Peugeot 408 Engine and Performance Review

The Peugeot 408 is hard to categorise: part fastback saloon, part crossover. Its engine range is just as varied, with conventional petrol, a 48-volt hybrid, two kinds of plug-in hybrid and, more recently, the fully electric E-408. The name has been around since 2010 on a saloon sold in Asian markets, but the car covered here is the European-market fastback launched in 2022.

This guide gives you the whole line-up and looks closely at the petrol PureTech 130. For an in-depth look at the plug-ins, see our Peugeot 408 hybrid engine and performance review.

Every 408 Powertrain at a Glance

Taken from the "Engines and towed loads" pages of the English Peugeot 408 owner's handbook. Which versions you could buy depended on the country.

All the combustion-engined and hybrid versions have a 70 kg maximum nose weight. Braked trailer weights apply to a 10-12% gradient and within the gross train weight limit.

There's no diesel 408.

The PureTech 130: The Core Petrol Engine

In many markets the 1.2-litre PureTech 130 with the EAT8 automatic was the only 408 on sale, typically in Allure and GT trims. It's a turbocharged three-cylinder, the same basic engine used across the Peugeot range.

Peugeot brochure figures (2024 model year):

The torque figure matters more than the headline power. Because peak torque arrives at just 1,750 rpm, the 408 pulls well from low speeds and doesn't need revving hard in everyday driving. Ten seconds to 62 mph won't excite anyone, but with eight ratios the EAT8 automatic keeps the engine in its sweet spot and cruises quietly at motorway speeds.

What About the Hybrids?

The plug-in hybrids are the performance choice in the 408 range and the most tax-efficient choice for company-car drivers in the UK. The 12.4 kWh e-EAT8 versions pair a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an 81 kW electric motor. The later e-DCS7 version gets a larger 17.2 kWh battery and a more powerful 92 kW motor. Our 408 hybrid guide covers acceleration, electric-only driving, charging times and drive modes.

The Hybrid 136 is a different kind of car altogether. It's a self-charging mild hybrid that you never plug in. Its small 48-volt battery helps the petrol engine in town and allows short spells of electric running at low speeds.

Towing With a 408

If you tow a caravan or trailer, the handbook figures above matter:

• The plug-in hybrids with the 12.4 kWh battery have the highest braked limit in the range, at 1,400 kg.
• The PureTech 130 can pull 1,350 kg if the towbar was fitted at the factory, but only 1,200 kg with an accessory towbar.
• The PureTech 215 is limited to 600 kg.
• The E-408 isn't approved for towing at all.

PureTech Care Tips

The 1.2 PureTech rewards careful ownership. Stick to the service schedule, use the oil specification in your handbook and check the oil level regularly. If a warning light comes on, our guides to 408 red warning lights and orange warning lights explain what to do.

The Bottom Line

For most private buyers, the PureTech 130 automatic is a sensible, economical choice that suits the 408's relaxed character. If you want more performance, or can charge at home and want low running costs, the plug-in hybrids are the better buy. And if you're ready to go fully electric, the E-408 is the version to look at.

For design, interior and practicality, read our Peugeot 408 review.