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.
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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Re: New Peugeot 408 launched
This really does look a great deal more desirable than the 308. That isn't hard , of course.
Re: New Peugeot 408 launched
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.
Re: New Peugeot 408 launched
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.