The dealing with was surprisingly pleasant, even when neutered considerably by the odd driving place and muted steering. Generally, it felt fairly at dwelling in any setting. And the 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine the stalwart Puretech – matched ample efficiency with not unhealthy economic system, averaging 38.8mpg.

Of course, given my premise, I have to additionally think about the points that will attraction extra to the typical would-be Nissan Qashqai purchaser. First, practicality. That low and lengthy boot: is it nearly as good as the next, shorter one? Yes. Early on, I used the 408 as a elimination van, transferring virtually an entire flat’s value of stuff in only a few journeys. And if you wish to do that scientifically, the 408’s cargo capability is 536 litres, or 1611 litres with the rear seats folded down, which compares with 520 and 1480 for the brand new upright Peugeot 3008.

On different events, grownup rear passengers have been fairly pleased with their seats, area and, opposite to my expectations given these window and shoulder traces, views. Next, tech. As I mentioned earlier, it had some issues: primarily capricious icons for the heated seats and wheel and an unreliable Apple CarPlay linkage.

Otherwise, although, I discovered the infotainment system pretty straightforward to make use of, and I used to be grateful for the weird secondary touchscreen beneath, which hosted giant shortcut ‘buttons’ that I discovered to hit with out wanting whereas driving.

I additionally discovered the lively security methods acceptable – as a result of they have been fast and straightforward to show off. Automatic emergency braking is at all times welcome, and I’m coming round to adaptive cruise management on our more and more choked roads, however I’m by no means going to get on with a system that yanks the wheel in my fingers, particularly for no good purpose, and in widespread with most fashionable automobiles, the 408’s lane protecting help did precisely that.

Onto the design. I believe it is tremendous, regardless of its complexity, and loads of folks agreed. Not simply because of the new emblem, some have been shocked to be taught it was a Peugeot. I imply, consider the aesthetic distress of the model simply 15 years in the past.

I actually felt it had a premium aura, and I cherished driving one thing that actually stood out. It’s only a disgrace Elixir Red paint is so expensive, because it’s even nicer than Obsession Blue, as seen on the plugin hybrid mannequin that I additionally tried.