Peugeot has launched its revised and updated 408 SUV-coupe at the Brussels motor show, with some new styling and some changes to how the E-408 electric version works.
How big are the styling changes?
The overall shape of the 408 remains the same - why mess with something that already looked good, after all - but the detailing really is quite different.
The front of the 408 now looks a little softer and slightly less angular, with a grille that blends into the bodywork rather more neatly, and new headlights with the distinctive 'three-claw' LED motif built into the main beam units, replacing the old single-claw look that was there before. Those LEDs also serve as the car's scrolling indicators, and they're linked by an LED light bar that runs across the top of the grille, just above the badge, which itself is illuminated on higher-spec models.
The headlights are also mounted a little lower than before, while the forward-facing radar unit is tucked behind the Peugeot badge.
What about the rear styling?
Around the back, the 408 remains angular and sharp-edged, but there are new lights here too - again, with that distinctive three-claw style, and for the first time ever, the word 'Peugeot' is illuminated in the centre.
Down the sides, there are new 19-inch alloy wheels, finished in a dark grey colour called 'Adakite', which is a type of volcanic rock. Those get sharp-looking diamond-cut surfaces. There's also the option of big 20-inch 'Monolithe' wheels, while basic models have to make do with 17-inch rims.
Any other exterior changes?
There's also a new paint option, a striking iridescent green which Peugeot calls Flare Green, which is almost like those 'flip' paints of the early 2000s, in that it changes subtly from very dark green to almost yellow in bright sunlight.
What about the interior?
Peugeot has also upgraded the 408's cabin, giving it a new digital instrument screen and some improvements to the materials used to boost the sensation of quality, but for the most part, the interior remains as it has been. There are new seats, approved by the German association for bad backs, and they can optionally be equipped with 10-way electric adjustment and a massage function. Optionally, you can also have Alcantara suede trim or even Nappa leather. On the safety front, a new driver monitoring camera has been installed.
Have the engines been updated?
Yes, even though the 408's mechanical package was updated relatively recently, and the basic components are carried over, there are some new bits and pieces.
The electric E-408 keeps its 213hp front-drive electric motor and 58kWh battery, but there have been some changes to the electronic management of that battery. So, for the first time, the E-408 gets battery preconditioning, vehicle-to-load functions and plug-and-charge payments for public charging. There have also been some aerodynamic tweaks, which means that the E-408 now has official energy consumption of 14.7kWh/100km, and that means that its range has gone up by 3km to 456km. The battery is also fully connected to the car's navigation, so you can plan charging stops on a long journey.
The 1.2-litre 145hp hybrid engine is unchanged, but the plug-in 1.6-litre hybrid sees its maximum power climb from 225hp to 240hp, while its 14.6kWh battery can deliver a quoted range on electric power of up to 85km.
When can I have one?
Peugeot Ireland has confirmed that the new 408 and E-408 will hit the market in time for the July "262" registration plate. Irish prices have yet to be confirmed.