Peugeot 408 Engine and Performance Review [2024]

When we talk about the Peugeot 408 engine, we are delving into the core of what makes this vehicle a standout in the bustling market of family sedans. It’s the heartbeat of the Peugeot 408, a blend of precision engineering and technological finesse that propels you forward with grace and agility. In this deep dive, we’ll unfold the layers of the 2024 Peugeot 408’s petrol engine capabilities, from its efficient power delivery to the environmental considerations it meets. 

As we walk through this journey, we’ll understand the intricate dance between performance, comfort, and sustainability. The 1.2L PureTech 130 EAT8 S&S petrol engine is a marvel of modern automotive innovation, striking an exquisite balance between the thirst for thrills and the demands of efficiency. With each turn of the key, the Peugeot 408 engine promises a symphony of mechanical harmony and an assurance of a ride that’s as smooth as it is exciting. In this introduction, we lay the groundwork for what is more than just a review; it’s a comprehensive exploration into what the Peugeot 408’s heart offers to both the discerning enthusiast and the everyday driver.

Peugeot 408 Engine Specifications

Before we throttle up, it’s important to understand the basic engine specifications that contribute to the car’s performance. The 1.2L PureTech 130 EAT8 S&S is a petrol engine, highlighting a preference for traditional fuel types while embracing modern enhancements.

The choice of a 1.2L engine capacity is a clear nod towards efficiency and sustainability. Smaller engines tend to offer better fuel economy and lower emissions – a crucial factor in today’s environmentally conscious market. However, one might ponder about performance. Fear not, for this PureTech engine delivers a respectable 131 horsepower, which is quite spirited for its size, largely thanks to turbocharging.

Turbocharging: Turbocharging is a pivotal feature in modern engines, particularly in smaller displacements. It compensates for the smaller size by forcing more air into the combustion chamber, thus enhancing the engine’s ability to burn fuel more effectively and increase performance. This is how the Peugeot 408’s engine punches above its weight, offering an ample torque of 170 lb/ft available from as low as 1750 rpm, ensuring responsive acceleration when needed.

Stop and Start Technology: The engine comes equipped with Stop and Start functionality. This innovative feature allows the vehicle to conserve fuel and reduce emissions by shutting down the engine when the car comes to a stop, such as at traffic lights, and restarting it when it’s time to move again.

Performance Metrics: With a cubic capacity of 1199 cc, the engine is meticulously calibrated to provide a balance between fuel economy and responsive power. Delivering a maximum power output of 131 horsepower at 5500 rpm and a peak torque of 170 lb/ft at a low 1750 rpm ensures a smooth and robust power delivery, especially in urban driving scenarios where agility and acceleration are often called upon.

Transmission Synergy: The 8-speed automatic transmission works in concert with the engine’s power characteristics. It offers seamless gear changes and optimizes engine speed across different driving conditions, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and driving comfort.

The 8-speed automatic transmission represents the convergence of convenience and efficiency. With more gears at its disposal, the engine can operate in its most efficient rpm range, whether it’s cruising on the highway or navigating city traffic.

While enthusiasts may miss the engagement of a manual transmission, the 8-speed automatic offers a trade-off between driver involvement and ease of use. It selects the optimal gear without requiring input from the driver, which is a boon for those who prefer to focus on the drive rather than the mechanics of the vehicle.

Maintenance and Care: A service schedule of 12,500 miles or annually is part of the package, emphasizing the engine’s low maintenance requirements and reliability over time.

When examining the engine specifications, one can appreciate the tradeoffs made to balance efficiency with performance. The relatively small engine size, aided by turbocharging, provides a punchy response without the fuel penalties associated with larger engines. This setup, however, may present challenges when more power is demanded, such as during overtaking or when the vehicle is fully loaded. The advanced 8-speed automatic transmission, though, mitigates this by keeping the engine in the optimal power band.

Neglecting service schedules can lead to decreased performance, higher fuel consumption, and potentially costly repairs. Adhering to the recommended service interval is essential for maintaining the vehicle’s performance and ensuring a pleasant driving experience.

