Don’t call it suv. Don’t call it a sedan. nor station wagon. Call it the Peugeot 408. The new model of the transalpine brand makes its online debut and does so by inaugurating a new market segment that winks at the world of segment C fastbacks despite a length of almost 4.70 meters. All this by offering content with features close to the premium world and offering a range of multi-energy engines. Specifically, the 408 will arrive in dealerships in two 180 and 225 horsepower plug-in hybrid versions and a 130 horsepower PureTech petrol version; all three combined as standard with an 8-speed Eat8 automatic gearbox. A 100% electric version will also be presented in a few months. The wide range of engines is linked to the use of the modular EMP2 platform, the same used for example on the Peugeot 3008 and central to the development of the new Stellantis, while diesel engines will not arrive despite 50% of future customers – as confirmed by the Peugeot leaders. to a direct question from Il Sole 24 Ore – it will come from the fleet world. Aesthetically, the 408 will not go unnoticed, thanks to a breakthrough design characterized by decisive lines and a strong family feeling with the Peugeot range starting from LED matrix headlights and rear LED headlights with the characteristic three claws.
Climbing on board you are greeted by the new digital instrument panel, just above the steering wheel, integrating a 10-inch digital screen starting from the Allure level. In the GT version, the instrument panel is available with 3D technology. Fully customizable, the display has different viewing modes (3D Connected Navigation with TomTom trafic services, Radio / Media, ADAS driving aids, energy flows and more) directly modifiable from the multifunction control. The construction of the dashboard is based on the “high-vent” architecture, already seen on 308, which positions the air conditioning diffusers in front of the occupants’ heads. With this setting, the standard 10-inch touchscreen becomes more comfortable to use.
In addition to the Eat8 gearbox with ratios that can be inserted using the various buttons, there is a driving mode selector that allows the driver to select various modes: Electric, Hybrid, Eco, Normal and Sport (depending on the engine). In terms of life on board, the 408 is equipped as standard with a rear seat divided into 2 parts (60/40) and equipped with a ski space.
In the GT version, there is an immediate folding system of the 2 segments of the rear backrest by operating two controls that are easily accessible from the sides of the luggage compartment. With both rear backrests folded forward, the load capacity goes from 536 to 1,611 liters (including 36 liters of storage under the luggage compartment mat in the versions with heat engine).
Always with the compartment folded down, you can load an object up to 1.89 meters long. The motorized rear hatch is standard which can also be opened “foot”. Going into the details of the engines offered, the hybrid versions are equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 12.4 kWh and a power of 102 kW. There are two types of on-board chargers: a 3.7 kW single-phase charger is standard, and a 7.4 kW single-phase charger as an option.