In the Swedish cold, a strange break made of odds and ends raises its ground clearance but also many hypotheses. Is this a future Peugeot 308 RXH or the third version of the 3008 SUV? Nothing of the sort. The argus takes stock and deciphers the secrets of this tinkered model.
Surprised in the far north, not far from the Arctic Circle, this singular old-generation Peugeot 308 SW (type T92) with an adventurous look conceals many mysteries. We are going, without further ado, to lift the veil on all its displayed ambiguities.
This is not an “allroad” 308 RXH
First, let’s make it clear: there will be no adventurous version of the new generation Peugeot station wagon, that of the P52 type which has just arrived in concessions. The Peugeotot 508 RXH which was in the catalog from 2011 to 2018 will therefore remain a one-shot. Then, this mule, (to use the jargon of technicians and engineers) does not hide the future Peugeot 3008 third generation, the P64 project expected for 2023. The specific eVMP technical platform, which is also called EMP2 V4 or STLA Medium following the formation of the giant Stellantis, is not yet ready. The new Peugeot 308 Saloon (P51) and Estate (P52) are based on the EMP2 V3 technical base. Furthermore, Peugeot engineers usually carry out winter tests only eight months before the launch of a new vehicle. In short, you will have understood it, for the 3008 III the timing does not correspond. It is still too early to see him face the snow and the winter cold.
A very tinkered station wagon
But then what hides this “old” station wagon high on legs? Well, it is quite simply the future Peugeot 408 crossover. If you prefer the SUV coupé derived from the Peugeot 308. A project known internally under the code P54. It will be the third silhouette of the 308 family, also built on the EMP2 V3 platform, but with a more upscale positioning and a stated thirst for conquest.
The Peugeot 408 is already eagerly awaited on the Chinese market, where its mission will be to capture the customers of the current Peugeot 408 (see photo opposite), which is none other than the trunk version of the 308 sold in our regions. This once essential silhouette, because considered statutory, is now neglected in China in favor of SUVs. The Peugeot 408 must therefore reinvent itself by changing gender.
The Peugeot 408 crossover will be officially unveiled in the summer of 2022, then it will join the lion range at the end of the year. For the manufacturer who wants to keep the surprise effect on the promise of very spectacular lines of his Coupé SUV for as long as possible, this bodywork from the old 308 break therefore proves to be the ideal outfit. And for good reason, nothing shows through cosmetically.
Pieces of sheet metal added
Technically speaking, the developers have placed the body of a 308 SW T92 on the EMP2 V3 modular platform of the next generation. A chassis that differs in particular by its more imposing wheelbase. Concretely, the Peugeot 408 (P54) will have a length of 4.70 m while the Peugeot 308 SW 2 only has a gauge of 4.59 m.
This is why it was necessary to adapt, with the means at hand, the body panels. For this purpose, sheet metal strips were added at the level of the rear doors, and the roof also had to be stretched.
According to our information, these mules are testing, here in Sweden, the running gear and the traction of this future Peugeot. What betrays the true underpinnings of this prototype are the rims identical to those of the new Peugeot 308. Fitted with 215/65 R17 winter type tires, these envelopes with high sides (140 mm) have an identical philosophy to those DS 4 Cross, Citroën C5 X or DS 3 Crossback. Vehicles which, in this way, can increase their stature without resorting to expensive specific suspension geometry. Only the travel of the shock absorbers will be more generous.
Peugeot 408: an awaited model!
Besides, the tracks of the Peugeot 408 will be wider than those of the second generation 308 SW. Also, so that the wheels do not overflow the fenders, the latter receive extensions with visible screws. A very rational solution, as simple as it is effective. Here is. From now on, this atypical station wagon no longer holds any secrets for you. But you will still have to wait a few more weeks before the future Peugeot 408 finally drops the mask. Stay connected !
Photo sources: stephanbarral on Instagram
