Discover the All-New Peugeot 408 PHEV: The Future of Driving in Melbourne

Peugeot 408 GT.

The Peugeot 408 PHEV occupies an unusual but appealing position in the passenger-car market, combining the sleek profile of a fastback with the elevated stance and everyday practicality associated with a crossover. Its design gives it a distinctive presence without abandoning the useful liftback format, making it a compelling alternative to more conventional sedans and SUVs.

At the heart of the 408 GT Fastback Plug-In Hybrid is a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine working with an 81kW electric motor. Together, the system produces 165kW and 360Nm, with power delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination is intended to provide smooth, effortless progress in normal driving, while the electric motor adds responsive assistance when accelerating. The published 0–100km/h time is 7.8 seconds.

The plug-in hybrid system is particularly suited to drivers who can charge regularly. Its 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery provides up to 60km of electric-only driving, which can cover many shorter urban journeys without using the petrol engine. The stated combined-cycle fuel consumption is 1.5L/100km, while the source material notes that real-world consumption can be around 5.5L/100km with regular charging. Charging takes approximately six hours from a domestic socket or about three and a half hours using a 7kW or 11kW AC charger.

Inside, the 408 focuses on a more premium interpretation of the fastback formula. The GT specification includes heated, powered front seats with heat and massage functions, Nappa leather upholstery and synthetic leather trim, a heated steering wheel, and a curved dashboard incorporating high-resolution displays. A 10-inch touchscreen multimedia system sits alongside a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation and wireless smartphone charging supporting convenient day-to-day use.

Practicality remains an important part of the package. The cabin provides useful space for front and rear occupants, while rear passengers benefit from directional air vents and USB-C connectivity. A 471-litre boot and hands-free powered tailgate add versatility for luggage, shopping and other everyday loads. Dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, four USB-C ports and two 12-volt sockets further reinforce its usability.

The exterior design is one of the 408's defining qualities. Vertical daytime running lights create a distinctive front-end signature, while the rear lighting uses Peugeot's claw-inspired motif. The coupe-like roofline and elevated body give the car a more dramatic stance than a traditional hatchback, while the liftback opening retains a practical connection with the luggage area.

Driver-assistance equipment includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, driver-attention monitoring, dusk-sensing automatic lights and tyre-pressure monitoring. Six airbags are also listed among the safety equipment.

• 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with 81kW electric motor
• Combined system output of 165kW and 360Nm
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery
• Up to 60km electric driving range
• 471-litre boot capacity
• 10-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster
• Powered front seats with heating and massage functions
• Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring

Other highlights include Body type: Fastback crossover; Engine or motor: 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an 81kW electric motor.