Dynamic Duo! That is the approach in which French Parent Company Stellantis has taken with both of their newest fastback higher riding sedans. More like a modern take on a Citroën XM/DS/Rover SD1 meets Subaru Outback vibe. Basically like a modern day AMC Eagle passenger car take (but with French European proportions).
As it is 2023, automobile companies in the west have shifted focus towards upselling more SUVs or CUVs. In a response to not totally abandon the car, the PSA part of Stellantis have created a lifted fastback which might confuse some buyers into thinking that it's a lowered CUV or confuse other buyers into thinking that it's a higher riding sports wagon. Either way, it does strike an interesting balance between both worlds and taking us back to the late 70s & early-to-mid-80s Europe/UK, when cars like these were commonplace here.
I recently did a review of my Citroën C5X here on DX, only to later have Peugeot finally release their twin variant the 408 (both CDM Dealer miniatures) a few months later. You can find, my C5X review here on DX:
1/18 Citroën C5X (DE)...by Paudi Model That said, I figured that it would be fun to show both of these two cars together and see how each design department differentiated each vehicle's styling to give them a unique corporate flavor and personal character. I personally am on the fence as to which one I prefer more. I love Peugeot interiors (especially lit up at night in reality), but I also like the exterior looks on both, for being so different. In reality, the cars look flat and wide, but with a slightly raised ride height, certainly not CUVs. One neat trick that Peugeot pulled off to hide the rear head room, causing it to look better was, to incorporate "Cat Ears" just above the upper back windows. In order to avoid the "hunchback" or wagon like look that the C5X sports, the hatch hinges on the 408 are placed higher in order to increase rear passenger headroom without being so obvious. This gives the Peugeot 408 a much slicker/sportier profile. Smart!
Again, Paudi Model does an outstanding job on pretty much all of their promotional miniatures (no exception here). This one is on level with my Citroën details wise, but in a "blue r" flavor. All of the key features are there such as sliding front seats/folding rear seats/panoramic moonroof/folding side mirrors/opening fuel door cover/liftable rear load floor with storage divider underneath/liftable rear package shelf/carpeted interior. The motor bay and engine are accurately detailed (minus the massive hood/bonnet hinges), the interior looks almost photo realistic, with an abundance of details from IP/Center stack graphics/stitched looking soft touch seats in a really dramatic shade of blue (That interior was a key factor why I had to buy this model). The wheels are replicated very well in a diamond cut/black high-contrast two-tone finish. Both upper and lower front grilles are perforated, with the upper having a radiant design motif graphic (via "Allure Pack" design trim). The rear lights here and the Peugeot logo door shields are from the European GT-Line, but the upper grille and wheels are both from the EU-Spec'd "Allure Pack" trim? So, China is getting both worlds here.
Overall, the chassis is metal, the suspension (both front & rear) works, lighting details look great, the back side and rear windows are tinted and the model wears photo-etched badging (minus on the facia's nose, as the CDM-spec'd car doesn't read "PEUGEOT" over the front grille). Also, the model's body panels are very tight...you will need your DE tool to open the hood/bonnet here, as it does not feature that press-up button thing the C5X has hanging from the lower front underside.....Whew! Also, the paint on my example is flawless!
I really can recommend adding this 408 X miniature (as well as the C5X). It's a pretty model of an interesting fastback sedan. I like the fact that it's not another CUV and that PSA were brave enough to still make new conventional cars (although full EVs of both will release soon).
The best part is, that either of these models can be had for around $100USD/Euros! What a tremendous deal these are, especially considering that these are a lot higher detailed than even more pricier models (minus the dog-leg hood hinges)! Cheers!
1/18 2023 Peugeot 408 X "Allure Pack/GT-Line Mix" (DE) Vs. 1/18 Citroën C5X (DE)........
2023 Peugeot 408 X......
Opened Up!.......
Cheers! 😊 🥂
