O Peugeot 408 The latest member of the new trend: Saloon crossover..The brand itself does it Fastback — A term that has a history of identifying hatchback bodies, but the roofline “quickly” descends backwards — to distinguish it from other bodies. crossover And SUV.
The technical foundation is the same as the Citroen C5X — the EMP2 platform — and the bodywork itself has much in common with the crossover of this type of gene from vans, SUVs and 5-door saloons.
Visually, the accumulation of profile edges and the wide hood surrounded by the high side are impressive. The front is dominated by a huge body-colored grille and thin front optics (matrix LED technology makes this possible), and the rear bumper cutout is “reversed”.
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As the name implies, the new Peugeot 408 is located between the C segment 308 and the D segment 508. Peugeot claims to be at the top of the C segment.
The wheelbase is the same as the “Cousin” Citroen C5X (2787 mm), but Peugeot gave the 408 a slightly sportier image.
Therefore, knowing that it is important to make it wider and lower in height, it is about 12 cm (4687 mm) shorter, 3.3 cm (1848 mm) wider, and almost 1 cm (1478 mm) lower. The behavior is excellent.
But, of course, suspension tuning isn’t just because there’s a lot to say about this issue.And even if it’s the same hardwareFrench engineers admit that they focused on efficiency in the corners rather than promoting the area of comfort that is characteristic of Citroën. For this reason, Peugeot’s ground clearance is 6mm lower.
Hybrid only Plugin And petrol
The engine range matches the C5X range — see the first contact in the video below — but add a second hybrid option Plugin Not very powerful. That is, there is no diesel offer.
Access engines include a 130 horsepower 3-cylinder 1.2 liter and two hybrids. Plugin The maximum total output is 180hp (options not available on the C5 X) and 225hp.
Both hybrids Plugin It combines a 1.6 l PureTech petrol engine (150 hp in the first case, 180 hp in the second case) with a 110 hp electric motor (front).
Peugeot 408 hybrid Plugin It uses a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery (8 years or with a 160,000 km warranty) to enable an electrical range of approximately 55 km. In completely clean mode, the 408’s top speed is limited to 135 km / h.
The on-board charger comes standard with 3.7 kW of power, and customers can choose the 7.4 kW (both single-phase) for an additional fee. The total charging time of the battery ranges from 7.5 hours (standard 8 Ah socket), 3.5 hours (3.7 kW enhanced 16 Ah socket), and 1 hour 55 minutes (wall box, 7.4 kW).
The dynamic style is characterized by the increased presence of wrinkles.
Another feature is the fact that the new Peugeot 408 does not have a manual gearbox version, only an 8-speed automatic gearbox. And, despite its appearance, there is no all-wheel drive version of even the traction control system that makes it easier for Peugeot to move on the more difficult surfaces that its SUV has.
In the first quarter of 2023, a few months after it hits the market, it will be reinforced with a 100% electric version, similar to the Peugeot 308.
Bet on i-Cockpit remains
Inside, there is a new 308 interior. This also uses i-Cockpit. It features a Lilliput steering wheel with an upper rim under the instrumentation, assuming certain features. Head-up display — So there is one in the Citroën C5 X, not in the Peugeot 408.
The interior is actually modeled after the new 308.
The digital instrument panel is 10 inches and can be customized in addition to various presentation modes such as navigation, radio / media, assistive systems, energy flow and more. The GT version also has 3D effects already known from the recent 308.
In the center of the dashboard is the central infotainment screen. It’s also 10 inches, a little lower than the instrumentation and aimed at the driver.
Digital instrument panel that is 3D with 408GT.
Below that is a digital switch for direct access to frequently used features. smartphoneThis is done wirelessly and you can connect the two at the same time.
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The lower center console has an automatic gearbox control. In the hybrid version, it is in the “B” position for better energy recovery, and in gasoline it is in the M position for manual gear changes. In addition, the electric and hybrid of the operation mode selector: eco, normal, sports, Peugeot 408 hybrid have been added. Plugin..
As we saw in the new 308, the 408 also employs i-toggles, a group of hotkeys integrated into the tactile surface.
Space for all and everyone
Like the C5 X, the rear interior space is wide, and the three adult occupants in the rear are a bit “fit”, especially long, but slightly limited in height. Body in transition to a large backgate.
Insulation is provided by using a thicker front window than usual for Peugeot (3.85mm), and more equipped versions have double glazing on the front window.
The luggage compartment has a capacity of 536 to 1611 liters (including the 36 liters available on the luggage compartment floor) and can carry objects up to 1.89 m in length when the backseat of the backseat is asymmetrically or fully folded. increase.
It’s a very generous amount, but slightly smaller than the longer Citroen (545-1640 liters).
These are the volumes of the petrol engine only version.hybrid Plugin The components of the electric propulsion system raise the luggage compartment floor by 4 cm, resulting in a loss of approximately 60 liters of capacity.
When will you arrive?
Sales of the new Peugeot 408 in Portugal will begin in the first quarter of 2023 and will be produced in France (Mulhouse). This is an Asian market, unlike the first Citroen C5 X imported from Chengdu, China.
The price hasn’t been defined yet, so of course it’s not too far from the price of our Citroen C5X, which starts at around 35,000 euros at the most affordable 1.2 and goes up to nearly 45,000 euros. hybrid. Plugin Of 225 horsepower.