Currently reading: New Peugeot 408 launched

But bustle-backed version of the 308 is for China only

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This is the Peugeot 408, which was unveiled at the Beijing motor show last weekend.

However, it breaks with tradition by not being a direct replacement for the 407 repmobile familiar on Britain’s roads.

See the Peugeot 408 photos

Instead it’s an extended-wheelbase, bustle-back version of the 308 hatchback, earmarked for the Chinese market where customers demand four-door saloons with separate boots and plenty of space for rear passengers.

It is based on the second of PSA’s three modular platforms.

The 407’s direct replacement for Europe will be the 508, due next year.

It will use the largest PSA platform (also used for Citroen’s C5 and C6) with a more sophisticated suspension than the 308/408 and a greater overall length.

Peugeot now acknowledges that it made a mistake by restricting the 407’s rear room in an attempt to drive large MPV sales.

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