Peugeot 408 vs smart #3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Peugeot 408 starts from $57,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #3 opens at $57,900. That makes the smart #3 the more affordable entry point by $90.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $63,789 and $63,690 respectively.
The smart #3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Peugeot 408, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Peugeot 408 and smart #3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 79% for the Peugeot 408 and 90% for the smart #3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #3 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Peugeot 408.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Peugeot 408 and 7 in the smart #3.
Feature Showdown
The Peugeot 408 features a 10-inch touchscreen, while the smart #3 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Peugeot 408 stands out with Focal audio that you will not find on the smart #3. The smart #3 counters with heated front seats and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Peugeot 408 uses a Hybrid producing 100kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 seconds.
The smart #3 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The smart #3 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #3 is 3.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Peugeot 408 measures 4,690mm long on a 2,790mm wheelbase, 290mm longer than the smart #3 at 4,400mm (2,785mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Peugeot 408 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 508L in the Peugeot 408 and 260L in the smart #3, giving the Peugeot 408 a 248L advantage.
For towing, the smart #3 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.5m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 200,000km (Peugeot 408) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Peugeot 408 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Peugeot's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #3 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Peugeot 408 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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