PARIS: The new Peugeot 408 is the first of its kind – a new fastback silhouette at the top of the C segment.
This new age Peugeot combines a unique design and feline stance with engineering excellence focused on efficiency and intelligent electrification, with cutting-edge technologies dedicated to creating an instinctive driving experience.
At the front, a distinctive fang-shaped light signature brings the 408 into line with the rest of the Peugeot family, as do the three-claw LED lights at the rear. An inverted cut-out in the rear bumper also gives the profile a distinctive look.
Advanced Matrix LED lighting technology has made it possible to design very slim headlights, while guaranteeing a very high level of performance.
The grille is focused around the new Peugeot emblem, which conceals the radar required for many of the driving assistance systems and is a sign of the 408's identity.
With a height of 1.48m, a length of 4.69m and a long wheelbase of 2.79m, the new Peugeot 408 provides spacious second row seats with 188mm of knee room.
The boot is also generously sized, with a maximum volume of 536 litres, which can be increased to 1,611 litres with the rear seats folded down.
For its driver and passengers, the new 408 offers the latest generation Peugeot i-Cockpit, recognisable by its compact steering wheel, which is dedicated to driving pleasure and controlled agility.
Emphasis is placed on the quality of the interior space and on connectivity, with the latest technologies making the driving and travelling experience more intuitive and rewarding.
Powered by six cameras and nine radars, a suite of 30 advanced driver assistance systems provide peace of mind and safety. These include:
> Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function
Night Vision, which warns of animals, pedestrians or cyclists in the lane before they appear in the high beam
> Long-range blind spot monitoring (75 metres)
Rear Traffic Alert, which warns of potential hazards when reversing
The Peugeot 408 will be available with a range of powertrains, including two rechargeable plug-in hybrids with 180hp and 225hp respectively, as well as a PureTech 130hp petrol version. All three are coupled to an eight-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox. An all-electric 408 will follow.
The Li-ion battery on both plug-in hybrid versions has a capacity of 12.4kWh and an output of 102kW. Two types of on-board charger are available: a 3.7kW single-phase charger as standard and an optional 7.4 kW single-phase charger.
Efficiency was a key concern for the designers of the new Peugeot 408, since the combination of efforts in terms of aerodynamics, weight reduction (from 1,396kg) and low-emission engines means that the vehicle can now boast remarkably low average energy consumptions (under homologation), both for the hybrids as well as for the 130bhp petrol version.
Developed in partnership with Focal, a French audio specialist, the FOCAL Premium Hi-Fi system in the new Peugeot 408 is the result of more than three years of co-design work. Complete with ARKAMYS digital sound processing, the FOCAL® Premium Hi-Fi system includes 10 speakers with exclusive patented technologies.
Wheels sizes range from 17 to 20 inches while the tyres are Class A rated to improve efficiency by reducing rolling resistance
The new 408 completes Peugeot’s line-up in the highly strategic C segment of compact family vehicles and is positioned at the top end of the C-segment saloon range.
Peugeot has taken a leading position in this segment over the last few years, with the success of the 3008 and 5008 and three generations of 308 hatchbacks and 308 SW estate cars, the latest of which has just been launched.
Most of the new Peugeot 408’s customers will be active couples, who will use their car for personal and professional purposes.
Some will want to move upmarket within the C-segment and buy a larger, more spacious car.
Others will be looking for a more original and innovative silhouette than a more common or family-oriented compact SUV.
And others will appreciate the stature of a large car. All of them will be looking for a contemporary motoring experience, whether for everyday use or for long, comfortable and peaceful journeys with others.
The new Peugeot 408 will come in a choice of six colours: Obsession Blue (new colour to mark the launch of the model), Titanium Grey (new colour), Cumulus Grey (Allure trim only), Elixir Red, Pearl White and Nera Black
The new Peugeot 408 will be available to purchase online, for a 100% digital purchasing experience using Peugeot Buy Online.
Customers can buy, trade-in their old car and finance their new vehicle all from the comfort of their own home or office using a smartphone, tablet or PC. Customers can also opt to have their vehicle delivered to their home.
