Peugeot 408 Hybrid

New entry-level petrol engine has electrical assistance to bring an improvement in fuel economy On sale Now Price from £34,265

- OLIVER YOUNG

IS IT AN SUV? Is it an executive car? Well, that's open to debate, but what's certain is that the Peugeot 408's engine line-up has been updated. While the existing Plug-in Hybrid 225 option is still available, a new electric e-408 is imminent, and for those who prefer petrol power, this new entry-level Hybrid 136 essentially builds on the Puretech 130 unit it replaces. Featuring a 1.2-litre petrol engine with a small electric motor built into its six-speed automatic gearbox (a set-up also used in the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida, driven on p23), the Hybrid 136 promises around 10mpg better fuel economy than the old engine. Meanwhile, a lower CO2 output means smaller tax bills for comp