Peugeot: The new 408 is a real crossover 🎥
COMPACT AND BIG The new Peugeot 408 is right at the top of the compact class. Numerous innovations stand out in the design and equipment, but the car remains conservative in the powertrain.
The new mid-size representative from Peugeot, which the manufacturer calls a fastback sedan, seems to want to unite the body concepts sedan, coupe, station wagon and SUV. With a length of 4.69 meters and a large wheelbase of 2.79 meters, it has proportions like an electric car, and with the black wheel arches and side sills, it looks more like a crossover.
The radiator grille with the new lion's head logo is in the same color as the body. It is delineated on the side by the characteristic Peugeot light signature. Six paint colors are available and the wheel sizes are 17, 19 and 20 inches depending on the equipment. Customers can choose between Allure, Allure Pack and GT.
Voice commands respond to "OK Peugeot''
The 408 offers plenty of space on the comfortable front seats, but especially also on the rear seats, even for tall people. The backrest of the rear seat bench is split 40:60, and the luggage compartment holds 471 to 1545 liters.
The interior is dominated by the i-Cockpit with a new small steering wheel, which is flattened at the top and bottom and contains the controls for the multimedia system and some driver assistance systems. A total of 30 assistance systems ensure greater safety and comfort. Driving and vehicle information is displayed by the instrument cluster in the driver's direct field of vision and by the 10-inch multimedia touchscreen at the front of the center console. Below the large touch areas for the main functions is a row of configurable i-toggles. After calling "OK Peugeot,'' the system responds to voice commands, and the smartphone can of course be charged wirelessly.
Combination turbo gasoline engine and electric
The basic engine on offer is the Puretech 130 S&S EAT8 model, with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine delivering 230 Nm and 130 hp. Two plug-in hybrid variants, the 180 e-EAT8 and 225 e-EAT8, complete the range: combinations of 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engines (150 or 180 hp) with an 81-kW electric motor and a lithium-ion battery housed above the rear axle.
The Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 drive version is powerful enough to be fast and comfortable on the road. In sport mode, the front-wheel drive is also impressive in terms of driving dynamics. Around 60 kilometers can be covered purely on electric power. However, recuperation on cross-country trips is modest, even in the designated B mode.
The pure Stromer comes later
The first deliveries of the 408 Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 version will take place from February at prices starting at 51 100 (Allure Pack) and 53 600 francs (GT). The Hybrid 180 (48 100 Swiss francs) and Puretech 130 (43 000 Swiss francs) variants will follow somewhat later, and the fully electric model will have to wait even longer.