Suspension and Comfort

Brakes: No engine performance review is complete without understanding the vehicle’s braking capabilities. After all, power needs control. The Peugeot 408 comes equipped with substantial 304mm discs at the front and 268mm discs at the rear. The sizing of these discs is essential for providing adequate stopping power, especially given the vehicle’s spirited engine performance.

Larger discs can handle more heat, which is a byproduct of the braking process, and this means better performance during repetitive, hard stops. However, increased size can lead to more weight, which the engineers have to compensate for to maintain the car’s agility.

Suspension: The suspension system of a car is where comfort meets control, and in the Peugeot 408, this is manifested through the combination of a Pseudo MacPherson strut on the front and a twist beam axle on the rear. This setup aims to offer a harmonious balance between handling precision and ride comfort.

Pseudo MacPherson: This front suspension setup is widely praised for its simplicity and effectiveness, offering a good balance of ride quality and cornering stability. It’s a common choice for front-wheel-drive cars, providing a compact solution that allows for more engine bay space.

Twist Beam Axle: At the rear, the twist beam axle is a form of independent suspension that is cost-effective and space-efficient. It may not offer the same level of sophistication as multi-link suspensions found in some competitors, but it provides a stable and comfortable ride that is more than adequate for the segment.

Tyres: Tyres are where the car meets the road, and the Peugeot 408’s choice of 19-inch Michelin tires (size 205/55 R19 97V) belonging to the A class indicates a focus on high-quality traction and fuel efficiency. Larger wheels can contribute to a more responsive drive, although they may also impact the overall comfort due to the reduced sidewall height.

Performance Dynamics

Speed Capabilities: In the realm of performance, speed is often the headline statistic. For the 1.2L PureTech 130 EAT8 S&S, the maximum speed is clocked at 130 mph—a figure that demonstrates this model’s capabilities on the open road. While not in the realm of sports cars, it’s a respectable top end for a car that is likely to spend much of its life in urban environments.

Acceleration: Acceleration is where the heart rate quickens and the engine’s mettle is tested. The Peugeot 408 sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 10.4 seconds with the driver only, marking it as a capable performer that balances zest with civility.

Vehicle Weight

A vehicle’s weight plays a critical role in performance, affecting acceleration, braking, and fuel efficiency. Let’s break down the Peugeot 408’s weight specifications and consider how they interact with the engine’s performance.

With a kerb weight of 1392 kg, the Peugeot 408 is in the median range for its category, contributing to its decent acceleration figures. The mass in service, which includes the driver, some fuel, and fluids, stands at 1513 kg. These weights are important when considering the vehicle’s gross train weight—the maximum combined weight of the vehicle and a trailer, which is a substantial 3120 kg. This indicates the 408’s suitability for towing, supported by a maximum braked trailer weight of 1200 kg and tow ball weight of 70 kg.

The performance numbers give us a glimpse into the tradeoffs the Peugeot engineers had to make. Balancing the engine output with vehicle weight results in acceleration that is quick enough for everyday driving while also enabling the car to maintain stability and composure when fully loaded or towing.

The maximum speed is sufficient for highway cruising and overtaking, yet the vehicle’s weight impacts its agility and energy consumption. A heavier vehicle demands more from its engine, brakes, and suspension, particularly when negotiating corners or coming to a stop.

Fuel Efficiency and Emissions

Efficiency is as critical as performance in today’s automotive landscape, and the Peugeot 408’s engine exhibits a range of fuel consumption values that highlight its adaptability to various driving conditions.

Understanding the MPG Figures: Fuel consumption data is best understood in context. The World Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) provides a more accurate measure of a car’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by simulating real-driving conditions. Let’s analyze the Peugeot 408’s fuel consumption across different driving conditions:

These figures illustrate that the Peugeot 408 can be quite frugal, especially in high driving conditions, which likely represent highway cruising where the engine can maintain a steady state with less fuel. The combined figures give us an average that owners can expect in a mix of city and highway driving.

Emissions: The environmental impact of a vehicle is increasingly at the forefront of consumer concerns, and the Peugeot 408 addresses this with its regulated emission ratings.

