On the road in the Peugeot 408 - the best long-distance car for a trip to France
It's our new normal, beating the modern day hell that is travelling via ludicrously busy airports jam-packed into often delayed planes to escape for our summer break. The EuroTunnel still feels new but has been with us for the best part of 30 years and France for a lot longer before that, I can't think why we didn't think of it sooner.
Regular readers may recall how we dipped our toe in the Channel by taking a Citroen C3 to France camping last year and discovered it remarkably easy way to holiday. This year we wanted to make a similar trip - but to two locations which meant more time behind the wheel. And we had one demand we'd learned an essential to pack after last year's expedition - a gazebo to protect from the searing heat.
This would mean a bigger car, so when Peugeot offered the opportunity to take the new 408 on a 2,000-mile round trip from the UK to Bordeaux on the West coast and St Tropez in the south of France, it was an offer I couldn't resist.
For many, the allure of a long-distance road trip is a dream come true — a journey filled with adventure, picturesque landscapes, and unforgettable memories. What ensued was an extraordinary experience that showcased the capabilities and comfort of the Peugeot 408, coupled with the beauty of the open road.
It looks great from any angle (Publicity Picture)The Peugeot 408 proved to be a reliable companion right from the start, with its spacious interior (generous footwells and cup holders which took all sizes of coffee), ample cargo space (especially with the rear seats folded down that still allowed great visibility out of the rear window), and a comfortable driving position. Loading up the vehicle was a breeze, with plenty of room for luggage, supplies, and a road trip playlist ready to set the mood.
Escape to the Chateau's Dick and Angel give exciting news as fans beg for return
Setting off from London, the Peugeot 408 demonstrated its mettle right away. Its responsive 1.6-liter turbocharged engine provided a smooth and energetic start. The journey began with the bustling streets of London, and the Peugeot 408 handled urban traffic with grace, thanks to its nimble maneuverability and excellent visibility. Once on the motorway, I noticed the ride was remarkably quiet, offering an environment conducive to conversation and contemplation.
Long journeys can often be grueling, but the Peugeot 408's interior comfort and connectivity features made the miles fly by. The seats were supportive and the cabin was well-insulated, which significantly reduced fatigue during hours of continuous driving. The infotainment system was intuitive and responsive, making it easy to access navigation, music, and communication features. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensured seamless smartphone integration, keeping us connected and entertained throughout the drive.
There's a tonne of space inside (Publicity Picture)Our model came in dark grey and I was more than pleased with the look, often joking this looked like a car Bruce Wayne would drive when he wasn't in the Batmobile. I'm not exagerrating when I say it looked better than most other cars on French roads. One thing I also noticed is that French cars didn't pull across in front of me on motorways as often as they did in the C4 - maybe it was the bigger car rather than the brand? Whatever, I felt less nervous in the Peugeot.
As we ventured further into the journey, the Peugeot 408's efficiency became evident. The fuel economy was impressive, with our choice of petrol engine option returning excellent mileage (hybrid and diesel models are available). On the motorway, the car's aerodynamic design allowed it to glide effortlessly, reducing fuel consumption and contributing to an eco-conscious drive.
The Peugeot 408 handled a variety of road conditions with ease, from smooth highways to winding country roads. Its suspension provided a comfortable and stable ride, even over uneven surfaces. The vehicle's handling was responsive and precise, making it a joy to navigate through tight corners and long stretches of open road. Those infamous narrow roads France seems so famous for were no problem at all.
It's a great car for long distance drives (Publicity Picture)One of the highlights of this road trip was the scenic beauty that unfolded before us. The journey through France offered picturesque landscapes, from rolling vineyards to serene lakes, quaint villages, and the dramatic vistas of the French Riviera. The Peugeot 408's panoramic sunroof added an extra dimension to our sightseeing, allowing us to take in the breathtaking surroundings from the comfort of the car.
We split our trip into two locations. First to Bordeaux for a few days at a hotel and spa from where we could visit the Chateaus and partake in the wines (as well as learn a bit about their creation) as well as the west coast beaches, and I could play golf.
The second part of our trip was onward to the Bay of St Tropez where we based ourselves on the same campsite on a beach as last year - this time feeling somewhat experts with our accompanying gazebo.
We explored and revelled in everything the French Riviera has to offer: enchanting towns, sumptuous local cuisine and, yes, stimulating wines. A particular highlight was visiting the beautiful Eze village on a mountainside above the Meditterranean sea - a must see if you ever do go.
The 408's spacious interior allowed us to unwind with ease, and the optional panoramic roof offered passengers an excellent view of the French countryside.
Love It or List fans surprised as they spot family in car company advert
Its safety features also provided an added layer of assurance during our extended road trip. The vehicle was equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a suite of other advanced safety technologies. These systems played a crucial role in ensuring a safe journey, especially during long stretches of highway driving. But driver assist in particular proved an essential for such a long drive.
In fact the 408 handled the entire route with confidence, displaying an excellent balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
The compact SUV's cargo space proved essential for carrying the souvenirs (and, yes, wine!) back from our adventures in the South of France. I would like to give a big shout out to the designer who thoughtfully included great big buttons below the touch screen which meant I didn't find myself trying to hit a 'dot' with a finger while steering, as seems to happen so often on other cars I drive lately.
Gazebos proved the way forwardThe only things about the 408 seem so trivial they are hardly worth mentioning. But as this is a review I am compelled to add, I wasn't so much a fan of the hexagonal steering wheel when turning. Or the interior's 'edge-infatuated' furnishing, I'm a soft corners kind of guy. I prefer to be able to select driving modes and switch the car on and off behind the steering wheel rather than on the central dock. But that's just me. This is a great car and it wouldn't put me off buying one. Even the £30,015 price tag for the entry-level version seems entirely reasonable; you would think this car costs more.
The 'only' thing that I would do differently about our journey is to consider adding more breaks (and opportunities to explore) into the enormously exhausting lengthy drives. I hadn't appreciated what a very long drive the UK to Bordeaux is in one day. But moreover, I had misestimated the drive from Bordeaux to St Tropez as being half what it actually turned out to be (ten hours). France's service stations are infinitely superior to those of the UK, but our journey required a lot of breaks at them; we should have considered more hotel stops en route.
In conclusion, the road trip from the UK to the South of France and back in the Peugeot 408 was a memorable experience that underscored the vehicle's versatility and capability. This compact SUV demonstrated remarkable comfort, efficiency, and safety throughout our 2,000-mile journey.
The Peugeot 408 is more than just a car; it's a reliable travel companion. Whether you're planning a long-distance road trip or simply navigating the urban jungle, this vehicle combines style and substance, making it an appealing choice for those who value both practicality and adventure.
Peugeot's commitment to innovation and quality shines through in the Peugeot 408, making it a worthy contender in the competitive world of compact SUVs. If you're looking for a car that effortlessly bridges the gap between daily commuting and epic road trips, the Peugeot 408 is definitely one to check out. I am already recommending it to friends.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
