Alanis Beril Altınbaş: On the Roads Like Sea Blue: Peugeot 408

I left behind the chaotic and heavy traffic of Istanbul and headed towards the tranquil seaside of Kilyos. Why? Because I wanted to celebrate this special day with the new Peugeot 408 GT 1.2 PureTech 130hp EAT8.

By Alanis Beril Altınbaş

The car’s bright dark blue color shone like a jewel against the city’s gray atmosphere and immediately caught my attention. This vehicle represented the pinnacle of French design and engineering. Here is the story of this perfect drive.

The moment I stepped inside, I realized that the Peugeot 408 GT was adorned with luxury and elegance. The leather-clad seats, ergonomic design, and comfort transformed journeys into a true pleasure. The interior’s wood veneers, chrome accents, and high-resolution touchscreen reflected every detail of luxury. The elegant Peugeot logo in the center of the steering wheel emphasized the car’s unique identity.

However, the true beauty of the Peugeot 408 GT lay in its engine. The 1.2-liter PureTech motor was quite powerful with its 130 horsepower, transmitting this power to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The distinction of the GT version manifested itself clearly in its performance.

Acceleration was palpable, providing a sense of confidence at every moment. As I navigated easily through city traffic, I admired the steering sensitivity and control of the vehicle.

As I approached the coast of Kilyos, I began to better understand the meaning behind the "GT" name of the Peugeot 408 GT. Known as "Gran Turismo," this term refers to cars designed for long-distance travel. This car perfectly combined comfort and performance. Its suitability for long journeys was highlighted by the interior comfort and spaciousness. The panoramic glass roof invited natural light in, making the sea views even more special during the drive. It helped you reach wherever you wanted to go without getting bored or feeling tired during long trips.

Yet, the Peugeot 408 GT was not just a comfortable long-distance traveler; it also offered a dynamic driving experience. The winding roads of Kilyos provided an opportunity to test the car’s road-holding capabilities. The sporty character of the GT version ensured it navigated bends masterfully. The car’s stability and balance control instilled confidence in the driver. The difference of being a GT made itself felt at every moment of the drive.

But the story of the Peugeot 408 GT is not just about the drive. This car’s safety and driver assistance systems were equally impressive. Adaptive cruise control was a great help in adjusting speed throughout the journey. The lane-keeping assistant helped keep the driver in lane, making long trips safer. The automatic emergency braking system intervened in unexpected situations to reduce the risk of collision. These safety features made the GT version an excellent choice for both daily use and long-distance travel.

The Peugeot 408 GT was also impressive regarding fuel economy. It offered efficient performance both in the city and on long journeys. This meant fewer stops during long trips.