Řídili jsme nový Peugeot 408: Je to král mezi šelmami! – Auto.cz

Peugeot has introduced the 408, a vehicle designed to bridge the gap between several traditional automotive segments. By combining elements of a sedan, a crossover, and a station wagon, the 408 adopts a fastback silhouette that departs from standard hatchback or SUV configurations.

This design strategy targets a shift in consumer preference toward vehicles that offer the elevated ride height of a crossover without sacrificing the aerodynamic profile and aesthetic of a coupe. The result is a fastback body style that emphasizes a sloping roofline and a high beltline, contributing to a visual identity described by reviewers as aggressive and predatory.

The 408 is built upon the EMP2 platform, a modular architecture that allows Peugeot to offer a variety of powertrain configurations. This technical flexibility ensures that the vehicle can accommodate internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, and plug-in hybrid variants while maintaining a consistent chassis geometry.

A central component of the 408’s technological appeal is the Peugeot i-Cockpit. This user interface focuses on ergonomics and driver visibility, featuring a compact steering wheel positioned lower than in traditional vehicles. Above the wheel, a digital instrument cluster provides critical driving data within the driver’s direct line of sight, reducing the need to look away from the road.

The interior further integrates digital control through the i-Toggles. These are customizable touch-sensitive shortcuts that allow the driver to program specific functions, such as climate control or navigation, directly into the dashboard. This system reduces the reliance on deep menu diving within the central infotainment screen.

In terms of performance, the Peugeot 408 offers several powertrain options designed to balance efficiency with power. The hybrid range includes a standard hybrid system and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version. The PHEV model utilizes a battery pack that allows for significant electric-only driving ranges, making it viable for urban commutes while retaining the long-distance capability of a combustion engine.

The fastback architecture provides specific functional advantages. The higher ground clearance compared to a standard sedan improves ingress and egress for passengers, while the elongated rear provides more luggage capacity than a typical hatchback. This hybrid approach to body design allows the 408 to compete in multiple categories simultaneously.

The vehicle’s exterior design is characterized by sharp angles and a distinct lighting signature. The front fascia features slim LED headlights and a large grille that integrates into the bodywork, reinforcing the beast aesthetic noted in driving impressions from Auto.cz.

From a competitive standpoint, the 408 positions itself against other crossover-coupes and fastbacks in the European market. Its primary differentiator is the insistence on a high-fashion design language combined with the utilitarian aspects of a C-segment vehicle.

The technical integration of the i-Cockpit and the modular EMP2 platform demonstrates Peugeot’s broader strategy to digitize the driving experience. By focusing on a reduced steering wheel diameter and a high-mounted digital cluster, the company aims to improve reaction times and driver engagement.

As the automotive industry continues to move toward electrification, the 408 serves as a transitional model. It maintains the versatility of traditional fuel types while introducing the infrastructure and software capabilities necessary for a fully electric future.