Peugeot presents its new 408 model in Madrid, marking the beginning of a new era in the automotive industry
With a completely new design, the Peugeot 408 arrives to usher in an era. The French brand shows that the SUV trend is over and presents this new model with a high-end fastback design in the C segment. Aimed at a clientele looking for something different and beyond the established plans, the 408 stands out, initially striking sight, for its dynamic fastback body and for its unmistakable design, but also for an approach that deviates from all known categories.
At 4.69m long on a wheelbase of 2.79m, the new Peugeot 408 offers remarkable space in the second row of seats, with a knee room of 188mm. The luggage compartment is also generous with a capacity of 536 litres, expandable to 1,611 liters when the rear seat backs are folded down. Its height is 1.48 m, which allows drawing a fine and elegant body; This ensures great aerodynamic efficiency.
In terms of design, the Peugeot team has taken care of every detail and lines to make it a striking model.
Its curves are muscular and the grille, painted in body color to blend in perfectly with the front, is accentuated by the new Peugeot badge, with a lion’s head. The inverted cut-out of the rear bumper surprises and gives the profile a strong appearance.
Efficiency was one of the main focuses of the Peugeot teams during the design and development of the new 408 to reduce consumption and CO2 emissions. The engine line-up for this model includes two plug-in hybrid versions of 180 and 225 hp and a petrol version of 130 hp.
All three engines are offered with an EAT8 eight-speed automatic transmission. And a few months later, a 100% electric version comes on the market.
The lithium-ion battery of the two plug-in hybrid versions has a capacity of 12.4 kWh and an output of 102 kW. Two types of on-board chargers are available: a 3.7 kW single-phase charger as standard and a 7.4 kW single-phase charger as an option.
A thermal engine is also available: the 130 hp PureTech 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, which meets the latest Euro 6.4 anti-pollution regulations and is combined with the EAT8 eight-speed automatic gearbox and a Start&Stop system. This version is in the process of homologation.
It should be noted that all engines of the new Peugeot 408 are equipped with the eight-speed automatic gearbox. There is no diesel version available and a 100% electric model will be launched in the future.
In the passenger compartment, the ‘i-Cockpit’ is part of the unique features of Peugeot, which has been improved and modernized with each new generation for ten years. With the new 408, it stands out in terms of ergonomics, quality, practicality and technology with a new infotainment system, the Peugeot i-Connect.
The new digital instrument panel is positioned at eye level and above the steering wheel and has a 25.4 cm (10-inch) digital display. In GT trim, the instrumentation is available in 3D technology.
Fully customizable and adaptable, this digital instrument panel offers different presentation modes (TomTom Connected Navigation, Radio/Media, Driver Aids, Energy Flow…) that can be changed with the corresponding controls.
The dashboard construction of the new 408 is based on a ‘high-vent’ architecture, which places the vents high in front of the occupants’ heads, improving their thermal comfort.
This architecture also puts the 25.4 cm (10-inch) central touch screen, which is positioned slightly lower than the digital instrument panel (which is directly in the driver’s field of view), within easy reach.
The system has configurable ‘i-toggles’ that are positioned below the central screen as if it were an open book, providing an aesthetic and a level of technology that is unique in this segment.
Each ‘i-toggle’ is a tactile shortcut to air conditioning settings, a phone contact, a radio station, launching an application… all of the user’s choice.
Source: La Verdad
I am Mary Fitzgerald, a professional journalist and author of the Today Times Live. My specialty is in writing and reporting on technology-related topics. I have spent the last seven years extensively researching and understanding the field of technology so I can properly inform my readers about developments in this ever-evolving world.
