
Peugeot 408's transmission is manufactured by Aisin. Established in 1969, Aisin is a world-renowned professional developer and manufacturer of automotive automatic transmissions. In the field of automotive automatic transmissions, Aisin's products hold the world's highest market share. The Peugeot 408 uses either a 6-speed automatic manual transmission or a 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The automatic manual transmission has eight forward gears. Essentially, an automatic manual transmission is a traditional AT or CVT transmission with added manual shifting functionality, designed to enhance the driving pleasure of automatic vehicles. When using the Peugeot 408's transmission in daily driving, pay attention to the following points: Do not delay transmission fluid changes for extended periods. Prolonged failure to change the transmission fluid can damage internal components such as bearings and the housing. Avoid prolonged coasting in neutral. While driving manual transmission vehicles, many experienced drivers coast in neutral, but for automatic transmission vehicles, this can cause the transmission to overheat and produce a jolt when shifting back into D. Avoid shifting into D/R before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Many drivers, aiming for smooth operation, shift into reverse while the vehicle is still moving, which can significantly damage the transmission gears and lead to gear grinding over time. Do not frequently climb steep slopes in D. On steep inclines, automatic vehicles may overheat due to high load or shift prematurely, resulting in insufficient power. In such cases, use manual mode to lock in lower gears or sport mode to protect the transmission. Do not tow over long distances. If an automatic vehicle breaks down, use a flatbed tow truck to move it onto the platform while in N, rather than using a tow rope or direct vehicle towing.

The Dongfeng Peugeot 408 is typically equipped with an automatic transmission, especially the newer models. Several friends of mine who drive this car mentioned using a 6-speed automatic transmission, such as the Aisin A6F4 model, which provides a very smooth driving experience with almost imperceptible gear shifts—a feature particularly noticeable in congested urban areas. The automatic transmission design saves a lot of effort, making it easier for novice drivers to handle. There may be variations between different model years; for example, post-2020 models are mostly standard with automatic transmissions, while older versions might offer manual transmission options. The transmission's durability is also commendable, with friends reporting no major issues even after three to five years of use, aside from occasional reminders for regular oil changes and maintenance.

As a prospective owner, I researched the transmission options of the 408 before choosing it. Most configurations are automatic, with the latest model featuring a 6-speed design that eliminates the hassle of manual operation. This not only enhances comfort but also improves fuel efficiency during highway cruising, saving nearly 1 liter per 100 kilometers on average. Compared to similarly priced models like the Volkswagen Lavida, Peugeot's transmission responds more sensitively, providing steadier acceleration from a standstill. Before purchasing, I consulted with the 4S store salesperson and confirmed that the automatic transmission is easy to maintain with low servicing costs. In short, this choice has made my daily commute much easier, especially when traveling with family, offering peace of mind.

From a technical perspective, the 408 mostly features automatic transmissions, such as a 6-speed torque converter, which uses computer control to optimize shift timing and engine output. Simply put, it automatically adjusts gears based on vehicle speed and load to minimize power loss. Average drivers only need to know it's hassle-free to drive, without requiring specialized maintenance knowledge. Peugeot has also optimized the cooling system to reduce overheating risks and extend lifespan.


