By adopting a path of evolution of a best-selling design, the new one is presented Peugeot 408, a sedan with the aesthetics of a crossover coupe. In the Lion’s list it will coexist with the 308 and will be halfway between the latter and the 3008. A sedan that has an SUV look that once again gives a twist to a design that has triumphed in recent years.
With this Peugeot 408, the French company covers all segments of the market, from compact and traditional sedans to popular SUVs. How? I offer a vehicle halfway between one and the other to amaze an audience that loves solid and robust shapes. It will also come with a wide and highly electrified technological equipment.
Reinventing the formula
The last few years have been a real success for Peugeot. His risky designs have focused on very marked volumes and a sign very representative: its vertical optical groups reminiscent of the lion’s fangs on the shield. Now, the Peugeot 408 wants to give yet another turning point. According to the brand, a Peugeot has never been seen as sharp as this one.
The bodywork appears more voluminous than it actually is. In profile it closely resembles the new Citroën ë-C4. With its 4.69 meters in length and 1.48 in height, it exceeds the Peugeot 308 by just over three centimeters. Naturally, in length it is close to the large sedan of the French house, remaining six centimeters below the 508. It is therefore an alternative for those looking for an SUV look without sacrificing the smaller dimensions of a sedan.
Rimane i-cockpit
Inside, the structure of the i-cockpit is maintained. In other words, we find once again the essential distinctive features of this design language: a steering wheel flattened at the top and bottom, a raised dashboard and a central infotainment screen facing the driver. The central keypad for climate control is retained.
The dashboard screen is 10 inches and features 3D technology. It is accompanied by a central twin, also 10-inch, which also has a small touch strip of colored buttons underneath. This space was called i-toggle and is used to customize the recurring shortcuts in the infotainment system, thus showing the apps you use often.
In addition to the connection via Bluetooth for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the new Peugeot 408 also supports a second wireless connection for another phone. It also features of four USB Type-C sockets and wireless charging. Peugeot highlights the ease of use and configuration of its screens, with an arrangement of its applications reminiscent of a tablet. If you prefer navigation directly from the vehicle (and not from Google Maps), the information is offered by a TomTom system.
The voice control “Ok Peugeot” completes the offer. The vehicle can also be converted to a Wi-Fi point and allows the configuration of eight driving profiles. Lovers of crystal clear sound can count on the optional Premium FOCAL Hi-Fi system with 10 speakers.
New Peugeot 408, its engines and driving aids
The arrival of the Peugeot 408 is also confirmation of the enormous electrification of its range. In fact, it will have a single petrol engine. A Puretech 1.2 with three cylinders and 130 HP. This option will be accompanied by two plug-in hybrid versions. Both use an 81 kW (108 hp) electric motor, but the power of the petrol engines changes. Therefore, the more modest option will be fitted with a 150hp Puretech and the top of the range a 180hp Puretech.
At full power, these plug-in hybrid versions add up to 180 and 225 hp. In all cases (including the petrol version) it is configured with front-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission with the well-known gearbox EAT8. A fully electric version will come later, of which no further details have been disclosed.
The battery of the plug-in hybrid versions it has 12.4 kWh and has a power of 102 kW. The fastest charging takes place with a 7.4 kW Wallbox and takes 1 hour and 55 minutes . In the 3.7 kW sockets the time increases to 3 hours and 50 minutes with a reinforced socket and 7 hours and five minutes with a standard socket. Regarding its fully electric range, Peugeot does not provide any information at the moment, as it is still awaiting the vehicle’s WLTP approval.
At the wheel, the technological equipment is truly extensive, with six cameras and nine radars to power its ADAS driver assistance systems. Among them: adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, emergency braking up to 140 km / h with pedestrian and cyclist detection both day and night. It also includes lane warning and lane keeping, rear cross traffic detection and long range blind spot sensor (75 meters).
Latest equipment
In addition, Peugeot announces that it has improved its driver fatigue detection systems and its night vision. This detects pedestrians and animals at night between 200 and 250 meters before they are illuminated by the vehicle. These headlights can be LED Matrix and have high / low beam as standard. In addition, the rear view camera is high definition, has 360 ° parking aids. The mirrors fold down when reverse gear is engaged.
The package of guide semi-autonomous can be expanded with the semi-automatic lane change that offers the driver when change lanes between 70 and 180 km / h. There is also automatic speed adjustment based on the signs on its route. The possibility of including closes the technological offer access and departure with a hands-free function and activation dand the electric boot with your foot.
The new Peugeot 408 will hit the market in 2023 with prices to be revealed prior to arrival in dealerships.