The Peugeot 2024 408 coupe jumped into the hottest design trend of today to create a crossover. The closest concept competitors to the new c-segment family car are the Renault Arkana and its sister Citroen C5 X, but the 408 also faces traditional rivals such as the Skoda Octavia and Ford Focus, proving that buyers need non-premium cars. boring.
The 408, as the name suggests, can be between 308 hatchbacks and 508 sedans in size and price, but Peugeot has not yet confirmed how much it will cost when European and Chinese sales begin in early 2024. But the starting point is about a good rate of around £ 28,000 / € 32,000 for the starting level of PureTech 1.2.
Stellantis’ new STLA Medium architecture will not be ready for release until 2024, so the 408 will work with an updated version of the EMP platform found in the current Peugeot. Its dimensions are 184.7 inches (4,690 mm) from start to finish, and the very long 109.7-inch (2,787 mm) wheelbase is almost identical to the C5 X and makes the 408 the widest Peugeot, the company said. Both the 408 and C5 X are 59 inches (1500 mm) taller than the 63-69-inch (1640-1750 mm) SUVs.
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The 408 is not just a C5 X with a badge. It has four doors compared to a regular sedan, a sporty rear and the same basic layout of the raised clearance. But Peugeot has a body panel that is characterized by a different look, a different rear window design, a square rear style and more reliable lines.
The black upholstery on the bumpers, wheels and under the doors tries to be a little more entertaining, while the ultra-thin LED headlights bring that sad look to the previous design. The rear styling with the Subaru WRX-style “diaper” rear bumper is less fun, but the two “cat ears” (Peugeot word) mounted on top of the C pillars to optimize airflow in the rear are certainly eye-catching. .
During start-up, the hybrid power units are connected with pure EV
Like the C5 X, the main engine is a 1.2-liter PureTech triad, which produces 128 hp. (130 horsepower) and controls the front wheels with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It doesn’t say how fast the Peugeot 408 is, but a Citroen with the same power switch has to travel very slowly from 10.4 seconds to 62 mph (100 km / h), so if you have an ounce of gas (or amperes). If you have roots, you may want to upgrade to one of the PHEV devices.
Both combine with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder PureTech with an 81 kW (109 hp / 110 PS) electric motor, again driving the front wheels with only an eight-speed car. But the gas-powered version of the 408 Hybrid 225 is 178 hp before the electric boost. (180 PS), while the Hybrid 180 is only 148 hp. (150 PS). These 180 and 225 model names represent the overall performance of the system in metric horsepower in each case, which is 178 hp. and 222 hp. Citroen doesn’t offer us a sub-version to help fill in the gaps in performance statistics in Peugeot press releases, but we do know that the 225-equipped C5 X can reach a top speed of 62 mph in 7.9 seconds.
Also, according to Peugeot’s launch information, these PHEV vehicles do not have an electric drive range. Maybe Peugeot doesn’t have the latest numbers. Or it was too embarrassing to talk about it. Looking back at the C5 X, we can expect the WLTP rating to be about 34-38 miles (55-61 km), but only 25-30 in actual use. Charging a 12.4 kWh battery with a standard 3.7 kWh on-board charger takes 3 hours and 50 minutes, but if you choose an additional 7.4 kW charger, it can be reduced to 1 hour 55 minutes. The all-electric 408 will be added later, Peugeot said.
Great interior full of technology
Peugeot interiors are the most stylish in the non-premium sector, and the 408 does not disappoint in this regard. You get the company’s i-Cockpit brand, which now consists of a small steering wheel and a digital instrument display mounted on it. It is paired with a 10-inch center touchscreen mounted lower on the console, but is further pulled toward the driver to make it easier to access.
The exact specifications vary depending on the finishing varieties and markets, but buyers who really want to cheat the 408 can opt for massage chairs, Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic roof and a 690 watt hifi from the French brand Focal Audio. Peugeot provides you with a security kit, gadget calling, adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go function, 360-degree parking assistance with four cameras and night vision. The Drive Assist 2.0 package, which arrives a few months after launch, provides a semi-automatic lane change function, possibly after the driver presses the turn signal shaft.
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