It seems a quick turnaround since we first drove the 408 late last year, but the big new Peugeot still stands out even on UK soil. Whilst design cues at the front, such as the grille, plus sharp headlights and vertical driving lights are nothing new. 

However, when they are combined with the window line arching upwards towards the rear, plus the sharp shoulder line and lower cut out along the flanks and the raised crossover stance - the 408 stands out. That's not the end of the look, as at the back, there's an unusual triangular rear spoiler above the high set, wiper-less rear window. Although, we feel it's a shape that suits brighter colours. 

At 4,687mm, the 408 seems much bigger than say, the 308 - and the longer wheelbase is most obvious in the rear, compared to the merely average space available in the back of a 308. Yet, it is built on the same EMP2 platform as other smaller Stellantis models, such as the DS DS4 and Vauxhall Astra. Shorn of the hybrid kit, boot space grows to 536 litres, and can be extended to 1,611 litres with the rear seat folded. 

In the front, the 408 feels very much like a 308 with the same dashboard design, featuring the latest i-Connect infotainment system, that is easier to use with shortcut buttons and has better graphics, with its 10in screen. Elsewhere, Peugeot's i-Cockpit frustrates, as the high-set instruments which are in 3D here, and small steering wheel just don't suit all drivers. We're not fans of having to trade seeing the bottom of the instruments, to be low enough in the supportive front seats to be comfortable. The steering wheel is too small in our opinion, too. Although, as we've said before, i-Cockpit is better if you live with it. Overall, the 408 interior has a premium high-quality feel.

The plug-in hybrid version we've already driven will attract the most attention from fleet buyers, but elsewhere there are 130 and 180 Puretech petrol versions. So, we took the opportunity to drive the smallest petrol-engined 408 to see how it dealt with UK roads. 

It may take 10.4 seconds to accelerate to 62mph, but this isn't the whole story of the Puretech 130 petrol. Like the Citroen C5X when fitted with this engine, it has an impressively smooth character, and feels surprisingly willing despite the 408's big body. 

With 136g/km CO2 emissions and a 32% BIK rate, this engine is probably more aimed at private buyers than fleet - but this is still a very attractive package - even in the top GT equipment grade, with a price of £34,650. 

This 408 might have a GT badge, but don't go thinking it's sporty. However, thanks to the lighter drivetrain, the Puretech 130 is the nicest 408 we've driven yet. 

The lighter engine equals more steering feel, and a more resolved ride - despite the standard fit 19in alloy wheels. The "Sport" mode sharpens the throttle response usefully, but also works the three-cylinder engine harder, so expect a buzzy soundtrack if you need to make quick progress. 

Plus, the slick automatic gearbox sometimes feels lazier than it should be when taking off. 

Handling-wise, there's plenty of grip in corners, but the tall stance equals some bodyroll and like before, the steering could do with more feel.