Peugeot looks beyond SUV era with new 408

Peugeot has unveiled its new 408 model, hoping its new ‘fastback’ format will win over motorists suffering from sports-utility vehicle (SUV) fatigue.

SUVs have been hugely popular in recent years in Europe, reaching a record 46 per cent share of new sales in France in May, the same level as traditional saloons. In Ireland they vastly outsell any other format on the market, making up 50 per cent of new car sales, well ahead of the next preferred format, the mid-sized family hatchback, on 15.5 per cent.

But Peugeot believes their ubiquity has created a yearning among some drivers for more originality.

“(Some Peugeot 408 customers) wish for a more original and innovating style than a compact SUV, which they deem too common,” it said in a statement.

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Peugeot isn’t the first to pursue the fastback route. BMW was one of the first to introduce the format on its SUV range with the X6 and was quickly followed by premium rivals. Recently VW Group launched new fastback variants across its VW and Skoda brands, while Ford’s first fully-electric model, the Mustang, is typical of the fastback format.

For this new Peugeot, it means the new 408 is much lower and longer than Peugeot’s 3008 SUV, with a flowing and aerodynamic line giving it a distinctive silhouette that sets it apart from mainstream models.

However the new car does have some popular SUV characteristics such as a high ground clearance, big wheels and black plastic covering caps on the fenders, the sides and the rear shield.

The 408 will be launched early next year in Europe. It will initially be equipped with petrol and hybrid petrol-electric engines before switching to a fully electric version. The two-wheel drive hybrids will combine an 81kW elelctric motor with either a 150hp or 180hp petrol engine, while the regular petrol model will be powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit, putting out 130hp. All are matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Further evidence of car brands seeking to offer alternatives to SUVs, that still retain some of the practicality, comes with news that BMW is introducing a Touring - estate - version of its high-performance M3.

Powered by a 3-litre 510hp six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine, it is available to order for Irish customers from September, with a starting price of €147,160. Form an orderly queue.