These figures show a car that’s been designed with an eye on the increasingly stringent emission standards. Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, potent pollutants, are kept within reasonable limits for a petrol engine. Nitrogen oxides and particulate matter are particularly low, highlighting the efficiency of the engine’s combustion process and after-treatment systems.

With large brake discs and advanced tire technology, the Peugeot 408 seems well-equipped for dynamic driving conditions. The suspension setup, however, suggests a compromise between spirited driving and a plush ride. The tradeoff here is evident: the firmer suspension enhances handling but may transmit more road imperfections into the cabin.

In terms of emissions, while the figures are quite respectable for a petrol engine, they do indicate the inherent challenge of balancing performance with environmental friendliness. The 408 manages this with advanced engineering, but it’s a continuous tightrope that manufacturers navigate as regulations and consumer expectations evolve.

CO2 Emissions: The carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions range from 133 to 156 g/km, which provides insight into the car’s environmental footprint. Lower figures here are increasingly favored by environmentally conscious consumers and reflect better fuel economy.

Carbon Monoxide Emissions: Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons are primary byproducts of petrol engines. The Peugeot 408’s figures are within acceptable limits, indicating efficient combustion and catalytic converter function. However, it is a delicate balance to maintain these levels, especially with evolving regulations.

Nitrogen Oxides and Particulate Matter: Nitrogen oxides and particulate matter represent ongoing challenges for petrol engines. NOx emissions contribute to smog and acid rain, while particulate matter is a concern for air quality and public health. The Peugeot 408’s numbers suggest a concerted effort to minimize these emissions, balancing environmental considerations with engine performance.

Balancing efficiency and performance is a constant challenge for automotive engineers. The Peugeot 408’s 1.2L PureTech engine demonstrates a commitment to maintaining reasonable fuel consumption figures without sacrificing the joy and agility of driving.

However, tradeoffs are evident. The engine’s small displacement and the vehicle’s weight influence the low MPG figure. Furthermore, achieving the higher end of the fuel efficiency spectrum may require a driving style that leans towards economy rather than performance, highlighting the car’s versatile nature but also the discipline required for optimum efficiency.

A look at the fuel consumption data against the backdrop of the vehicle’s weight and performance specs sheds light on the delicate balancing act that Peugeot has navigated. While the car is capable of spirited driving dynamics, doing so will inevitably edge the fuel consumption towards the higher figures presented.

Conversely, driving with an eye on maximizing fuel efficiency could lead to a driving experience that some may find less engaging, especially when rapid acceleration or heavy use of the engine’s power band is curtailed in the interest of saving fuel.

In conclusion, the Peugeot 408 offers a blend of moderate efficiency and environmental consciousness, with its engine and weight parameters tuned to provide a satisfying driving experience while keeping an eye on the ecological footprint.

After meticulously examining every facet of the Peugeot 408 engine, we close this chapter with a greater appreciation for the intricate engineering and thoughtfulness that Peugeot has infused into their latest creation. This engine isn’t just about raw numbers; it’s about the experience it delivers – a silent promise of reliability, the joy of seamless acceleration, and the peace of mind from its eco-conscious footprint. 

The 2024 Peugeot 408, with its 1.2L PureTech 130 EAT8 S&S petrol engine, stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to creating vehicles that resonate with the pulse of the future while keeping the driver’s enjoyment at the forefront. It’s a motor that doesn’t just move a car; it moves with purpose, with intent, and with an eye towards the horizon of automotive excellence. 

As we turn off the ignition and step out of the vehicle, we carry with us not just the data and the details, but the lived experience of what it means to drive a Peugeot 408. It’s an experience that we believe should be shared, and if you’re considering buying one, we highly recommend checking our detailed blog, the Peugeot 408 review, for further insights that could guide your decision to its steering wheel.

By immersing ourselves in the world of the Peugeot 408 engine, we come away with a narrative that is as informative as it is accessible, mirroring the very essence of the vehicle itself. This engine doesn’t demand a mechanic’s understanding to be appreciated – its qualities are evident in the smoothness of each drive, the responsiveness of each acceleration, and the quiet hum that accompanies every journey. It’s an engine that speaks to the soul of driving, and through this comprehensive review, we invite you to listen to its story.

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