A new breed merging fastback and crossover—the Peugeot 408 lands in Japan

PEUGEOT 408 | Peugeot 408

The Keyword: "An Uncaged New Breed"

Stellantis Japan has announced the new 408 model, a fresh style for the Peugeot brand, set to launch on Saturday, July 1st. Actor and dancer Mirai Moriyama has been appointed as the ambassador for this model.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Available in gasoline and PHEV models, with a limited-edition special model

The 408, embodying Peugeot's new style and launched under the keyword "An Uncaged New Breed," is a new model characterized by its flowing fastback and crossover-merged styling, and deeply sculpted side press lines.

A New Breed Merging Fastback and Crossover—The Peugeot 408 Lands in Japan | PEUGEOT

At the front, similar to the 308, a large frameless grille with the lion emblem at its center. On the GT grade, the grille design matches the body color, enhancing its dynamic impression.

Furthermore, slim matrix LED headlights, LED daytime running lights inspired by a lion's fangs, and sharp three-LED lamps at the rear, evoking a lion's claws, give the Peugeot its distinctive presence.

The large 19-inch alloy wheels are said to express the power of a lion.

The interior is predominantly black. The cockpit features a small-diameter steering wheel contributing to agile handling and a 10-inch touchscreen offering smartphone-like operation.

The powertrain comes in two types: gasoline and plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The gasoline version is equipped with a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine producing a maximum output of 130ps and a maximum torque of 250Nm, driving the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The PHEV model is equipped with a 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery, offering a driving range of 66km in WLTC mode, sufficient for daily use. Combined with a 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine, it delivers a system maximum output of 225ps and a maximum torque of 360Nm.

In terms of safety equipment, in addition to Active Cruise Control and Lane Positioning Assist, it also features 360° vision with front and side cameras, useful for parking and navigating narrow streets.

The body colors available are Obsession Blue, Pearl White, Elixir Red, and Perla Nera Black.

Pricing is as follows: the gasoline engine model "408 Allure" is 4.29 million yen, the "408 GT" is 4.99 million yen, and the PHEV "408 GT Hybrid" is 6.29 million yen.

To commemorate the launch of the 408 in Japan, Stellantis Japan will offer a limited-edition "First Edition" model, with only 80 units available. Based on the "408 GT Hybrid," this special edition includes black Nappa leather seats, a panoramic sunroof with a mesh guard, and a Focal Hi-Fi audio system as exclusive features. It will be available only in Obsession Blue and priced at 6.69 million yen.