Beijing 2016: Peugeot 408 Shown with Three Engines

The second-generation Peugeot 408, essentially a 308-derived sedan, is among the notable exhibits hosted by Peugeot’s booth at the ongoing 2016 Beijing Motor Show.

Based on the latest 308 hatchback, the new 408 is a much larger vehicle than the model it replaces. It has grown from the predecessor’s 4,682mm overall length to stretch the tape measure to 4,750mm from stem-to-stern.

Wheelbase too has been accordingly lengthened from 2,710 to 2,730mm, and the new car is also slightly wider than its predecessor, spanning 1,820mm across its bow, as opposed to the previous model’s 1,815mm width. It sits lower, however, overall height dropping from 1,525mm to 1,488mm.

A selection of three engines are offered to the Chinese market. A naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre engine with outputs of 137hp and 172Nm is offered as the base model of the range and comes with a choice of 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions.

Above it come a pair of turbocharged engines displacing 1.2 and 1.6 litres, both mated with 6-speed auto gearboxes as standard. Outputs are rated at 1.2-litre 3-cylinder unit 134hp and 230Nm, whilst the 1.6 pushes out 165hp and 245Nm.

For the Malaysian market, we are looking at continued usage of the venerable 1.6-litre Prince engine which in the 308 is currently tuned to produce 150hp and 240Nm mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Curiously, despite the 408’s 308 underpinnings, Peugeot is also showing a China-exclusive 308 Sedan, which is underpinned by an extended wheelbase 308 platform. No details have been revealed on this vehicle.