Skip advert
Advertisement

Peugeot 408 GT: new four-door coupe guns for CLA

Bold look for new Peugeot 408 GT, a four-door coupe that could go on sale in 2016

As part of its push upmarket, Peugeot is planning an assault on the four-door coupe class. Our exclusive images show the brand’s new Mercedes CLA rival – likely to be badged 408 GT – which will be based on the 308 hatch and could go on sale in 2016.

As you can see, it will be longer, lower and wider than the 308, with a more aggressive nose. Slim headlights flow into a wider grille, as on the 2012 Onyx concept, while the boomerang tail-lamps are taken from the 2008.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The look will help the 408 GT live up to Peugeot’s rich design heritage, which includes models like the stunning, Pininfarina-styled 406 Coupe.

As it shares its underpinnings with the 308, the 408 GT would be based on the company’s new lightweight EMP2 architecture. So expect an almost identical interior, with even higher-grade materials to fit the new model’s more premium image.

• Peugeot 308 review

Engines will mirror the 308’s, too, with a choice of 1.2 and 1.6-litre petrol turbos delivering outputs from 128bhp to 168bhp. Diesel options will range from 1.6 to 2.0 litres with 118bhp to 178bhp.

The 408 GT is one of a trio of new models Peugeot has in the pipeline as it bids to improve its image – and its profit margins. An Audi Q5-sized 6008 is tipped to arrive in concept form some time this year, tapping into the lucrative compact SUV market, while a flagship 608 saloon will launch in 2017.

All three cars will be key to Peugeot’s increasing focus on China – now the world’s largest car market. Traditionally, Chinese customers have favoured large saloons, hence the 608, but with ever-tightening emissions regulations and less space on that country’s roads, their taste is diversifying towards smaller, more efficient and fashionable models, such as four-door coupés and SUVs.

Peugeot Beijing Motor Show concept car

Here’s proof that Peugeot has its eye on the four-door coupe market... It’s the first official teaser image of the concept it will display at April’s Beijing Motor Show.

The company has confirmed the new car is “from the same lineage as the Onyx Concept Car”, and “is a teaser of the brand’s future design”. At 4,730mm long but just 1,310mm high, it’s shorter than the 508 family car, plus lower than the RCZ coupe.

While the teaser doesn’t reveal much, you can see the short front overhang and long bonnet. Add the swooping coupe roofline, long wheelbase and long rear overhang, and the car promises a striking look.

Peugeot concept car for Beijing

Peugeot Onyx supercar

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Paris Motor Show 2024: full show round-up and all the exciting new cars
Paris Motor Show 2024 - header image

Paris Motor Show 2024: full show round-up and all the exciting new cars

The all-new Renault 4, MINI John Cooper Works and Dacia Bigster were among the models on display at this year’s Mondial de L’Auto
News
16 Oct 2024
10 surprising things made by car companies, that aren't cars
Things made by car manufacturers - header

10 surprising things made by car companies, that aren't cars

The world’s biggest auto manufacturers have many strings to their bows...
Features
6 May 2024
Bumper Peugeot news drop: Allure Care 8-year warranty, ChatGPT tech, plus E-408 and E-5008 EVs confirmed
Peugeot 3008 - charging

Bumper Peugeot news drop: Allure Care 8-year warranty, ChatGPT tech, plus E-408 and E-5008 EVs confirmed

The French firm also declares that its cars will feature ChatGPT
News
30 Jan 2024

Most Popular

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each
Land Rover Defender Octa - front action

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each

Buyers aren’t being deterred by the hefty asking price for the most powerful Defender yet, with 2,900 already signing up worldwide
News
12 Nov 2024
Mazda CX-60 is now more comfortable thanks to 2025 updates
Mazda CX-60 - front 3/4 static

Mazda CX-60 is now more comfortable thanks to 2025 updates

Mazda’s SUV has picked up some worthy trim and technical updates
News
13 Nov 2024
Dacia Duster vs MG ZS: which is the best budget hybrid SUV?
Dacia Duster and MG ZS - front tracking

Dacia Duster vs MG ZS: which is the best budget hybrid SUV?

The new Dacia Duster and MG ZS are the UK’s cheapest small SUVs. Which makes more sense in hybrid form?
Car group tests
13 Nov 2024