Peugeot 408 Launched in Malaysia


[Automotive News]
Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia, launched the highly-anticipated all-new Peugeot 408 the replacement model for the 407. This replacement model is claimed to set the bar for performance, space, elegance and safety, in Malaysia’s C-segment market.
“The all-new 408 is ideal for young professionals with families who are looking for a car that offers space, performance and elegance,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman of the Naza Group of Companies at the launching of the all-new 408 at the new Peugeot Blue Box Glenmarie.

At the front, the all-new 408 features Peugeot’s trademark feline headlights, thin chrome strips on the radiator grille, and sculptured lines on the bonnet that flow naturally into the wide, slopping windscreen giving it a sleek and refined look.
Inside, the all-new 408 offers the largest cabin space in its class. Its long 2,710 mm wheelbase, its width measuring 1,815 mm and its height at 1,525 mm provides ample leg room, elbow room and head room respectively.
The all-new 408 features automatic dual-zone air-conditioning system with rear air-conditioning vents, World In Peugeot Sound with six speakers with CD/ MP3 playback capability, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, instrument panel LCD, tilt and telescopic steering and one-touch power windows with anti-pinch for all four windows.  The 408’s boot offers 562-litres of space which should fit a couple of golf bags.
Other key features of the 408 Turbo include premium leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with aluminium inserts, auto-dimming rear view mirror and a rear armrest with two cup holders.
Both variants feature cruise control with a speed limiter, 17-inch alloy wheels, “Follow Me Home” functionality for the headlamps, sensor-activated headlights and wipers and automatic retractable side mirrors.

POWERPLANT & TRANSMISSION
The all-new 408 is available in two variants: a 408 Turbo and a 408 2.0. The 408 Turbo features a four-cylinder 1.6-litre twin scroll turbo high pressure engine with direct injection that pumps out 163 hp and 240 Nm of torque making it the most powerful C-segment sedan in the market. The Peugeot 308 also uses this engine however as the 408 is heavier than the 308 I expect the performance to be slightly less.
Fitted with a six-speed auto adaptive transmission with Triptronic and a sport mode, the 408 Turbo has the capability of accelerating from 0-100 kph 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 215 kph.
The 408 2.0 is powered by a four-cylinder 2-litre engine that produces 145 hp and 200 Nm of torque fitted with an auto adaptive gearbox with Triptronic and a sport mode.

SUSPENSION
Suspension wise the 408 is fitted with independent MacPherson-type struts and antiroll bar for the front suspension while at the rear, the suspension comprises of a deformable U-shaped cross member and an integrated antiroll bar to provide good vibration control and well-controlled body movement.
An important point to note – the suspension settings for the 408 Turbo have been tuned for a sportier ride while the 408 2.0’s suspension offers more comfort.

SAFETY
In terms of safety, both variants feature two smart airbags, ABS, EBD and EBA, among others. The car has also been designed with a double-impact force dissipation channel to provide maximum passenger compartment protection. The 408 Turbo also comes with driver and front passenger side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, electronic stability programme (ESP) and anti-skid regulation (ASR).
The 408 is manufactured at Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) in Gurun, Kedah and will also be exported to regional markets in the coming months.
The 408 will come with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage together with Nasim’s existing lifetime 24-hours Peugeot Assistance service and its exclusive Peugeot Privilege membership to provide the best ownership experience for its customers.
The all-new 408 was launched at the new Peugeot Blue Box Glenmarie which is scheduled to commence operations in June. Built at a cost of RM15 million, the 82,000 square foot facility will be Nasim’s flagship outlet in the country and will house the largest Peugeot service centre in the country with a capability of servicing 66 cars a day.

PRICE
The on-the-road price of the 408 Turbo is RM125,888 while the on-the-road price of the 408 2.0 is RM109,888.
More info at www.peugeot.com.my
Photo credits: Peugeot Malaysia and author’s own