PEUGEOT & NASIM Launch the All-New Peugeot 408 e-THP

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Peugeot in Malaysia has finally launched the all-new Peugeot 408 e-THP here in Kuala Lumpur. The 408 is the 4 door sedan variant of the Peugeot 308 hatchback which was launched sometime last year here in Malaysia. There will be only one variant equipped with the 1.6liter direct injection turbocharged 4 cylinder engine with a 6 speed automatic transmission. It will be priced at RM143,888 on the road with GST.

For that price it has a lot of equipment (6 airbags, ISOFIX points,keyless go,electric park brake, hill assist,reverse camera, infotainment system with a 9.7inch screen etc. etc), performance (turbocharged performance) and that European high speed handling that those who are aware have come to love (easily able to cruise effortlessly at speeds above 160kmh if you like that kind of thing).

But let's talk more about the car in terms on how it makes me feel. It is a C segment sedan based on a C segment hatchback. It looks better than the earlier 408 it replaces in that is does not look like a hatchback with a boot tacked onto it. The front up to the B pillars shares the same as the hatchback and it is only at the rear that there are major changes to the platform.

I personally think that the 308 is a nicer looking car but this is not offensive looking. I also like the funky i-Cockpit or the high position instrument cluster which sits above the steering wheel. Odd at first and it does block out some of the details but you do see some logic in something that is slightly different from the norm. The materials used inside feel good to the touch and it does have a certain upmarket feel to it. It may be a little monotone, or too liberal usage of black inside, but this is the C segment, and a black interior appeals to the youngish customer. And back to that dashboard layout, I think Peugeot is now the most daring of the French manufacturers. It used to be its group partners, Citroen (which now sits as the premium car in the stable), but now, Peugeot has that French flair for doing things a little bit out there.

I like the performance figures of the car. 167ps and 245Nm from the 1.6liter turbocharged engine. It also has a torque convertor based 6 speed gearbox which is known for smoothness and reliability compared to other types of transmission systems. 0-`100kmh is despatched in 8.2seconds and it can hit an ECU limited top speed of 215kmh. This is pretty good figures for a family sedan.

Note that the specs of the engine says that it has Euro 5 emission standards so I would suggest that one put the Euro 4 petrol sold here in Malaysia - the more expensive RON97. This actually enables optimum performance and engine cleanliness (direct injection engines like clean fuel if not the injectors or valves would get clogged) from the Peugeot 1.6 (which has also been revised in recent years to make it more resilient to having its intake valves from clogging up).

The launch of this car precedes the launch of the upcoming Honda Civic. I do wonder how the 408 e-THP would fare against the upcoming tenth generation Honda Civic, especially the 1.5liter turbocharged version. Performance wise of course. What people think as value for money is subjective. But having something slightly different is always a good thing for us consumers. Some may want something more niche instead of following the norm. Especially that high position i-Cockpit thingy. Totally different and quite a fresh thing to do actually.

All Peugeots come with a 5 year warranty with unlimited mileage and Peugeot 24 hour Assistance, Privilege Card, Peugeot Lounge at Subang Skypark Terminal and Peugeot Protect asset protection.