√2024 Peugeot 408 to arrive in Australia with plug-in hybrid power only

The Peugeot 408 sedan-styled SUV will not offer a standard petrol engine when it reaches Australian showrooms later this year – and it could cost more than $70,000.

The 2024 Peugeot 408 SUV is due in Australian showrooms later this year in a single plug-in hybrid model – expected to be priced in excess of $70,000 plus on-road costs.

The 408 is a twin under the skin to the 308 small hatchback, which blends SUV-like taller suspension and seating position with a sedan-like roofline, and the footprint of a Toyota RAV4 family SUV.

While Peugeot Australia has received approval to sell up to three model grades – with petrol-only power, or petrol-electric plug-in hybrid technology – the company has confirmed the 408 will launch in one plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, but if it is equipped as standard with all features available overseas – and using UK prices as a guide – it may cost in excess of $70,000 plus on-road costs, or more than $75,000 drive-away.

MORE: 2023 Peugeot 408 due here this year; petrol, plug-in hybrid versions approved

It would represent a price premium of about 10 per cent over the Peugeot 308 plug-in hybrid hatchback, which in top-of-the-range GT Sport PHEV form in Australia is listed at $64,990 plus on-road costs.

It is unclear if standard petrol-powered 408 variants with lower price tags will follow the initial top-of-the-range plug-in hybrid.

The launch variant will combine 132kW 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine with an 81kW electric motor, eight-speed automatric transmission and 12.4kWh battery pack for a total output of 165kW.

Peugeot in Europe claims up to 60km of electric driving range, and a zero to 100km/h time of 7.8 seconds – compared to 10.4 seconds for the petrol version, which uses a 96kW/230Nm 1.2-litre turbo three-cylinder engine.

Standard specifications for the 408 plug-in hybrid in Australia are yet to be confirmed.

Top-of-the-range models in Europe offer matrix LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, dual 10-inch interior screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power-adjustable front seats with heating and massaging, nappa leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 408 measures 4685mm long, 1850mm wide and 1485mm tall with a 2790mm wheelbase – giving it a similar footprint to a Toyota RAV4 or Nissan X-Trail mid-size family SUV, but with a body not much taller than a Hyundai i30 hatchback.

More details of the 2024 Peugeot 408 are due closer to its Australian arrival in “late 2023”, Peugeot Australia says.

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