Peugeot 408 fastback aims to bridge mainstream and premium segments

SITGES, Spain -- Peugeot is expanding its compact lineup with the 408, a four-door fastback with an array of features and a price that puts it near premium models.

With SUV/crossover touches such as a higher stance and black plastic wheel arches, the 408 joins recently launched fastback-style compacts including the DS 4, Citroen C4 X, and crossovers such as the Renault Arkana and Volkswagen Taigo. 

Peugeot executives described the 408’s profile as "SUV inspired," with a "feline" look accentuated with distinctive "cat ears" extensions atop either corner of the hatch that help smooth airflow over the rear window.

The 408 will be focused around two plug-in hybrids, with 180 or 225 hp, and CO2 emissions of 26 grams per km. Peugeot executives said at a recent test-drive event here, outside Barcelona, that they expected most buyers to opt for the plug-in hybrids. There will also be a 130-hp gasoline engine option and a full-electric variant toward the end of 2023 or early 2024.

The 408 is 4687 mm (184.5 inche) long, which Peugeot says places it "at the top of C (compact) segment." In comparison, the 308 hatchback is 320 mm shorter, the 308 station wagon is 50 mm shorter, while the 508 midsize fastback is 53 mm longer. The 5008 SUV, which competes in the midsize segment, is 56 mm shorter. 

Peugeot says the 408’s extended wheelbase of 2787 mm (about 110 mm longer than the 308 hatchback’s) contributes to smoother ride quality and passenger comfort. At the same time, it gives the 408 vastly more trunk space (536 liters; 471 liters for the plug-in hybrid variant) than the 308 (412 liters; 361 liters for the plug-in hybrid).

The 308 and 408 model are both underpinned by parent Stellantis’ EMP2 platform for compacts and midsize cars. 

Prices for the 408 start at 37,350 euros for the 130-hp gasoline version, while the 180-hp plug-in hybrid starts at 45,450 euros and the 225-hp plug-in hybrid is 48,300 euros. The highest-trim hybrid models are slightly more than 50,000 euros. In comparison, the 308 starts at about 27,000 euros for gasoline models and about 39,000 for the 180-hp plug-in hybrid variant.

Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson says the 408 has no direct competitors in its segment, with the Citroen C4X -- which uses Stellantis’ smaller CMP platform -- selling at a much lower price and not offering plug-in hybrid derivatives, although a full-electric version will be available. The DS 4, in contrast, is marketed as a true premium compact.

She and other Peugeot executives said the 408 will be aimed at wealthier customers who want something different than an SUV. A majority of sales are expected to go to business customers.

Jackson declined to offer a sales target, but the volume compact segment has long been led by the Volkswagen Golf, which recorded 89,684 sales in the first half of this year. The Toyota Corolla was second, with 73,188 sales; the Skoda Octavia was third, with 46,857 sales; and the 308 was fourth, with 43,289. 

Outside of Europe, the 408 is also designed to appeal to Chinese customers, who favor four-door sedans with lots of rear legroom. The 408 excels in that department, Peugeot says, with 188 mm of rear-seat knee room, compared with 129 mm for the 308 hatchback, thanks to its longer wheelbase. Peugeot says the 408 has the most space for rear passengers of any model in its lineup.

Inside, the 408 has a premium feel, with features such as heated, 10-way power front seats with multiple massage options; a convenient induction charger for mobile phones; and fabrics such as Alcantara and embossed turquoise-color nappa leather. Door panels on some trim levels are covered in aluminum. 

Other comfort and convenience features, some optional, include a liftgate that can be opened and closed by a button on the dashboard, an external button, the key fob or by swiping a foot under the bumper; a heated windshield; and a 10-speaker Focal stereo system with a 690-watt amplifier.

Peugeot is emphasizing sales of the higher-power plug-in powertrains, with the expectation that the base 130-hp, 1.2-liter, three-cylinder engine will be sold mostly outside of Western Europe. CO2 emissions for that model are 136 to 138 grams per km.

Acceleration from 0-100 kph (62 mph) takes 10.4 seconds; from 80-120 kph it takes 7.6 seconds.

Plug-in hybrid versions are based on a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine with either 180 or 225 hp, with both versions sharing a 12.4-kilowatt-hour battery and 81-kilowatt electric motor. Electric-only range in the mixed cycle is 61 to 63 km and 67 to 72 km in urban driving. CO2 emissions are 26 to 28 g/km.

Plug-in hybrid models have significantly faster acceleration than their nonhybrid sibling models. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kph takes 8.1 seconds for the 180-hp plug-in hybrid and 7.8 seconds for the 225-hp plug-in hybrid. Times from 80 to 120 kph are 5.1 and 4.5 seconds, respectively.