Peugeot teases an all-new model on social media, which is set to feature a pseudo-SUV fastback shape
- Swoopy fastback design
- Plug-in hybrid powertrains confirmed
- Due to be revealed in late June 2022
Peugeot is set to fill the numerical gap in its lineup with an all-new model called the 408. Teased in a post on social media, this new plug-in hybrid car will sit between the 308 hatchback and 508 saloon, and is set to be fully revealed at the end of June.
Detailed further in a blog post on the brand’s website, the Peugeot 408 is described to “combine the characteristic codes of SUVs with a dynamic Fastback silhouette.” Peeling back the automotive marketing jargon, this reveals that the 408 will in fact be very similar in concept to the Citroen C4, with a sloping, saloon-like roofline, a hatchback tailgate and the raised suspension of an SUV.
This explains the 408’s model name; Peugeot’s cars are typically given the ‘08 suffix, whereas the brand’s SUVs are labelled ‘008. The 408 is then likely to challenge both traditional family hatchbacks and SUVs thanks to its fastback shape, with potential rivals such as the Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus, as well as the Renault Arkana and Toyota C-HR.
We expect the 408 to share many of its parts with the 308, despite being slightly larger. Given that Peugeot is billing the 408 primarily as a plug-in hybrid, it’ll likely use the same powertrain as the 308 PHEV: a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol hybrid unit that produces 178bhp or 222bhp, depending on specification. Both provide the 308 with up-to 37 miles of pure-electric range, although we expect this figure to diminish slightly in the bulkier 408.
Peugeot claims the 408 is aimed at those for “whom the automobile is a pleasure”. This potentially hints at a performance-oriented Peugeot Sport Engineered model; a detuned version of the 335bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain from the 508 PSE could be used here, giving the French marque a rival to the Volkswagen Golf GTE.
Nonetheless, Peugeot has already announced a fully-electric variant of the 308, dubbed the e-308, and it is not unlikely that we may see an e-408 at some stage as well. The e-308 will utilise a 54kWh battery, alongside a 154bhp electric motor to provide around 250 miles of range. This figure, just like in the PHEV, would be smaller in the 408, unless a larger battery is fitted.
What does this mean for car buyers?
As the SUV craze continues, more and more manufacturers are trying to find ways to draw in customers who may not be entirely convinced by bulky 4x4s. The new Peugeot 408 is a relatively niche product at face value, as its sleek looks will inevitably demand a premium over the 308. However, this price difference could well dictate the car’s success; we expect the new car to start from around £35,000, which would put it around £2,000 more than the equivalent 308 hatch. Competitive finance deals will be key to the 408’s popularity; however, low running costs and Benefit-in-Kind tax ratings will certainly make it appealing to company car drivers.
Keyword: New plug-in hybrid Peugeot 408 Fastback announced