Aggressive new look for Peugeot's 408

Fresh face ups the elegance for striking French family car

- Ellis Hyde [e-mail]

THE Peugeot 408 has never understood the perks of being a wallflower and now the already head-turning family car looks even sharper and more aggressive after a midlife refresh.

The most significant changes are up front. The 408’s distinctive fang-like daytime running lights are replaced by sleeker ‘three-claw’ DRLs that are connected by LED strips incorporated into a new, more sculpted grille, similar to the design on latest 308 hatchback and estate.

Sitting in pride of place on this grille is an illuminated Peugeot shield, which will be found on top-spec models and goes with the lit Peugeot lettering that’s been added to the bootlid. The 408 is the French firm’s first car with this feature, which is integrated into a transparent strip spanning the rear, which also connects the new three-claw taillights.