But bustle-backed version of the 308 is for China only

This is the Peugeot 408, which was unveiled at the Beijing motor show last weekend.

However, it breaks with tradition by not being a direct replacement for the 407 repmobile familiar on Britain’s roads.

See the Peugeot 408 photos

Instead it’s an extended-wheelbase, bustle-back version of the 308 hatchback, earmarked for the Chinese market where customers demand four-door saloons with separate boots and plenty of space for rear passengers.

It is based on the second of PSA’s three modular platforms.

The 407’s direct replacement for Europe will be the 508, due next year.

It will use the largest PSA platform (also used for Citroen’s C5 and C6) with a more sophisticated suspension than the 308/408 and a greater overall length.

Peugeot now acknowledges that it made a mistake by restricting the 407’s rear room in an attempt to drive large MPV sales.

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Uncle Mellow 25 January 2010

Re: New Peugeot 408 launched

This really does look a great deal more desirable than the 308. That isn't hard , of course.

michael knight 25 January 2010

Re: New Peugeot 408 launched

Mini1 wrote:
408 is a very misleading name to give it, even though it isn't coming to Europe. Why not just 308 saloon?!

Ahh...well that'll be because with the 508 Peugeot can make it bigger than the outgoing 407, perhaps even to bloated Mondeo proportions, and gain a suitably premium price tag. You'll remember Peugeot's poor Exec track-record; the 508 nomenclature and package will allow them to bridge the gap between 407 and 607 without committing suicide. I suspect that's the theory.

jonfortwo 25 January 2010

Re: New Peugeot 408 launched

matt29 wrote:
Good Lord this is an ugly car.

whilst i agree its no stunner, i actually don`t think its that bad for a saloon conversion of a pretty unattractive hatch.

The lines seem fairly well balanced and the "almighty gob" seems to have been toned down.

In fact i would go so far as to say its a succesful conversion job compared to many that suffer from a "huge fat arse" when turned into a saloon.