The 2023 Peugeot 408 has been revealed – set for an Australian launch sometime after its overseas arrival at the beginning of next year.

Sitting between the 308 hatch and 508 liftback in Peugeot’s range, the 408 takes the shape of a coupe-styled SUV, with a sloping roofline, a higher driving position and a choice of petrol, hybrid, and eventually, all-electric power.

Peugeot has taken the 408’s styling a step beyond the current range, with the brand’s signature ‘claw’ vertical daytime-running lights integrated with matrix LED headlights, a body-coloured grille, and sporty lower air intakes.

At the rear, LED taillights and a black rear bumper that’s designed to ‘visually absorb’ the rear overhang, feature. Minor plastic cladding lines the wheel arches, filled with 20-inch rims boasting a disruptive geometric design.

Measuring 4690mm long, 1480mm tall, and 1859mm wide, the 408 competes in Europe’s C-segment – home to everything from Toyota Corollas to RAV4 in size. Peugeot has provided plenty of legroom for its passengers, as well as a generously sized boot – with a volume of 536 litres, which can be increased to 1.611 litres once the rear seats are folded down.

Inside the cabin, occupants are met with the latest generation of the Peugeot i-Cockpit, recognisable by its compact steering wheel “dedicated to providing pleasure and controlled agility.”

A 10-inch infotainment screen is paired with wireless phone charging, four USB-C ports, ambient LED lighting, an electric panoramic sunroof, hands-free power tailgate, heated windscreen and steering wheel, as well as a 10-speaker Focal sound system, developed specifically for the 408 over a three-year period.

The i-Connect system incorporates both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual connection Bluetooth, TomTom satellite navigation, over-the-air updates, and an ‘OK Peugeot’ voice assistant.

Safety tech such as adaptive cruise control, night vision, long-range blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert are fitted as standard.

The range of engines powering the Peugeot 408 includes two rechargeable hybrid versions with 180 and 225bhp, and a 130bhp petrol version. All three are paired with an eight-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox. An all-electric version will follow a few months later.

“It is with great excitement I can confirm that the new PEUGEOT 408 will launch in Australia,” said Kate Gillis, Managing Director of Peugeot Australia.

“We are currently working closely with the factory on launch timings for our market and look forward to sharing more information in due course.”

Source: Peugeot Australia | A new breed of Peugeot, a dynamic fastback, unexpected from every angle 

7 September 2022