Peugeot has dropped the first official teaser for the upcoming 408, confirming both the name and a June debut for the crossover fastback. The compact model, initially rumored to be called 4008, has been caught testing by our spy photographers, showing its unconventional silhouette that signals a departure from the previous 408 series of sedans and station wagons. The teaser shows a bit of the front grille, sporting a similar design to the 308 hatchback and the 3008 SUV, but with vertically-oriented body-colored elements. We can see a small portion of the aggressively styled LED headlights, Peugeot’s new emblem, and the 408 lettering above the grille.
The automaker says that the new 408 is “a
new species of Peugeot”, which “combines the characteristic codes of SUVs with
a dynamic Fastback silhouette”. Other automakers simply call this body-style a
coupe-crossover. This fits what we saw in the earlier spy shots, with
prototypes combining increased ground clearance with a heavily inclined
roofline and a long rear overhang.
Peugeot hasn’t given us details on the
underpinnings, but the 408 will most likely sit on a stretched version of the
EMP2 platform, similar to the Citroen C5 X flagship. Judging from the grille,
the 408 will come with a combustion engine under the bonnet. The press release
talks about “high efficiency”, in line with the rumors about an electrified
powertrain range. Under the hood of the upcoming Peugeot 408, we expect a
series of plug-in hybrid powertrains with a combined output of anywhere between
177 hp and 355 hp. Entry-level models might
get a new mild-hybrid 1.2-liter Puretech engine. Additionally, we shouldn’t
rule out a fully electric Peugeot e-408, since the e-308 and Opel Astra-e set
to arrive in 2023 have proven that the EMP2 platform is compatible with EVs.
We will learn more about the new 408
during its premiere towards the end of June. Peugeot states that the new
addition to the range will be a global model which means it won’t be limited to
Europe but will be offered in other international markets as well.
