In these days of over-provision of rather dull SUVs from every corner of the world, it is refreshing to see someone is doing something a bit unusual. The clever guys in the Peugeot design centre have created a car that they say is unexpected and a somewhat welcome difference from what has become relatively mundane.

I have been in the company of the higher specification GT electric version of the e-408 this week a get what the designers are after. The new Peugeot 408 is a fastback saloon that has some of the features buyers seem to embrace at the moment with a slightly high seating position yet blended in a saloon shape with its signature sloping rear end. The result is a modern Peugeot with all the styling that we have come to expect from the French manufacturer.

There are two drivetrains, plug-in hybrid and fully electric. This e-408 comes with a reasonably-sized 58 kWh battery paired with a 158kW electric motor. That combination give around 120hp and a WLTP range of 453km on a full charge. The usual caveats apply whether you are driving motorway speed and the weather conditions like we are having this week. A more realistic figure of 350km is closer to the real-time driving challenges. Charging times with AC charging on a 7.4kW home wallbox take around 7.5 hours, with DC fast charging at 120kW, taking 20–30 minutes for 80%.

From the outside the 408 might well be a bit of a marmite look. The body is very much sculptured with a host of creases and sharp angles. I do like the silhouette and the fastback look. It also comes with polished 19” alloy wheels and an exterior LED lighting arrangement that adds positively to the overall character of the car.

I would think that colour choice might make quite a difference to how well the car might age into the future. There are five to choose from: my test car was white with some clever black panelling and while some do not carry white paint too well, this car does manage to pull it off.

On the inside you get the now familiar Peugeot i-Cockpit with its small steering wheel, a curved 10-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone-mirroring and Peugeot’s latest voice control system, and its 3D dash display.

The seats fit the body superbly and the choice of interior materials in the cabin is right up to date with changeable ambient lighting and most of what we expect from a modern car. There are three driving modes to select; Normal Eco and Sport with all doing what they say on the label.

Technology levels are also well thought out by the Peugeot engineers. It is not over loaded with distracting features and one simple function will turn off unwanted driver assist features that would drive you demented if left on. It would be great if other car makers took similar action. Most essential actions are close to hand and this make for less distractions and safer driving.

Space in the cabin is very impressive up front and while there’s ample leg room in the back, the head height is definitely compromised by the sloping roofline. Visibility is also constrained by the same slope and take a bit of getting used to from the drivers’ seat. The Peugeot e-408 has a boot space of 471 litres with the rear seats up, which expands to 1,545 litres when the 60:40 split-folding rear seats are folded down.

Overall the refreshing shape and overall quality make the e-408 a car that should be easy to live with. It doesn’t have SUV notions but lends itself to being a good family choice with added style and clever design. There are two versions to choose from; Allure and GT with the Allure priced at €38,995 and the GT coming in at €44,250. Check out the hybrid versions too as these may be more suitable for your own circumstances. The base Allure model works out at €1,000 less.

Specification:
Make: Peugeot
Model: e-408 GT
Engine: Electric
CO2 Emissions: 0g/km
Annual Road Tax: €120
Price: €44,250
Gerry’s Rating: 8.5/10

Pictured: The new Peugeot e-408.