WITH the UK currently teetering on the brink of its worst recession since the early 1990s, it seems only right that 'limited edition' cars have started to re-appear for the first time in about 30 years.
Way back when, limited editions involved manufacturers chucking some desirable optional extras and fancy decals at cars with slack sales in order to jump-start interest, or perhaps to help shift remaining stocks of models due for a facelift or imminent obsolescence (the good old 'run-out' model, a la the Cortina Crusader and Golf GTI Campaign).
The 21st century twist on this practice, the 'first edition', aims to entice punters to place pre-orders for cars most won't even have seen in the metal yet by offering limited numbers of attractively/uniquely specced new models.
A case in point is the new Peugeot 408, which was launched at the Paris Motor Show this week and boasts attractive styling that's very much in-step with its siblings the 208 and 308.
Peugeot are introducing their brand new fastback-styled 225hp plug-in hybrid to motorists here with 50 'enhanced specification' First Edition cars sold exclusively online for the not inconsiderable sum of £43,250.
The 408 will be available at launch in Allure, Allure Premium and GT trim levels. Based on the range-topping GT trim, First Edition models also get a distinctive 'dichroic' effect Obsession Blue metallic paint job, 20-inch Monolithe diamond cut alloy wheels, a 7.4 kW on-board charger, Driver and Passenger Seat Pack (including heating and five-programme massage functions built into the AGR-approved seat design), Peugeot i-Cockpit with 3D digital instrument cluster, 10-inch touch screen and i-Connect Advanced infotainment system with connected navigation.
A complimentary Electric Pack also provides First Edition owners with their own Pod Point Home WallBox, £500 of public charging via Octopus Energy Electroverse and a four years/40,000 miles service package.
If you like the sound of that, then don't hang about: the 408 First Edition is only available until October 31 via peugeot.co.uk.
