2026 Peugeot E-208 Reviews

Claims of battery breakthroughs have lately been reserved for Chinese electric car brands, but this time the news has come from automotive mega-group Stellantis.

Australia’s new car market rose very slightly in volume in 2024 compared to 2023 - but it wasn’t good news across the board.

The first symptoms of serious market change are afoot. Not only did 2024 mark the end of a host of individual nameplates, it also saw the demand of one the oldest brands in Australia after decades of flagging sales. 

Another year of new-model launches is behind us, and 2024 has been another doozy.While this past year is notable for the number of models that were scheduled for launch but still haven’t arrived, there were some big names making big waves.Throughout the year I have driven some cars that truly surprised me, and others that were real let-downs. But for this article I am solely focusing on the good ones, because why would I want to end the year on a negative note?For clarity, our various CarsGuide ‘top cars’ articles are focused on vehicles that brought each individual journalist the most joy this year. That doesn’t necessarily mean the model launched in the past 12 months — we might have only had the chance to drive them in that period.Following last year’s list, my 2024 best of is a mix of some possibly obvious choices, and some that are perhaps a bit more left of field.Let’s not waste any more time. Here are the cars I loved most in 2024, in alphabetical order.In September, I drove the updated 2025 Audi e-tron GT on home turf in Germany, not far from Frankfurt and stopping off for the night in Heilbronn, where the vehicle is produced.I hadn’t driven the pre-facelift model but heard good things, notably from my colleague Tom White. I have driven a number of grades of the mechanically related Porsche Taycan, and while I have great affection for that car, I fell deeply in love with the Audi.Where the Porsche is a more focussed sports car, the Audi is more of a grand tourer. It still has breathtaking performance, but it offers a level of comfort that surprises.Beyond its phenomenal on-road performance, the e-tron GT is superbly designed and has a striking and inviting interior.I’ll leave you with the second-last line from my Audi e-tron GT review to summarise;“The e-tron GT is one of the most deeply impressive cars I have ever driven.”Including a new Mustang on a best-of list? I know, groundbreaking, right?But this car had to be on my list.The new-gen Ford Mustang is based on old underpinnings but honestly, I don’t care. I’m just thrilled that Ford can still build this car in the age of electrification.I spent a week with a Mustang GT Convertible, which is only offered in auto guise. I am still yet to drive a manual Mustang, but, again, I don’t care. The 10-speed auto is a brilliant match for the delicious 345kW/550Nm 5.0-litre V8.I am not really a V8 guy these days, and I am not a fan of obnoxiously loud engines, but man it was fun to scare the neighbours with an overzealous rev or two.The interior is much better than the previous Mustang and while it’s not perfect (what is with the pretend old-school handbrake?) I loved every second I had with this car.I drove the Jeep Avenger EV in Italy a few months back and, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting much given some of Jeep’s current crop of models leave me cold.But it turns out there is something so charming about Jeep’s first electric vehicle that it was one of the first cars to make it onto my list this year.The exterior design is simple yet edgy, and while it has a distinct Jeep flavour it’s very modern. The thoughtful Jeepisms like the plastic bootlip to avoid scratching the paint when loading a bike in the back, or setback headlights to mitigate against damage in a collision just add to the charm of the little SUV.It’s no sports car but it is brisk, comfortable and — importantly — engaging to drive. I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel again.There’s a reason the Jeep Avenger won European Car of the Year. It’s an adorable, capable and functional city EV. Before you put a deposit down on one of the many affordable small EVs hitting the market, go check out the Avenger. It’s the coolest Jeep I’ve ever driven.The Polestar 4 is the EV brand’s first medium SUV and it follows the larger and pricier Polestar 3 SUV to market. But there are big differences between the two models.This is a Tesla Model Y rival, but it is much more premium than Tesla can manage. It’s also a lot more interesting.A striking exterior design lures you in before you realise something’s missing — a rear windscreen. Instead, it has a camera with vision displayed on a digital screen where the interior rear-view mirror goes.Despite this feature being tech for tech’s sake, the Polestar 4 is seriously impressive.It has excellent real-world driving range, a serious focus on sustainability, a spacious and gorgeously designed interior, and the exact same standard features list in both the Single Motor and Dual Motor grades. The only caveat there is that there are a lot of options and option packs that can push the price out.But if you’re tech savvy, value good design and a genuine focus on sustainability, the Polestar 4 is hard to beat.As someone who grew up obsessing over cars and has been in automotive media for more than 12 years, I did not see this coming.But I am here to tell you, dear reader, the new ninth-generation Toyota Camry is that good!It’s easy to dismiss the Camry as the Uber driver’s car of choice, or the sort of vehicle your grandpa drives, but after a week behind the wheel of the SL grade I am convinced it’s one of the best cars released this year.The hybrid powertrain (there’s no petrol-only grades anymore) is smoother than before, it’s still incredibly efficient and it has the best ride quality of any car I have driven this year. In even more surprising news, it’s actually pretty fun to drive on twisty roads as well.Of course the cabin is spacious and there’s plenty of room for cargo too.This is truly all the family car most people will need. Forget the dreary reputation of Camrys past. Because this big sedan has got its mojo back.Hyundai Santa Fe - Well isn’t this a bold new look? While it might be too bold for some, the new-gen Santa Fe improves on what was already an excellent family SUV and takes its place at the top of the segment.Lexus LBX - The latest Lexus model is also the smallest, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less premium. The LBX looks sharp, has hot hatch vibes and was one of my clear favourites this year. Bring on the spicy Morizo RR version!Mini Countryman - In its third generation, the Mini Countryman finally grows up into a family friendly small SUV. In a win for value for money, the entry-level petrol grades are just as compelling as the higher-end EV variants.Peugeot 408 - A cousin to the Citroen C5 X (RIP Citroen), the 408 is plug-in hybrid only and one of the most striking cars to launch this year. It ain’t cheap but it’s a joy to drive and it offers buyers a sleek European alternative to all of the generic small SUVs.Renault Megane E-Tech - I have only just driven this spunky French EV but I am already in love. Stunning exterior design, a surprisingly spacious interior and keener pricing combine with a joyful drive experience. Renault is on the march, finally!

