2023 Peugeot 408 debuts as a funky and electrified crossover

KUALA LUMPUR: Welcome the new age Peugeot car, called the 408. The model is unexpected and different as it combines a midsize car's footprint, an SUV's seating position, and a liftback profile. Unveiled for the European market, the new Peugeot 408 slots between the 308 hatch and 508 sedan. Let's discuss this unique French beauty in detail.

2023 Peugeot 408 platform & dimensions

The all-new Peugeot 408 underpins the latest iteration of Stellantis' EMP2 platform that can be found underneath the other ongoing Peugeot cars. It measures 4,687 mm in length, 1848 mm in width, 1478 mm in height and spans a wheelbase measuring 2787 mm. The latter makes the 408 the most spacious Peugeot car ever, according to the automaker. The boot capacity measures 536 litres which can be expandable to 1611 litres, with the rear seats folded.

2023 Peugeot 408 engine and specifications

Peugeot will offer the new crossover in three engine options coupled with the same eight-speed automatic transmission. These include -

• A 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine delivering a maximum power of 130 hp and a peak torque of 230 Nm
• A PHEV powertrain pairing a 1.6-litre turbocharged gasoline mill with an electric motor and a 12.4-kWh battery. Combinedly, the setup generates 180 PS and 360 Nm.
• Another PHEV mill with the same components making a higher total system power of 224 PS.

While the automaker has no plans to roll out a diesel-powered 408, a purely electric derivative is in the pipeline.

2023 Peugeot 408 design and features

To create this stylish coupe, Peugeot undertook the hottest design trend of the moment. The car boasts a sleek fastback silhouette with sharp lines, a bolder face, and a squared-off rear styling. Among the significant inclusions are -

• A body-coloured grille edged by ultra-slim LED headlights 
• Three-claw LED daytime running light signature
• 20-inch alloy wheels with a geometric design
• Peugeot i-Cockpit featuring a small steering wheel and a high-mounted digital instrument cluster, and a 10-inch infotainment unit
• Wireless Apple Carplay
• 690W Focal Premium hi-fi sound system
• Massage seats
• Nappa leather upholstery
• Panoramic roof
• Safety kit comprises rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, Night vision, and long-range blind spot monitoring. Six cameras and nine radars assist these systems.

2023 Peugeot 408 rivals

After hitting the roads, this new C-segment Peugeot car will rival the likes of the Citroen C5 X, Renault Arkana, Skoda Octavia, and Ford Focus.

2023 Peugeot 408 launch 

With assembly set to commence at the brand's Mulhouse plant in France, the car is expected to launch in Europe in early 2023.

Also read: Good news for Peugeot owners in Malaysia; 5 years of free maintenance & warranty