Family car now $10,000 cheaper as 2025 Peugeot GT Premium Fastback ditches plug-in hybrid variants for mild-hybrid tech, putting it in closer contention to Mazda6 and Skoda Octavia

Peugeot has scrapped the plug-in hybrid version of its 408 GT Premium Fastback in favour of a mild-hybrid version and a more attractive entry price.

With prices now commencing at $57,990 (before on-road costs) for the single-variant lineup, the new starting price represents a saving of $10,000 from the plug-in hybrid version’s starting price of $67,990 (before on-road costs).

That puts the anti-SUV in the ballpark of the top-spec Skoda Octavia RS and Mazda6 Atenza, which start at $58,400 and $53,890 (before on-road costs) respectively.

Dimensions for the family-friendly mild-hybrid version remain the same at 4685mm long, 2062mm wide, 1485mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2790mm.

Replacing the outgoing plug-in hybrid variant’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and 81kW/320Nm electric motor is a smaller 1.2-litre unit paired to a 15.6kW/51Nm electric motor. Power is down from 165kW/360Nm to 100kW/230Nm.

Fuel economy is also worse off at a claimed 4.7L/100km and emissions rise to 107g of CO2 per km, compared to the plug-in hybrid model's 1.3L/100km and 30g of CO2. It still fits comfortably under the New Vehicle Emission Standards limit of 141g/km, which is set to come into effect from January 1 next year.

In terms of design, the mild-hybrid version is practically unchanged from the plug-in hybrid. It boasts the same fastback crossover design, which blends both liftback sedan and SUV styling.

There’s Peugeot's distinctive gradient front grille, its ‘fang’ LED daytime running lights and its ‘claw effect’ rear tail lights, though it does get a unique diamond-cut 19-inch alloy wheel design.

The interior is also unchanged with the 408’s 10-inch multimedia touchscreen remaining paired to a 10-inch digital driver’s display.

As before it gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless device charging, leather-accented upholstery, a 10-speaker Focal sound system, satellite navigation, push-button start and keyless entry.

A panoramic sunroof, which was previously a $2000 addition on the plug-in hybrid, is now standard.

Standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking with low light pedestrian and cyclist detection, long range blind spot detection, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera.

The 408 comes standard in Okenite White paint, while customers can opt for metallic paint in Artense Grey, Nera Black and Obsession Blue for an additional $690. Elixir Red is the only premium paint colour at an additional $1050.

Peugeot offers a five-year/unlimited km warrant on the 408 GT Premium Fastback.

The Peugeot 408 GT Premium Fastback has been far from a strong seller for the struggling brand in 2024, having sold just 54 units as of October 2024.

In recent months Peugeot has moved to halt its electrification plans in Australia, scrapping plug-in hybrid and electric variants in favour of mild-hybrid offerings to help shore up sales.

Customers can pre-order their Peugeot 408 GT Premium Fastback Hybrid today from an authorised retailer, with deliveries set to commence in Q1 of 2025.