Which Peugeot 408 Version Should You Buy?

The Peugeot 408 choice depends chiefly on whether you want the efficiency of the earlier Sedan, the performance of its turbocharged gasoline engine, or the newer SUV Coupe with an Automatic transmission throughout the range. The first generation ran from 2010 to 2017 with 7 versions, followed by a 2017–2022 restyling with 4 versions.

The Peugeot 408 choice depends chiefly on whether you want the efficiency of the earlier Sedan, the performance of its turbocharged gasoline engine, or the newer SUV Coupe with an Automatic transmission throughout the range. The first generation ran from 2010 to 2017 with 7 versions, followed by a 2017–2022 restyling with 4 versions. The second generation began in 2023 as an SUV Coupe with 3 versions. Across the catalogue, every version is FWD, but outputs span 110–225 hp, transmissions range from 4 to 8 gears, and the available powertrains include Gasoline, Diesel, and Plug-in configurations.

Peugeot 408 generations compared

The first-generation Peugeot 408 was a Sedan produced from 2010 to 2017. Its 7 versions provided the widest choice: naturally aspirated Gasoline engines, turbocharged Diesel engines, a turbocharged Gasoline engine, Manual and Automatic gearboxes, and outputs from 110 to 150 hp. The 2017–2022 restyling remained part of this generation and retained the Sedan body. Its 4 versions narrowed the range to 114–150 hp, standardized the gearbox at 6 gears, and reduced ground clearance from 178 to 175 mm.

The second-generation Peugeot 408 has been produced since 2023 as an SUV Coupe. Its 3 versions comprise a 130 hp Gasoline 1.2 AT and two Plug-in 1.6 AT versions producing 180 and 225 hp. All use an 8-speed Automatic and FWD. The suspension also changed from the earlier Independent, spring front and Semi-independent, spring rear arrangement to Independent, spring suspension at both ends.

Peugeot 408 engine specs and version comparison

Repeated names are distinguished below by power and production period. Displacement is shown exactly in cubic centimetres because that reveals differences hidden by the rounded version names.

Period and versionPowerTorqueDisplacementFuelCylinders and layoutBoostGearboxDrive
2010–2017 1.6 MT — 114 hp114 hp / 84 kW254 Nm1560 ccDiesel4, InlineTurbo6-speed ManualFWD
2010–2017 1.6 MT — 112 hp112 hp / 84 kW254 Nm1560 ccDiesel4, InlineTurbo5-speed ManualFWD
2010–2017 1.6 MT — 115 hp115 hp / 85 kW150 Nm1587 ccGasoline4, InlineNo5-speed ManualFWD
2010–2017 1.6 AT — 120 hp120 hp / 88 kW160 Nm1598 ccGasoline4, InlineNo4-speed AutomaticFWD
2010–2017 1.6 AT — 150 hp150 hp / 110 kW240 Nm1598 ccGasoline4, InlineTurbo6-speed AutomaticFWD
2010–2017 1.6 MT — 110 hp110 hp / 80 kW142 Nm1587 ccGasoline4, InlineNo5-speed ManualFWD
2010–2017 1.6 MT — 120 hp120 hp / 88 kW160 Nm1598 ccGasoline4, InlineNo5-speed ManualFWD
2017–2022 1.6 THP MT — 115 hp115 hp / 85 kW150 Nm1587 ccGasoline4, InlineNo6-speed ManualFWD
2017–2022 1.6 THP AT — 115 hp115 hp / 85 kW150 Nm1587 ccGasoline4, InlineNo6-speed AutomaticFWD
2017–2022 1.6 THP AT — 150 hp150 hp / 110 kW240 Nm1598 ccGasoline4, InlineTurbo6-speed AutomaticFWD
2017–2022 1.6 HDi MT — 114 hp114 hp / 84 kW270 Nm1560 ccDiesel4, InlineTurbo6-speed ManualFWD
Since 2023 1.6 AT — 180 hp180 hp / 132 kWnot measured1600 ccPlug-in4, Inlinenot measured8-speed AutomaticFWD
Since 2023 1.6 AT — 225 hp225 hp / 165 kWnot measured1600 ccPlug-in4, Inlinenot measured8-speed AutomaticFWD
Since 2023 1.2 AT — 130 hp130 hp / 95 kW230 Nm1199 ccGasoline3, InlineTurbo8-speed AutomaticFWD

