Peugeot parent company Stellantis sees a C-Crossover as a plug-in hybrid in front of the Peugeot 408 in its roadmap for 2023. The new series will be available from the beginning of 2023. You can order now.
The crossover model in the style of an SUV coupe rolls off the assembly line at the French plant in Mulhouse and is based on the EMP2 platform "Efficient Modular Platform", which was developed by PSA in cooperation with Toyota and since 2013 is in use - e.g. for C4 Picasso, Opel Astra or the new Peugeot 308
When the development of the current compact series under the internal abbreviation P5 started in 2015, the first design model was the study for a crossover with hatchback. Only then did the designers and engineers work on the 308 as a compact five-door and the 308 SW station wagon. Both have been on the market in their current form since 2022. Even the model designation of the third variant shows the intention of the Peugeot 408: It is intended to appeal to customers who feel they have outgrown the compact class and for whom the 3008 as an SUV is not an option. At the same time, the newcomer should keep its distance from the established middle class in the form of the Peugeot 508.
Mid-size crossover
With a length of 4.69 meters, the Peugeot 408 is just below the format of its big brother, is five centimeters longer than the 308 SW (4.64 meters) and also towers over the 3008 (4 .45 meters) clearly. At 1.62 meters, it is significantly higher than the 408, whose roof line runs 1.48 centimeters above the ground.
It quickly becomes clear: the newcomer is above all long. The axles are 2.79 meters apart, and the wheelbase has been stretched by six centimeters compared to the station wagon. Unlike other cars with a gently sloping roof, the line on the Peugeot 408 falls well behind the B-pillar. This also underscores the length growth of the car visually.
A ground clearance of 19 centimeters and black plastic strips on the side skirts and wheel arches play creatively with the popular crossover theme. An interesting detail is the plastic bumper at the rear that looks like it has been put on. It not only ensures a concise visual finish, but is also practical. The unpainted component is in the area endangered by parking bumps, so unsightly paint damage can be averted here if the worst comes to the worst.
Petrol and hybrid, electric 408 follows
The base model will be the petrol 408 Pure Tech 130 with a 131 hp 1.2 liter three-cylinder petrol engine. The plug-in hybrid ranks higher in two performance levels with system outputs of 180 and 225 hp. The electric motor is the same for both variants, delivering a maximum of 81 kW (110 hp). The difference lies in the 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, which contributes 150 hp in the weaker hybrid and 180 hp in the more powerful plug-in model. The lithium-ion battery has a storage capacity of 12.4 kWh.All three engine variants come standard with an eight-speed automatic converter.
There will be no diesel engines in the Peugeot 408. For markets outside Europe, the French are planning another petrol engine with 215 hp under the designation THP 215. With us, probably from 2024, a 408 with battery-electric drive will complete our model portfolio. The group has already announced the closely related compact models DS 4, Opel Astra and Peugeot 308/308 SW with electric drives.
Although it will still be a few months before the Peugeot 408 is launched, we have already been able to take a look at the new model. The car sits in the sun on the roof of the Stellantis design center in Paris, painted in the new exterior color "Obsession Blue".
Peugeot 408 in check
Despite the many beads and edges, the design is by no means wild, but very harmonious. The front with the large radiator grille, whose details reach into the side of the bumper, corresponds to the current face of the brand. From the 308 he takes over the lion logos on the flanks. Under the flatter A-pillars, they are not attached to the front fenders of the Peugeot 408, but to the doors. The exhibition vehicle has large 20-inch rims that are striking with their asymmetrical design. They should be offered as an option, the base model should be on 17-inch wheels.
The interior shows the cockpit known from the current compact series. Above the sufficiently small steering wheel you can see digital instruments, which are also available in 3D depending on the version. The ten-inch touchscreen monitor for the infotainment system is also well known. Under its display, Peugeot groups virtual buttons called "i-Toggles". They can be booked individually. After configuring these shortcuts, you can call the office, start navigation or control the connected smartphone with the touch of a finger.
New for the 408 is the wireless integration of Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The smartphone can therefore be placed in the inductive charging cradle in front of the automatic dial knob without a USB connection disturbing the order.
The driver and front passenger have enough space in all directions, the feeling of space corresponds to that in the 308 and 308 SW. New horizons appear in the rear. Thanks to the long wheelbase and the higher roof line, the new Peugeot 408 can easily be stamped with the "space miracle" stamp here at the back. While the compact brothers in the second row are a little tight on knee room, even tall people find feudal space in the 408. The headroom also gives no cause for criticism. For families with adult children, the Peugeot 408 is clearly the first choice over the larger 508. The boot volume behind the large flap is also impressive. The petrol engine swallows 536 liters when the backrest of the rear seat bench is raised, a maximum of 1,611 liters fit in.In the plug-in hybrids, the battery takes up parts of the basement compartment in the load compartment, where the volume drops to 476 liters.
Market launch in early 2023
The new Peugeot 408 can now be ordered in the Allure Pack and GT equipment variants. Prices start at 38,800 euros for the 131 hp petrol engine. The 225 hp plug-in hybrid drive, which is also available in combination with a limited First Edition, is also already available. Here the price list starts at 51,050 euros. The second, 180 hp PHEV-408 will then start in early 2023. A fully electric version is to be added later.
Conclusion
The Peugeot 408 brings a new facet to the brand's model range. Above all, the space available in the second row and the trunk volume, which is only slightly below the station wagon 308 SW, should make the new crossover model the first choice for families. At the beginning of 2023, the 408 will start as a petrol engine and plug-in hybrid, with an electric version following later.
