Peugeot 408 review - MPG, CO2 and running costs
Running costs should be manageable, though the plug-in hybrids are unlikely to match their official figures so the cheaper petrol model makes the most sense
As usual with plug-in hybrids, the Peugeot 408 PHEV models absolutely ace the official WLTP combined cycle fuel economy tests but getting 215mpg from the Hybrid 180 or 211mpg from the Hybrid 225 would require a borderline fanatical charging regime. At least the 24 to 30g/km CO2 emissions rating will help keep those company car tax bills in check.
The PureTech petrol gets between 41mpg and 48mpg on the official combined cycle tests with emissions of 133 to 156g/km, aided by the standard stop/start system and the 408’s slippery 0.28 drag coefficient.
Electric range, battery life and charge time
Both of the hybrid models combine a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery and a 109bhp electric motor. They have an official electric-only range of around 40 miles but our tests have indicated something closer to 25 miles would be more realistic in the real world.
There’s a 3.7kW charger fitted as standard that will allow you to fully recharge the battery in 3 hours and 50 minutes from a standard 7.4kW home wallbox. Upgrade to the 7.4kW on board charger that’s available as an option and you can do the same job in an hour and 55 minutes.
Insurance groups
Insurance groups for the Peugeot 408 are between 19 and 21 for the 1.2-litre PureTech models, depending on the trim level. Go for the hybrids and they all slot into the 28 to 31 band. By way of comparison, the Cupra Formentor is pitched at a similar level for its entry-level petrol model but the plug-in hybrid versions are in groups 24 to 26 so should be a little cheaper to insure.
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Depreciation
Residual value predictions for the Peugeot 408 are currently better for the PureTech petrol models than for the plug-in hybrids. You’re looking at one of those being worth around 49% of its list price after three years and 36k miles. With the hybrids, GT trim and the lower powered Hybrid 180 model perform the best, so you’re looking at 45% for that car, but around 42% for Hybrid 225 and 41% for the Allure models.
Generally, values are predicted to be lower than for the 308 hatchback, which is in the 46 to 48% ballpark. Our latest data suggests the Cupra Formentor will retain 57 to 59% of its value, which is slightly better than a Mercedes GLA (54 to 57%).
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Which Is Best
