Peugeot 408 launches in Ireland

New Peugeot 408 arrives, starting at €39,995.

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.

Published on: February 8, 2023