The highly distinctive Peugeot 408 has arrived and gone on sale in Ireland this week, with prices starting from €39,995. Based on the same 'EMP2' underpinnings as the equally-stylish Peugeot 308, the 408 sits above that car in the line-up with a longer wheelbase and a larger boot, though it pairs the extra practicality with a unique 'fastback silhouette' and raised ride height to take on the appearance of a coupe-crossover.
Petrol, plug-in hybrid or electric
At launch in Ireland, the Peugeot 408 will be offered in petrol or plug-in hybrid formats, all using an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard and sending power to the front wheels only. There will never be a diesel-engined model, though the French company has confirmed that an all-electric variant is in the pipeline.
There are in fact two different plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) available, the difference being the maximum system power output due to slightly different engines - 180hp or 225hp. They both use a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine and an 81kW electric motor, with a 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack. A 3.7kW AC charger is fitted as standard, though buyers can upgrade that to a 7.4kW unit for a battery recharge in as little as one hour and forty minutes.
The sole petrol option is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder 'PureTech' engine, making 130hp.
Irish pricing of the Peugeot 408
The entry-level trim is called Allure, costing from €39,995 for the petrol engine or €44,995 for the 180hp hybrid. Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, electric-folding door mirrors, reversing camera, navigation, one-touch electric windows all round, 10-inch touchscreen, 10-inch digital instrumentation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports, Bluetooth and a comprehensive suite of active safety equipment.
Next up is the Allure Pack, which adds more safety equipment - including adaptive cruise control - as well as acoustic laminated front windows, front parking sensors, keyless entry and 19-inch alloy wheels. The 1.2 petrol version costs €41,995 in this specification, with the 180hp PHEV model priced at €46,995.
Topping the line-up is the 408 GT, costing €44,995 for pure petrol power, €49,995 for the 180hp PHEV or €52,495 for the 225hp variant. Extra equipment includes matrix LED tech for the front lights, upgraded rear LED lights, a heated steering wheel, electric tailgate, ambient lighting, unique exterior styling and a significant overhaul for the cabin detailing and materials.
Peugeot Ireland confirmed that there is plentiful supply for the petrol model right now, especially in Allure Pack and GT trim levels.