Peugeot 408 GT Fastback PHEV officially on sale

PEUGEOT Australia has this week announced that deliveries of its 408 GT Fastback plug-in hybrid (PHEV) have commenced, ahead of the previously anticipated Q3 2024 launch.

Now officially on sale, the first allocation of Peugeot 408 GT Fastback PHEV is fully allocated, meaning the order books for the French brand’s MY24 stock are now open.

Peugeot Australia says these models will be available with no adjustment to price or specification – the model range available from $67,990 plus on-road costs. Standard delivery times of between four and six months are expected.

Demonstrator vehicles are now available for customer test drives.

Peugeot Australia says the 408 GT Fastback PHEV “stands out from the crowd with its dynamic fastback silhouette and striking feline stance.”

It rivals a variety of potential competitors with a range of powertrain choices: ICE, BEV and Hybrid. Though ostensibly a smaller car, the new (bigger) Honda Civic five-door e:HEV is a contender at $55,000 drive-away, as is Citroen’s C5X at $57,670 + ORC.

That’s not forgetting the Tesla Model 3 BEV (four door fastback) which starts from $61,900 +ORC and others outside of the segment...

“The Peugeot 408 is an artful statement where sleek design intertwines seamlessly with intuitive technology,” said Peugeot Australia managing director, Kate Gillis.

“Its allure isn't just in its premium aesthetics; it is in its unique dynamism, innovation, and the continuation of our local electrification journey, setting a new standard for what's possible on the road ahead.”

In a move away from copy-cat styling, the avant guard 408 GT borrows little if anything from other vehicles giving it a strong on-road presence. Of particular note is the tapered fastback silhouette and the unmistakable “fang-like” frontal styling complete with full LED matrix headlights and three claw tail-lights.

The slick-looking fastback rolls on 20-inch Monolithe diamond cut alloy wheels that create visual drama on the move. The body is aerodynamically efficient thanks to optimised design of the bumper, boot flap, diffuser, body pillars, mirrors, and underbody screens.

Available in a model specific Obsession Blue, the PHEV also comes in three metallic hues: white, grey, and black at $690 more and in the premium Elixir Red at $1050 more. The only option is a sunroof, priced at $2000.

Inside the model features the latest iteration of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit with extensive Tom Tom activated connectivity including connected car subscription availability, a 10.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.0-inch central touch screen.

The touchscreen’s infotainment capabilities include Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity plus FM/DAB and 3D satellite navigation. Ambient LED lighting with eight colours can add to the interior’s ambience as does Nappa full grain leather seat trim with charcoal grey top stitch is standard.

The driver can access eight-way electronic seat adjustment while the front passenger gets six-way electronic adjustment both with lumbar adjustment, heating, and massage functionality.

Motive power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 132kW and an incorporated e-motor delivering 81kW for a combined 165kW/360Nm. The unit drives the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and fuel consumption is listed at a claimed 1.5 litres per 100km.

The 12.4kWh capacity lithium-ion battery is good for a claimed 60km of electric-only driving (WLTP).

Recharging through the on-board charger is restricted to 3.7kW. Other recharge options take between 3.5 and six hours to achieve a full charge.

An extensive range of driving assist features is standard including adaptive cruise, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detect, driver attention alert, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, active lane keeping assist and the expected array of similar technology.

The Peugeot 408 comes standard with Peugeot’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, eight-year/160,000km battery warranty and five-year roadside assistance package.