Peugeot teases 408 coupe-SUV

PEUGEOT is set to expand its line-up with the introduction of the 408 coupe-SUV later this month. The new model, which will rival the likes of Renault Arkana and Citroen’s C4, was recently teased with a single image of the model’s grille.

GoAuto understands the 408 will slot between the 308 hatch and 3008 SUV in Peugeot’s range, but to date, no further details have been provided by the Stellantis-group brand.

“The Peugeot 408 will be a new model in the Lion brand range. Unexpected, it is a new species of Peugeot: in an original way, it combines the characteristic codes of SUVs with a dynamic fastback silhouette,” Peugeot said in a statement.

“Both in terms of design and engineering, the search for high efficiency and the desire to offer new experiences were at the heart of the development of the new Peugeot 408. Aimed at those for whom the automobile is a pleasure, the 408 brings an unexpected allure to the Peugeot family.

“A global car, the new Peugeot 408 will be unveiled towards the end of June,” it added.

Speaking to GoAuto this week, Inchcape Australia Limited national corporate affairs and public relations manager Chloe Fraser said the 408 was of interest to the local distributor.

“We are very excited to see the news about the upcoming unveiling of the Peugeot 408 and look forward to sharing further information with you after the reveal later in June,” said Ms Fraser.

Coupe-SUV models such as the upcoming 408 are gaining popularity both here and abroad. BMW (X4 and X6) and Mercedes-Benz (GLC and GLE coupe-SUVs) arguably set the trend, which other manufacturers (with premium ambitions) have followed.

Indeed, mainstream brands such as Mitsubishi, Renault, Volkswagen and Toyota were quick to jump on the coupe-SUV bandwagon – the aerodynamically sculpted models are not only more efficient than their wagon-style siblings, but arguably more attractive.

It is understood the 408 will be underpinned by the latest iteration of Stellantis’ EMP2 architecture, which means it may be offered with turbo-diesel, -petrol, hybrid and electric power when it hits the market in early 2023.

A plug-in hybrid variant is probable; other models in Stellantis’ stable pair a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and an electric motor, the combination of which produces up to 132kW.

And while it is impossible to predict pricing of the 408, a well-positioned rival to the likes of the Citroen C4, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Renault Arkana, and Toyota C-HR – and the forthcoming Honda ZR-V – could become successful in the Australian market.

Year-to-date sales show Citroen’s recently released C4 has notched up 49 sales, Mitsubishi’s well-established Eclipse Cross 2581, the Renault Arkana 308 and the Toyota C-HR 2829 – the models provide a handy revenue stream alongside traditional SUVs.

Premium segment contenders including the Audi Q3 (975 units sales), BMW X2 (188), BMW X4 (296), BMW X6 (151), Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe (618), Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe (127) and even the Porsche Cayenne Coupe (237) have all sold in solid numbers that don’t pale in comparison to those of their more practical wagon-style counterparts.