For the third generation, new Peugeot 408 changed its rather classic three-box sedan appearance to the appearance of a SUV coupe compact, decidedly fashionable silhouette. Despite this rather adventurous appearance, it retains the dynamic qualities of the lion brand model, and this new impulse test will confirm that.

Originally from Sweden, where the risk of meeting a moose on the road is common impulse test (or bayonet test) is a evasive maneuver is regularly checked to assess the car’s handling. Arriving at a constant speed, the car crosses the chicane, trying not to touch the cones and stay within the zone marked by them.

Our Spanish colleagues from KM77 tested the new Peugeot 408 III in the GT version, equipped with a three-cylinder 1.2-liter PureTech gasoline engine with a capacity of 130 hp, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission EAT8 and Michelin e-Primacy 205/55 R19 97V tires. Here it is on video:

Peugeot 408: just as maneuverable

This 130bhp version is not the most powerful nor the biggest in the range, as the new Peugeot 408 also exists in a plug-in hybrid version with the 1.6-litre Plug-in HYbrid, which is available in 180bhp and 225bhp. However, when faced with this heavier hybrid powertrain, the small 130 horsepower three-cylinder engine has the advantage of being light, in favor of dynamic behavior.

The first test proves that, with a slalom is performed between a row of cones in which the Peugeot 408 is performed 25.9 seconds : a mere formality for the new Lioness, putting it between the Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography (26.1 seconds) and the Nissan Ariya and X-Trial (25.5 seconds) in this exercise.

Peugeot 408: impulse test successfully passed

For impulse testthe best characteristics of the new Peugeot 408 were achieved at speed 72 km/h. Tester with KM77 tried to move at a higher speed, but the car started hitting cones from a speed of 75 km/h.

According to the video, this version of the new Peugeot 408 is equipped with Michelin e-Primacy tires in size 205/55 R19 97V: rubber optimized for electrified vehicles, but which offers satisfactory performance on the roads.

Wider, sportier tires would have allowed the 408 to perform better in the impulse test, but according to our colleagues at KM77this result is quite satisfactory. The steering is quick and direct, helping the car to steer well: due to the high stance, it rolls a little, but that doesn’t stop it from staying on course.