Peugeot has revealed the new 408 saloon at the Beijing International Motor Show, aimed squarely at rivals in the C-segment saloon market ranging from the Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and many more. The 408 saloon is essentially the new 308 with an added boot and targeted at the Chinese and other emerging markets.
The new 408 uses the similar EMP2 platform shared with the new 308, with slightly longer wheelbase to increase rear legroom. The 1.6-litre Prince engine from the current 308/408 in Malaysia is retained, meaning engine choice includes the 117bhp 1.6-litre naturally aspired and the 163bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged units. There are also plans for a diesel powerplant for the Russian market as well.
The new 408 will be manufactured in China via Peugeot’s Chinese partner, Dongfeng-PSA. It might arrive at Malaysia in 2016, a year after the 308 hatchback is expected to arrive.
[Source: Autocar UK]
