EVOLUTION is sometimes a mystery with little changes that no one sees. That is certainly not the case with the 408 GT.

The 408 GT trades curves for claws while adopting the most aggressive stance a Peugeot has ever taken. 

Before, Peugeot has always confined its razors in the lights and lines of its models while relying on its arches and bends to get its silhouette across. One could say the French lion has come full circle.

The radical design decision could be steeped in the ferocious competition automakers are presently facing. After all a lion pounces back stronger than ever after it has been backed into a corner.

Beast à la mode

Locally assembled (CKD) in Gurun, Kedah, the 408 is officially the first of Peugeot's entry that is launched under the Stellantis Malaysia banner.

Based on the multi-energy EMP2 (efficient modular platform), the model measures at 4,687mm long, 1,859mm wide, and 1,487mm in overall height.

It has a wheelbase of 2,787mm and a raised ground clearance of 189mm.

The model comes in three variants: Allure, Premium and GT with the latter being the flagship.

All of them sport the brand's new emblem found on the renewed vertical slat grille.

This is accompanied by an all-new Peugeot full-LED Signature Light headlamp cluster with a single, vertical fang-shaped daytime running light strip.

Exclusive to the GT variant are as follows: geometric 20-inch Monolithe Black wheels, Matrix LED headlights with Automatic Beam, 3D 'Claw Effect' LED Rear Lights, 3D Quartz Digital Metre Cluster, configurable touch I-Toggles, Focal Premium Hi-Fi System, 360-degree camera, Aktion für gesunder Rücken (AGR) Certified Seats with Memory for the driver, and Multispot Massage Function for passenger and driver.

The Peugeot I-Cockpit features a dashboard with a compact steering wheel with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster with available 3D technology and display personalisation options for the GT variant.

Driving modes via the gear selector includes choices between Eco, Normal or Sport.

A 10-inch central touchscreen that is angled towards the driver boasts customisable I-Toggles that allows for shortcut settings that include climate control, radio, navigation, and more.

The system's mirroring function enables connections of up to two phones via Bluetooth or through its USB-C sockets. New users have the option to make use of the i-Connect system's on-board documentation and tutorials.

The driver's seat boasts 10-way power adjustment with two memory settings, while the passenger enjoys 6-way power adjustability. Both seats offer an 8-pocket air massage system with 5 selectable programs and built-in heating.

The GT variant takes it a step further with a Dynamic Black Nappa Leather for both front and rear occupants as standard.

Centre console includes a wireless phone charging area, an armrest, two USB-C sockets (supporting both charging and data transfer), two large cup holders, and a generous 33 litres of storage for miscellaneous items.

Its two-part bench seats at the rear can be folded flat to increase the load capacity from 536 to 1,583 litres in the GT. There's also an additional 36 litres of storage space under the boot.

As standard the cabin's air is regulated by a High Efficiency Filter that continuously filter particles, mold and bacteria inside the cabin. The GT variant upgrades this to the Air Quality System (AQS) system.

In addition to the standard six airbags, electronic stability program (ESP) and Active Hood for pedestrian protection across the line, both the Premium and GT variants come with a comprehensive range of latest generation driving assistance systems.

They include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and adjustable inter-vehicle distance feature, Automatic emergency braking, Active lane departure warning with lane correction, Driver Attention Alert, Long-range blind spot monitoring, Rear Traffic Alert, 180-degree high-definition reversing camera with integrated cleaning nozzle and 360-degree parking assistance with 4 high-definition cameras (front, rear and side).

At the heart lies a 1.6-litre turbocharged PureTech engine paired to an intelligent 8-speed EAT8 automatic transmission to deliver 218 hp at 5,750 rpm and 300 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The setup allows it to achieve a century sprint in 8.8 seconds.

Three colour options are available as standard: Perla Nera Black, Okenite White and Artense Grey. A fourth Obsession Blue is only available to the Premium and GT variants.

The flagship 2024 Peugeot 408 GT retails at RM196,055. Price is inclusive of a seven-year warranty or 200,000km, whichever comes first. For comparison the Allure and Premium are priced at RM146,055 and RM166,055, respectively.

Cosmic Chevalier

In the face of adversity Peugeot has found that the best offence is, believe it or not, new found balance.

We start with the 408 GT's design as it marries brawn with beauty by focusing less on the brand's trademark curves and more on the new feral-like active styling.

A decision that pays off big time. Love or hate it the 2024 408 especially the GT is a head-turner given its unique design.

The new modern-sporty silhouette, claw-like headlights and grille really sell the French automaker's new sexy-aggressive approach.

Downright gorgeous when paired with the Obsession Blue paint.

It is however, not outright clear to call it an evolution or switch up of the 408 series since both sedan and this new crossover body exists in different markets at the same time.

Whichever the case Stellantis Malaysia made the right move to gift us with the crossover body for two reasons: A refreshed image for the 408 line and the popularity of crossovers as an option - as opposed to the many traditional pure sedan or sports utility vehicles (SUVs) options in the market.

In spite of all the radical physical updates the 408 is very much a Peugeot at heart as it finds a balance between what is new and the brand's familiar intricacies.

On the exterior this would be the headlights which would resonate most with fans of the past generation.

Similarly the interior, while very sporty in the 408 GT, carries the brand's trademark DNA throughout - most notable is the driver cockpit ergonomics.

The combination of the instrument panel and steering, while very much modern, roars 'Peugeot' all the same. 

For better or worse that also means you're taking the good with the brand's eccentric qualities.

Sensibilities is where it gets divisive with conflicting experiences felt at the driver seat. You'll either be fine with it or find that there is at least some part that feels off.

Driver visibility issues, irregular steering size and seat height positioning, and a centre console that may obstruct your leg  at the far left are little quirks, that while inconsistent are no less oddities.

Inversely the 408 GT drives with a calm disposition. Composed and well-balanced are surprising attributes for such a fierce looking model.

Acceleration is decent while stability thanks to its French suspension allows the driver to maintain a consistently solid speed of up to 140km/h before the need for heightened driver control.

The latter extends to cornering due in part of the 408 GT's heavy rear. Otherwise the model delivers a rather comfortable drive for both driver and passengers with little body roll.

By literal design Peugeots are usually subtle in their appeal. The 408 GT proves that need not be the case and that the brand should take some risks if it wants to remain competitive.

It is also not since the RCZ that a Peugeot has looked and feel this exciting. Even then the former is far from what you would call aggressive in its sportiness.

Peugeot's latest pièce de résistance is where balance is achieved in the right areas. It reaches out for the stars with its new aggressive design while playing it smart with the performance's strengths that have defined the French brand all these years.