June 22nd 2022
The Peugeot 408 is a sedan version of the 308 hatchback, available in China for a long time. It recently got a refresh in the People’s Republic, but the images you see here are not of that car. The French automaker has repurposed the nameplate for Europe. For the Old Continent, the company has introduced the 408 Fastback, with some distinct features.
The 2023 Peugeot 408 is underpinned on the Stellantis’ EMP2 platform, shared with the 308 hatchback and wagon. However, the automaker says the 408 is a more refined machine slotted “at the top of the C-segment.”
Exterior
Whatever you think about this design, we say it is dramatic and eye-catching. In other words, it is a jacked-up wagon with a diving roofline for an unusual body with various lines and curves.
It is 4,687 millimeters (184.5 inches) long, which makes it a little longer than the conventionally designed 308 SW. The 1,859 mm (73.2 in) width and 1,478 mm (58.2 in) height, along with a 2,787 mm (109.7 in) wheelbase are almost the same as the 308 wagon.
There is a huge cargo space with a total capacity of 536 liters (almost 19 cubic feet) with the rear seats intact or up to 1,611 liters (56.9 cu ft) with them folded. These figures are for the petrol-powered variant. Please note that boot space is lower than the 308 because of the vehicle’s dramatic styling.
Interior
The interior is highly upscale and mostly borrowed from the 308. It is not bad because the cabin gives us a feel of a highly luxurious car. The displays include two 10-inch screens – one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment. Other prominent features include the automaker’s signature steering wheel, and an exclusive 10-speaker sound system, which took three years to complete.
Powertrain
The 2023 Peugeot 408 will be accessible with two plug-in hybrid powertrains at the start. Both powertrains feature an eight-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels and an electric motor creating 109 horsepower (81 kilowatts). Both have the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine but they produce different power outputs – 150 hp and 180 hp.
The combined power output for the lesser PHEV is 180 hp (133 kW) and 360 Newton-meters (265 pound-feet) of torque. The more powerful variant generates 225 hp (165 kW) and the same torque.
The entry-level 408 Fastback will be available with a three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol mill pumping out 130 hp (96 kW) and 230 Nm (169 lb-ft) of torque. The power goes to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Although Peugeot has no plans to produce a diesel variant, they are working on the EV derivative.
The company will start its production at the Mulhouse plant in France at the start of next year. Peugeot will also produce the 408 Fastback for Chinese markets at its plant in Chengdu. The Electric variant should arrive after the introduction of petrol-powered and hybrid-electric-powered models.
With the automaker already offering 308 SW and 3008, will the 408 Fastback be able to attract buyers? Well, the time would be the best judge.
Source and Images: Motor1