Among versions with measured torque, the 2017–2022 1.6 HDi MT leads with 270 Nm, which is 30 Nm more than either 150 hp turbocharged Gasoline version. Its peak torque also arrives at 1750 rpm, while the 150 hp Gasoline engines reach 240 Nm at 1400 rpm. The 2010–2017 Diesel alternatives produce 254 Nm at 1750 rpm.

Calculated from the listed displacement and output, the 2010–2017 and 2017–2022 150 hp, 1598 cc engines each deliver about 93.9 hp per litre. The since-2023 1.2 AT produces about 108.4 hp per litre, while the Plug-in 1.6 AT versions produce 112.5 and 140.6 hp per litre respectively. Because torque is not measured for the Plug-in versions, their pulling performance cannot be compared numerically here.

Performance, fuel economy, and emissions

Period and version0–100 km/hTop speedCity / highway / combinedCO₂
2010–2017 1.6 MT — 114 hpnot measurednot measurednot measured / not measured / not measurednot measured
2010–2017 1.6 MT — 112 hp11 s185 km/h6.2 / 4.3 / 5.0 L/100 km132 g/km
2010–2017 1.6 MT — 115 hp10.9 s189 km/h9.4 / 5.8 / 7.1 L/100 km165 g/km
2010–2017 1.6 AT — 120 hp13.8 s185 km/h10.1 / 5.6 / 7.4 L/100 km175 g/km
2010–2017 1.6 AT — 150 hp9.6 s207 km/h11.6 / 6.3 / 8.2 L/100 km190 g/km
2010–2017 1.6 MT — 110 hp13.3 s184 km/h10.1 / 6.0 / 7.5 L/100 km178 g/km
2010–2017 1.6 MT — 120 hp10.9 s195 km/h9.3 / 5.2 / 6.7 L/100 km171 g/km
2017–2022 1.6 THP MT — 115 hp10.9 s189 km/h9.7 / 5.8 / 7.1 L/100 km165 g/km
2017–2022 1.6 THP AT — 115 hp12.5 s190 km/h8.8 / 5.6 / 6.7 L/100 km155 g/km
2017–2022 1.6 THP AT — 150 hp8.1 s208 km/h9.0 / 5.3 / 6.7 L/100 km151 g/km
2017–2022 1.6 HDi MT — 114 hp11.6 s188 km/h5.7 / 4.5 / 4.9 L/100 km129 g/km
Since 2023 1.6 AT — 180 hpnot measurednot measurednot measured / not measured / not measurednot measured
Since 2023 1.6 AT — 225 hpnot measurednot measurednot measured / not measured / not measurednot measured
Since 2023 1.2 AT — 130 hp11.5 s210 km/h7.4 / 5.3 / 6.1 L/100 km138 g/km

For acceleration, the 2017–2022 1.6 THP AT with 150 hp is the strongest measured choice: its 8.1-second result is 1.5 seconds quicker than the earlier 150 hp 1.6 AT. It also reaches 208 km/h while using 6.7 L/100 km combined, a reduction of 1.5 L/100 km from the earlier turbo version’s 8.2 L/100 km. Its CO₂ figure is 151 g/km, 39 g/km lower.

For minimum measured fuel use, choose the 2017–2022 1.6 HDi MT. Its 4.9 L/100 km combined result is 1.8 L/100 km below the 150 hp 1.6 THP AT from the same period, although it takes 3.5 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h. The earlier 112 hp Diesel records 5.0 L/100 km combined, only 0.1 L/100 km more.

The since-2023 1.2 AT combines the highest measured top speed, 210 km/h, with 6.1 L/100 km combined consumption. Acceleration is 11.5 seconds. Performance and consumption for both Plug-in 1.6 AT versions are not measured, so output alone cannot establish which is quicker or more economical.

