Peugeot unveils 408

Peugeot has just premiered its new 408 model in Beijing and it has already been flagged as a strong possibility for Australia.

The new car, according to released press material, is essentially based on a stretched 308 platform.

But even though it stems from the 308, it is roughly the same length and width as the 407 and, using the same platform as the 308 Touring wagon model, its wheelbase is also within millimeters of the current mid-size sedan too. It also stands noticeably higher than 407 or 308 -- which suggests interior packaging might yield a bit more passenger space. The boot should be quite decent too.

Inside, the 408 appears to be virtually interchangeable with the 308, right down to the steering wheel and dash panel.

The car is dubbed the DF 408 and is the work of Peugeot styling teams in Europe and China. It is reported to offer -- for the Chinese market -- a choice of 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines mated to either manual or automatic transmissions.

The new Pug sedan has been cobbled up in a joint venture between Peugeot and the Chinese Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFM) group and is being built at DFM's Wuhan plant in the Hubei province with an annual production target of 100,000 vehicles.

And don't think of the DF 408 as an Oriental Peugeot. According to Ken Thomas, the general manager/director of Peugeot Automobiles Australia, "Whilst the car has not been officially confirmed for right-hand drive production at this stage, we are quietly confident that it will be in Australia in the not-too-distant future.

"The car has an extended wheelbase allowing for more interior space and the sedan shape obviously allows for more boot space."

Whether it would sell here as a 308 sedan (which it is), or with DF 408 badging remains a moot point.

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