Just weeks after stepping down as the head of European-American automotive conglomerate Stellantis, Carlos Tavares is standing by the decisions that forced the embattled former CEO into resignation.

The Peugeot E-Expert brings zero tailpipe emissions to the mid-sized commercial van class with its fully electric drivetrain, but does its high purchase price deliver more than just clean air credentials?

Is this the car that could turn Peugeot’s fortunes around in Australia? It’s a ute, the category of vehicle that has been the best-seller in Australia since 2016 with either the Toyota HiLux or Ford Ranger taking top honours. 

Peugeot Australia has dumped electric passenger cars for now, having removed the E-2008 from its website despite previously promising the facelift version’s arrival in 2024. While Peugeot is bringing in the E-308 electric hatch, only 14 examples of the BYD Dolphin and MG4 rival are arriving in an ‘exclusive’ program — CarsGuide understands that after those are sold, that will be the end of the E-308 in Australia. The brand has also rolled back its plug-in hybrid range in Australia, discontinuing the funky 408 plug-in hybrid in favour of a mild-hybrid version.After contacting Peugeot Australia about its electric car future, a spokesperson issued the following statement to CarsGuide.“Peugeot Australia is committed to its electrification journey. In addition to our expanding hybrid range, this includes bringing the best range of 100 per cent electric vehicles to the Australian market, as such, the E-408, E-2008 and new E-3008 form part of our consideration for future product in the local market.”The brand had also previously been vocal about its interest in the E-3008, an electric mid-size SUV that CarsGuide sampled at its global media launch in March 2024. The  E-3008 was expected to arrive in Australia’s hotly-contested electric family SUV segment to compete against the Tesla Model Y and BYD Atto 3 with 700km of WLTP driving range.CarsGuide was told the E-3008 was on schedule for the second half of this year at its launch but Peugeot importer Inchcape is now non-commital about the E-3008’s arrival. Next it was the E-208 small car facelift, scheduled to arrive in 2025. In pre-update guise the small car was already sold in New Zealand, however it has now been withdrawn from both markets despite being approved for sale in Australia via the government’s Road Vehicle Register (ROVER). Peugeot sells two electric vehicles in Australia: the E-Partner van ($59,990) and E-Expert ($79,990, both before on-road costs). One of the main barriers has been price, and Peugeot’s importer learned the importance of this when it slashed E-2008 prices by $20,000 — pretty much 30 per cent — back in May. A few days later, the remaining stock had sold out. Looking at Peugeot’s plug-in hybrids, at $67,990, before on-road costs, the discontinued 408 PHEV was a lot dearer than the BYD Sealion 6 Premium ($52,990) and close to the larger seven-seat Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed ($69,290, both before on-road costs). Only 71 new 408s have been registered in 2024. Peugeot is moving to where the industry’s big growth appears to be, introducing an all mild-hybrid 2008 range and promising the new 3008 will arrive with a hybrid system that achieves 4.9L/100km in the combined cycle to target the Toyota RAV4.Hybrid sales have jumped in 2024 and are currently 80 per cent ahead of 2024, while plug-in hybrids have doubled in popularity. Relatively, EVs are growing at a slower rate, up 16 per cent on 2023 so far.With reviews to Australian Design Rules (ADR) in progress now, it’s possible Peugeot will be able to be more nimble and adapt to changing market conditions in the near future. For Peugeot’s immediate Australian plans, the immediate future is mild and strong hybrid with 308, 408, 2008, 3008 and 5008 all getting some form of electrification. For now, more electric vehicles remain off limits. 

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.

Peugeot is joining the mild hybrid party.