The sedan segment is regaining color thanks to two new models this year: the Peugeot 408 and the new Toyota Prius. These two are offered with rechargeable hybrid engines, with comparable power. First duel.
Presented simultaneously in mid-November in Japan and at the Los Angeles Motor Show (United States), the new Toyota Prius will land in Europe in the spring of 2023. The fifth generation of the sedan will only be sold there as a rechargeable hybrid, with a power doubled compared to the previous iteration. With 223 hp, it is similar to the new Peugeot 408 in its most powerful plug-in hybrid version. The opportunity for a first static comparison for these two original sedans…
Style: the most original is not the one you think of
Launched in 1997, the Prius is the one that launched Toyota on the path to electrification. It is best known for its simple hybridization and its rather divisive design, even if the newcomer tries to forget this heritage. The Prius 5 becomes much wiser, and abandons “superfluous shapes and lines (…) in favor of a simple and refined design” in the words of Toyota. The overall style takes that of the 2nd and 3rd generation Prius, but moves away from that of the fourth, more divisive and tortured. The silhouette is more aerodynamic and modern, while the model loses 5 cm in length and now reaches a receding fastback-style roof line, which is reminiscent of the Lioness.
Presented in the summer of 2022, the Peugeot 408 has just arrived in concessions after a quick passage through the Paris Motor Show to win over a few potential customers. Based on the Peugeot 308, it is however much longer (4.69 m) and raised by a few centimeters, to evoke a sedan and an SUV at the same time. It thus uses body protections on the wheel surrounds, the sills and the thick shields, which the Prius does not do. Finally, the Peugeot 408 becomes the most original of the duo.
Interior: originality in both cases
On board, however, the two models play the fancy card with innovative dashboards. The 408 uses the “i-Cockpit” cabin of the 308 with digital instrumentation placed high up, behind a small flat steering wheel, and a double touch screen for the multimedia system and customizable shortcut keys.
The Prius evolves in the same direction, with a horizontal architecture integrating a large 12.3-inch touch screen for the multimedia system and physical controls retained for the air conditioning. Digital counters are placed on a 7-inch high slab like on the 408, while the steering wheel is round and studded with 19 buttons. A current active lighting system on the dashboard allows notification of certain alerts by a color change.
Motorization: more choice on the French
At Peugeot, the 408 is abandoning diesel to focus on petrol and hybrid units. At entry level, the 1.2 PureTech 130 hp is common to other models of the Lion. It represents the only 100% thermal variant, and should evolve thereafter with micro-hybridization and 136 hp. La Sochalienne also offers two PHEV variants, based on the same 1.6 PureTech. The first develops 180 hp, and will soon be available on the Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C5 Aircross. The second, more powerful, offers 225 hp. This, associated with a 12.4 kWh battery, would offer a little over 60 km of autonomy.
A power barely higher than that of the new Toyota Prius, which now develops 223 hp in its only PHEV variant intended for Europe. This is made up of a 148 hp 2.0 four-cylinder, combined with a 120 kW (160 hp) electric motor and a 13.6 kWh battery. Enough to offer much more performance and electric range than the current generation, which tops out at 122 hp and offers around fifty kilometers of “zero emission” range. Toyota also announces that electric driving is increased by 50%, which would give approximately 75 km in electric mode.
Price: the only real unknown
For the moment, Toyota does not give the prices of its new plug-in hybrid Prius. They should be revealed a little later, either as of December 5 during the presentation of the European model, or before the official marketing scheduled for the spring. In any case, the prices should be higher than those of the current generation it replaces. This one, only offered in PHEV for several months, was displayed from 42,750 €.
The Peugeot 408 has recently started its marketing, with rather salty prices. It starts at €37,350, and exceeds €50,000 in its plug-in hybrid versions associated with high finishes. The 225 hp hybrid, for example, is offered from €48,300 in the Allure Pack finish, and rises to €51,400 in the GT finish. A First Edition launch finish, only offered with this 225 hp PHEV block, is also displayed at €50,600.
Photos : DR.
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