stitching, 10-way driver and six-way passenger power adjustment, two driver memory settings, heating and massaging.

The rear seats can fold down 60:40 to load items up to 1.89 metres long, aided by a ski hatch and, in the boot, LED lighting, a luggage net, a 12-volt socket, and bag hooks.

Standard equipment on the Allure entry-level model includes dual-zone air conditioning, rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors, LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The 408’s longer wheelbase and elongated back end also give a useful increase in boot space compared to the 308. 
There’s a 471-litre capacity in plug-in hybrids and 536 litres in petrol versions.  Need to lug around more stuff, or take your bikes along on the next weekend trip?  Depending on your drivetrain, Peugoet has rated the 408 at a maximum of 1600kgs towing capacity - our towbars are rated the same.

Enhanced safety options are powered by 6 cameras and 9 radars, the driver assistance systems provide peace of mind and safety. They include:
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, Infrared Night Vision, which warns of animals, pedestrians or cyclists ahead before they appear in the high beam, Long-range blind spot monitoring (75 metres), Rear Traffic Alert, which warns of a potential hazard when reversing, lane-keep assist,  traffic sign recognition, a 360-degree camera, and driver attention alert in case of a micro lap.

The new 408 is a family-friendly vehicle that isn’t really an SUV and is for those who want to drive a car with some personality, which will turn heads.
Need a towbar for your Peugeot 408?  We have your towing needs covered, order your Invisible 408 towbar today.