New Peugeot 408 specs firm for Oz

Australian homologation data for the inbound 2023 Peugeot 408 line-up has been published online, revealing that up to three variants of the new coupe-styled SUV could be offered here from launch.

According to the federal government’s ROVER database, the French brand’s stylish new mid-size SUV can be sold here with two powertrains including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system.

Like many of Peugeot Australia’s other models, a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine will power entry-level Allure and premium GT variants of the 408, sending 96kW of power to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic.

Fitted with the same transmission, the gutsier Peugeot 408 GT PHEV pairs a 132kW four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with an 81kW electric motor and a 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery for a combined system output of 164kW.

As we’ve previously reported, the new 408 will slink its way into the heart of Australia’s biggest new-vehicle segment – medium SUV – when it arrives here later in the year and yet it won’t have all that much in terms of direct competition.

While coupe-style SUVs are common in the premium ($60K-plus) mid-size SUV space – think Audi Q5 Sportback, BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe – only the Haval H6 GT and perhaps the Cupra Formentor offers a similarly sleek body style within the mainstream medium SUV segment.

The Chinese model is priced at $40,990 drive-away or $46,490 drive-away for the all-wheel drive Ultra flagship – both powered by a 150kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine – while the Spanish SUV range starts at $49,990.

But we can’t imagine the 408 slipping in under the 50-grand mark, given Peugeot Australia already offers the 3008 (from $50,075) and 5008 (from $65,675) in the medium SUV segment – or the 408 PHEV undercutting about $70K, given the Peugeot 508 GT Plug-in Hybrid’s $81,610 starting price, which is over $18,000 higher than the mid-size fastback sedan’s $63,431 starting price.

Nevertheless, all versions of the new Peugeot 408 will ride on 19-inch alloy wheels as standard – shod with 205/55 profile tyres – and the flagship will offer the option of bigger 20-inch hoops and significantly wider rubber (245/40).

Peugeot’s third medium SUV model rides on a 2790mm wheelbase and measures 4685mm long and 1850mm wide, but tips the scales at just 1361-1684kg depending on the variant.

Ground clearance is rated at a solid 216mm for all grades, but the maximum braked towing capacity for petrol variants is just 1200kg, while the torquer PHEV ups the ante to a still sub-par 1400kg.

Peugeot Australia hasn’t yet locked in a concrete ETA or published any local specification details for the 408, but it previously confirmed the shrunken Lamborghini Urus lookalike would be released here in 2023.

The emergence of this homologation data suggests its Australian launch isn’t too far off, but it’s unlikely to be before mid-year given the new 408 has only just hit European showrooms.

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