Peugeot 408

• The engine is a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 215 hp and 300 Nm of torque. This represents a significant step up from naturally aspirated competitors in the segment. It pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is quite responsive. 
• The turbocharged engine provides much better confidence while accelerating, both in the city and even on the highway. The power figure of 215 hp seems to be okay for most driving needs, and the 300 Nm of torque is fine.
• The 188 mm of ground clearance is higher than that of a regular sedan, which is a plus. 

Some Realities:

• While 215 hp sounds competitive on paper, the 408's kerb weight of around 1,450 kg means the power-to-weight ratio is acceptable but not exceptional.
• The turbocharged engine delivers power smoothly, but there's noticeable turbo lag from a standstill. 
• Front-wheel drive is the only option, meaning torque steer is noticeable during hard acceleration.
• Fuel economy is claimed at around 15.1-15.7 km/L, which is reasonable for the power output. In real-world Saudi driving with air conditioning constantly running, expect closer to 11-13 km/L in mixed conditions. 

• On smooth highways, the ride is comfortable and composed. The cabin remains reasonably quiet at cruising speeds, with wind and road noise well-controlled up to around 110-120 kph. 
• The elevated seating position provides a commanding view of traffic without feeling SUV-tall. The 360-degree camera on the GT trim helps with parking.
• The panoramic sunroof provides an airy feeling to the cabin, though it reduces rear headroom slightly. 
• Parking is manageable despite the 4,687 mm length. The turning circle is reasonable for the size.

Things That Matter More:

• If you are, then potholes and broken pavement create noticeable jarring that passengers will complain about.
• Handling is competent but not something special. The 408 leans noticeably in corners, and the light steering provides minimal feedback. Not for fun driving but a comfortable daily driver. The elevated ride height and relatively soft suspension mean body roll is evident.
• The 188 mm ground clearance, while helpful for speed breakers, raises the centre of gravity. 
• Noise insulation is acceptable but not exceptional. The fabric headliner doesn't provide as much sound deadening as more expensive alternatives.
• The 8-speed automatic generally shifts smoothly but can hunt between gears when cruising at moderate speeds.

• Both variants feature Peugeot's i-Cockpit, with a compact steering wheel positioned below a high-mounted digital instrument cluster. The base Allure gets a standard 10-inch touchscreen, while the GT upgrades to a 3D digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
• The base Allure comes with fabric seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, four USB ports, six speakers, and a navigation system. The GT trim upgrades to full leather seats with heating and massage functions, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED matrix headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera system, and a powered tailgate.
• Front seats offer excellent support with multiple adjustments on both variants. The driver's seat gets electric adjustment on the GT, while the Allure uses manual controls. Both variants include power-adjustable lumbar support, which is a welcome feature for long drives.
• Cargo space measures 536 litres with seats up, significantly larger than most compact sedans and competitive with compact crossovers. With the 60/40 split-folding rear seats lowered, capacity expands to 1,611 litres. The boot has a practical rectangular shape, though the loading lip is relatively high.

What's Missing:

• The i-Cockpit layout is deeply divisive. The small steering wheel can obstruct your view of the digital instrument cluster depending on your seating position and height.
• Interior materials are a mixed bag. The centre console plastics feel particularly cheap when tapped. For a car priced at SAR 136,000-164,000, you expect better throughout.
• Rear-seat headroom is compromised by the sloping roofline. Legroom is adequate for two adults, but the narrow cabin means three adults across the rear bench is a tight squeeze. 
• The 10-inch touchscreen looks modern but isn't the most intuitive system.

• Both variants come standard with six airbags: dual front, front side, and curtain airbags. ABS, electronic stability programme, electronic brake distribution, traction control, hill-start assist, and tyre pressure monitoring are included across the range.
• Advanced driver assistance systems are standard on both trims: autonomous emergency braking with forward collision alert, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and high-beam assist. Cruise control is standard, though it's conventional cruise rather than adaptive.
• The GT trim gets long-range blind-spot monitoring that can detect vehicles up to 75 metres behind, driver attention alert, and a 360-degree camera system. Both variants include ISOFIX anchor points for child seats and keyless entry with push-button start.

Things to Consider:

• While six airbags are standard, which is commendable, the absence of adaptive cruise control on both variants feels like a significant omission in 2026. Competitors offer radar-based adaptive cruise as standard or on mid-level trims.
• The 408 hasn't undergone independent crash testing specifically for the GCC market.
• Peugeot's dealer network in Saudi Arabia is limited compared to mainstream Japanese and Korean brands. At times, parts availability could be inconsistent, and service quality varies significantly between locations.
• The warranty is 3 years/unlimited mileage for the first two years, dropping to 3 years/100,000 km for the third year.
• Resale value may not be very high. The reason is simple: unlike brands like Toyota, Hyundai, and Nissan, Peugeot is not highly regarded by buyers in KSA for obvious reasons. The brand is new and has a long way to go.  As a result, a 2-3-year-old 408 will lose substantially more value than a Toyota Camry or Hyundai Sonata.