At a time of much conformity in car design, Peugeot is aiming to return the fastback to the mainstream with the arrival early next year of the 408.
It's been a while since we've seen a fastback and the first images we've seen of Peugeot's new 408 suggest the wait may have been worthwhile. The car may be some 4.7 metres in length but its height is only 1.48 metres, to maximise the car's sleek profile. It will arrive in January next with a choice of two plug-in hybrid options and a petrol option. Not surprisingly, there won't be a diesel version. There will, however, be a fully electric version and that's expected to arrive within months of the arrival of the hybrids and the petrol car.
The plug-ins will have 180 and 225 horse power outputs. The interesting option, however, will be the 130 horse power petrol version, which will tun on a three cylinder petrol engine. Thus far there are no figures on how long the hybrids will run on electricity as the tests are still being carried out. Both plug-ins and the petrol will be mated to an eight speed automatic transmission.
The 408 will come with advanced connectivity and will have features such as adaptive cruise control and night vision sensors that will spot pedestrians or animals at night before the headlights even see them. A large infotainment screen will also feature.
Prices will be announced at a later stage.
