Peugeot 408 test drive

[GmanC]

Hoping to take one out for a test drive on Wednesday as my local dealer has a used one (and by chance a Citroen C5x for comparison) on the forecourt. What's the general opinion of the Pug as a longer term prospect rather than the C5x? I'm thinking the Citroen has been discontinued in the UK from May however Peugeot has invested in the 408 with the launch of the hybrid then parts availability and support long term will likely be better? But is that an issue as they'll likely share components or do they? Shame the 408 GT standard spec isn't up to par with the Citroen's top spec though

[mickthemaverick]

Personally I'd go for the Citroen out of those options with the higher spec but I wouldn't limit my options to those two. It is a well covered market sector now and I would look across the other cars of similar style before finally deciding!!

[GmanC]

Thanks for your input Mick. Do you favour the Citroen over the Pug just for the better tech? I note the other options but quite like the left field French approach and don't want to be driving a predictable Skoda or Kia for example . Both the Citroen and Peugeot appear to offer some very good deals currently eg a C5x Max is currently available on a 74 plate with 9.5k miles for £20k which is a steal. Also I've got a small PSA dealer 15 mins away with a good rep for servicing etc.

[mickthemaverick]

To be honest I favour the Citroen over the Peugeot because I've always felt the interiors are less plasticky!! Simple as that! You have good reasons for sticking with them so good luck in your trials!

[GmanC]

Well took both for a test drive and immediately my wife had issues with the well documented driving position of the icockpit in the 408 The Pug is certainly more planted but yup the interior was a slight let down TBH (wasn't the GT) but like the edgy external styling. The 1.2 ptech pulled surprisingly well and the autobox was smooth and hardly felt the changes. Brake bite was savage but not sure if it was on that particular car?

I was surprised how different the C5X felt and the interior was lighter and more interesting. The driving position was more what most people are accustomed to ie viewing through the steering wheel. The proper HUD actually onto the windscreen was excellent - shame the 408 didn't offer something similar. Also the lack of a rear load lip was good - again not sure why the 408 couldn't do the same? However I think the Pug edges it on styling and colour options. Same smooth 1.2 Ptech and gearbox though. We were also thinking of a 308SW but bearing in mind it's a similar cockpit set up then it's probably a non-starter

On conclusion - the Citroen offers more (test car was Shine spec) for the money and it's what we'll probably go for but in Shine Plus / Max spec.

Then my wife said is it a good idea buying a petrol given what's coming down the tracks but I'm not keen buying top road tax for the next 3-4 years on a C5x hybrid, c£1k getting a charging box fitted etc so we'll stick with petrol for the moment. Who knows what the motoring future holds...