Peugeot 408 dimensions, weight, clearance, and wheels

Overall exterior dimensions, interior measurements, trunk space, and luggage capacity are not measured in the supplied specifications.

Period and versionKerb / gross weightGround clearanceTankWheel sizes
2010–2017 1.6 MT — 114 hp1400 / 1810 kg178 mm60 Lnot measured
2010–2017 1.6 MT — 112 hp1400 / 1810 kg178 mm60 Lnot measured
2010–2017 1.6 MT — 115 hp1427 / 1800 kg178 mm60 Lnot measured
2010–2017 1.6 AT — 120 hp1398 / 1800 kg178 mm60 L215/55 R16; 215/50 R17
2010–2017 1.6 AT — 150 hp1420 / 1820 kg178 mm60 L215/55 R16; 215/50 R17
2010–2017 1.6 MT — 110 hp1375 / 1789 kg178 mm60 Lnot measured
2010–2017 1.6 MT — 120 hp1375 / 1800 kg178 mm60 L215/55 R16; 215/50 R17
2017–2022 1.6 THP MT — 115 hp1352 / 1800 kg175 mm60 Lnot measured
2017–2022 1.6 THP AT — 115 hp1388 / 1820 kg175 mm60 Lnot measured
2017–2022 1.6 THP AT — 150 hp1406 / 1815 kg175 mm60 Lnot measured
2017–2022 1.6 HDi MT — 114 hp1386 / 1805 kg175 mm60 Lnot measured
Since 2023 1.6 AT — 180 hpnot measured / not measurednot measurednot measurednot measured
Since 2023 1.6 AT — 225 hpnot measured / not measurednot measurednot measurednot measured
Since 2023 1.2 AT — 130 hp1467 / 1920 kgnot measured52 L215/65 R17; 205/55 R19

The best calculated kerb-weight-to-power ratio among versions with measured weight is 9.37 kg per hp for the 2017–2022 1.6 THP AT with 150 hp. The earlier 150 hp 1.6 AT is close at 9.47 kg per hp. The since-2023 1.2 AT carries 11.28 kg per hp. Weight is not measured for the 180 hp and 225 hp Plug-in versions, preventing the same comparison.

Which Peugeot 408 version to choose and why

For the best balance of measured acceleration and economy, the 2017–2022 1.6 THP AT with 150 hp is the standout. It combines an 8.1-second 0–100 km/h time, a 208 km/h maximum, 6.7 L/100 km combined consumption, and the best measured weight-to-power ratio in the range.

For fuel economy and torque, the 2017–2022 1.6 HDi MT with 114 hp is the stronger fit. It delivers the catalogue’s highest measured torque at 270 Nm and its lowest combined consumption at 4.9 L/100 km. The trade-off is an 11.6-second acceleration time and a Manual gearbox.

For a naturally aspirated first-generation car, the 2010–2017 1.6 MT with 120 hp offers the most persuasive measured combination. Compared with the 120 hp 1.6 AT, it reaches 100 km/h 2.9 seconds sooner, has a top speed 10 km/h higher, and consumes 0.7 L/100 km less combined. The Automatic alternative exchanges those results for a 4-speed Automatic.

For the second-generation SUV Coupe, the 1.2 AT with 130 hp is the version that can be assessed most completely: it has a measured 230 Nm, 11.5-second acceleration, 210 km/h top speed, 6.1 L/100 km combined consumption, and 1467 kg kerb weight. The Plug-in 1.6 AT versions provide 50 hp and 95 hp more respectively, but their torque, performance, economy, weight, tank capacity, clearance, and wheel sizes are not measured. Choose between the 180 hp and 225 hp Plug-in versions on the stated output only if that difference is decisive; the supplied data does not support broader claims about their speed, efficiency, price, or practicality.

No Peugeot 408 price or GT-specific information is present in the catalogue data. Consequently, neither purchase price nor “what the extra money buys” can be calculated, and reliability, engine faults, oil specification, oil capacity, engine-number location, interior equipment, and trunk capacity are also not measured.