Peugeot's got a new 408 in the works but it isn't the sedan we grew familiar with here
Dinesh · Jun 1, 2022 05:25 PM
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Peugeots don’t have the best of reputations over here but much like all quirky brands, it has its loyalists and we’re pretty sure they’ll be delighted (as will specialist Peugeot workshop owners) to hear that there’s a new Peugeot 408 set for a 22 June reveal.
Spy shots online and Peugeot themselves have confirmed that it won’t take the shape of a traditional sedan but will instead “combine the characteristic codes of SUVs with a dynamic fastback silhouette.”
That sounds great and all but we were hoping to instead have it combine with the “reliability of Japanese cars” in whatever shape and size.
If you’re having trouble picturing the shape, think something along the lines of the old Honda Accord Tourer, something like a high-riding fastback sedan silhouette.
China still sells the 408 but it's an extended wheelbase 308 and will duly be renamed once the real 408 debuts.
Peugeot says the 408 will slot between the 308 hatchback and Peugeot 3008 SUV in its line-up. Furthermore, seeing that it’s being promoted in the UK and Italy, expect this new one to be a global model instead of the previous sedan that was an Asia/Middle East model only.
Thus far, all we’ve got is a close-up of the front grille that features an evolution of the current grille design. You’ll notice the horizontal lines remain body-coloured and become thicker as the grille extends towards the side.
Considering its position in the line-up, it’s unsurprising that the new 408 will share underpinnings with the 308 and 3008, therefore meaning that the same powertrains should be carried over as well as part of the Stellanttis EMP2 architecture.
That includes pure-combustion and plug-in hybrid powertrains that would likely comprise two plug-in hybrids, a 1.5-litre diesel and a 1.2-litre petrol in two states of tune as found in the 308.
Nonetheless, the 308 will be offered in a pure-electric variant come 2023, possibly indicating that the new 408 will follow suit because lest we forget, Peugeot plans to go all-electric by 2030.
Lastly, Peugeot acknowledges that the 408 nomenclature is already used in the Chinese market for an extended-wheelbase version of the 308. That model will continue to be sold but a differentiator will be employed when the new 408 is launched to avoid confusion.
“Better late than never.” Some despise it, others begrudgingly agree with it but he swears by it… much to the chagrin of everyone around him. That unfortunately stems from all of his project cars not running most of the time, which in turn is testament to his questionable decision-making skills in life. A culmination of many wrongs fortunately making a right; much like his project cars on the rare occasions they run, he’s still trying to figure out if another project car is the way to go.
