Upcoming Peugeot 408 teased ahead of June debut

KUALA LUMPUR: French automaker Peugeot is all set to reveal its new offing to the world. Called the 408, the upcoming crossover fastback will make its debut sometime this month. All the information was confirmed by the automaker, along with the model's first official teaser image.

The upcoming 408 was initially rumored to be named 4008. However, the air is now clear on that front. The upcoming Peugeot has also been caught on camera by Carscoops; though fully camouflaged, the 408 showcases an unconventional silhouette indicating a departure from the previous 408 series.

As for the teaser image dropped by the automaker, it is a partial image of the car's front profile with parts of its bonnet, headlight, and grille showing. The grille reminds us of the 308 hatch and 3008 SUV; however, here it comes with vertical, body-coloured elements that surely add to the look. Just above the grille, in line with the company's new logo is the 408 branding. Also visible is a very portion of the 408's headlight, which we expect to be sleek with aggressive looks.

In Peugeot's own words the 408 is 'a new species' and it "combines the characteristic codes of SUVs with a dynamic Fastback silhouette". Sounds promising. We, therefore, expect this French coupe-crossover to offer the best of both worlds with high ground clearance, a long rear overhang, and a heavily inclined roofline.

What do we think the upcoming Peugeot 408 will offer?

• The upcoming 408 is expected to sit on a stretched version of the EMP2 platform, the same as the one underpinning the Citroen C5 flagship model
• Judging by the grille, the coupe crossover can be powered by a combustion engine. However, the PR talks about high efficiency, which might refer to an electric powertrain
• A series of plug-in hybrid mills is also expected to be a part of the 408 lineup
• A fully electric 408 might arrive in the future, especially with the e-308 that is scheduled for a 2023 debut and underpins the same EMP2 platform, thus ensuring it is EV compatible

Note, these are all just assumptions; the exact picture of the 408 will get clear during the car's premiere towards the end of June. However, one thing is for sure, the upcoming Peugeot 408 won't just be limited to the European market; it will go on sale internationally, as confirmed by the automaker.

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