With the launch of the all-new Peugeot 408, Peugeot will finally enter the now-popular coupe-SUV segment. Two fresh teaser photographs have been released by the French manufacturer, previewing the new high-riding product, which will make its complete and official premiere on June 22. (masalabox) It’s crucial to note that the 408 that will be released later this month is not the same as the 408 sedan that Peugeot recently introduced for the Chinese market.
Because we haven’t seen the final design, it’s tough to describe the new 408’s shape, but Peugeot describes it as “a dynamic fastback saloon with a raised body and wide wheels.” Our guess is that the new vehicle will resemble the Citroen C5 X, but with a Peugeot-like attitude. The Peugeot 408 will, however, be positioned below its French rival because it is based on the Peugeot 308, which shares its underpinnings with the new Opel Astra.
Preparing for the launch of the new vehicle, the Peugeot 408 currently undergoes pre-production tests and it has already covered more than one million kilometers in all imaginable conditions. The automaker says the test courses are so tough that each kilometer driven in these conditions is equivalent to several dozen kilometers in regular everyday use. Ultimately, Peugeot wants to make sure the build quality of the 408 is uncompromising from the very first units assembled.
“Our objective is excellence. We are not only working to test the core technical quality of the new Peugeot 408, but also its customer performance, i.e. any situation its users may encounter,” Emmanuel Lafaury, Peugeot 408 project manager, explains. “For every test, we exaggerate the constraints, on the road as well as in the laboratories and on the test benches.”
Although the two teaser images have titles that include the PHEV abbreviation, little is known about the 408 in terms of what will power the car. Obviously, this means a plug-in hybrid powertrain will be available, and we’re almost certain it’ll be identical to the 308’s PHEV system. On June 22, when the 408 becomes official, all will be disclosed. Finally, in China, the new model will be known as the 408X.
