UPDATE: 2023 Peugeot 408 details firm for Australia, plug-in hybrid likely
The upcoming 2023 Peugeot 408 part-sedan, part-SUV has inched closer to its Australian launch – and a plug-in hybrid option is looking likely.
Government homologation documents reveal the Peugeot 408 crossover will be offered in two trims – Allure and GT – with identical powertrains to the related 308 hatch.
This includes a 97kW/230Nm 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol, and a 1.6-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid. The documents reveal the petrol mill will be available in Allure and GT grades, while the PHEV will be limited to the flagship GT.
As detailed below, the hybrid features a 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor, with a 132kW/360Nm total system output and a WLTP-rated 67-kilometre electric-only driving range.
A fully-electric e-408 variant is also set to launch next year – but it has yet to be locked in for Australia.
The 2023 Peugeot 408 is expected to launch locally in the second half of the year, with exact timing to be announced closer to its arrival.
Our earlier story, below, continues unchanged.
Jordan Hickey
The story to here
June 22, 2022: 2023 Peugeot 408 revealed, Australian launch confirmed
Snapshot
- Peugeot 408 revealed for international market
- High-riding fastback will come to Australia
- Local launch likely to take place next year
The 2023 Peugeot 408 has been revealed, with the French manufacturer’s latest electrified model confirmed for an Australian debut.
A hybrid in more ways than one, the 408 blends fastback sedan design with SUV-like ground clearance, putting it into the crossover category – despite being longer and lower than other Peugeot offerings such as the 3008.
Riding on the Stellantis EMP2 platform, the architecture can also be found under the 308, 508, 3008 and 5008, as well as the new Citroën C4, although Peugeot has gone a bit more radical with the 408’s design than its French counterpart.
A body-coloured grille mimics the design of many of its other models, while its fang-shaped LED light signature gives a striking image – as the 408’s daytime running lights run vertically down from the bottom edge of its headlights to the lower air intakes.
Minor plastic cladding lines the wheel arches, filled with 20-inch wheels which feature a unique and undoubtedly busy design to keep even the best detailers occupied for a decent length of time.
At the rear, a two-part spoiler on either side of the window leads down to a lipped hatch, incorporating three-claw LED lights on both sides.
Inside the cabin, occupants are met with the latest generation of the Peugeot i-Cockpit, highlighted by its relatively small steering wheel, thin 10-inch digital guage cluster and controls angled towards the driver.
A 10-inch infotainment screen is paired with a 10+1 Focal sound system, which was developed over a three-year period for the 408 specifically, while safety tech such as adapative cruise control with stop and go, night vision, long-range blind-spot monitoring and rear traffic alert are fitted as standard.
The 408’s boot measures up at 536 litres and can expand to 1611 litres with the rear seats folded down. When the back seats are up, rear occupants can enjoy 188 millimetres of leg room thanks to its 2.79-metre wheelbase.
Boasting a kerb weight of just under 1400 kilograms (1396kg to be exact), three powertrains coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission will be offered in the 408 globally – a 1.2-litre 97kW petrol engine, a 134kW plug-in hybrid and the range-topping 168kW plug-in hybrid.
Both hybrids will feature electric motors and 12.4kWh batteries, while a fully-electric variant is also set to also launch in the future – likely adopting the e-408 moniker.
“It is with great excitement I can confirm that the new Peugeot 408 will launch in Australia,” said Peugeot Australia’s Managing Director, Kate Gillis.
“We are currently working closely with the factory on launch timings for our market and look forward to sharing more information in due course.”
European production of the 408 will begin early next year in Mulhouse, France, with Australian-bound models expected to come from its home factory rather than the Chengdu plant in China.
Wheels will provide updates when Peugeot announces local pricing and features for the 408.
Keyword: 2023 Peugeot 408 crossover: Everything we know