KUALA LUMPUR: Peugeot pounces back into the local market with the advent of its 2024 variant of the 408.
The locally-assembled (CKD) model marks the first of the French automaker's entry that is officially under its parent company Stellantis Malaysia.
Stellantis Asean and General Distributors chief operating officer Daniel Gonzalez said the model's progressive features have already won the hearts of consumers and awards globally - making up 30 per cent of Peugeot cars sold in the Asean region with emphasis in Vietnam and Taiwan.
"We're thrilled to bring this latest icon, assembled in Stellantis Gurun, Kedah to our Malaysian customers.
"The all-new Peugeot 408 is a truly unique model that is unexpected from every angle," he added.
The multi-award winning C-segment fastback crossover model, which includes the 2023 Red Dot design of the year award, is available in three variants: Allure, Premium and GT.
All of them sport the brand's new emblem sitting at the renewed vertical slat grille.
This is accompanied by an all-new Peugeot full-LED Signature Light headlamp cluster with a single, vertical fang-shaped daytime running light strip.
Based on the multi-energy EMP2 (efficient modular platform), the model measures at 4,687 millimetres long, 1,859 millimetres wide, and 1,487 millimetres in overall height.
It has a wheelbase of 2,787 millimetres and a raised ground clearance of 189 millimetres.
At the heart lies a 1.6-litre turbocharged PureTech engine that is paired to an intelligent 8-speed EAT8 automatic transmission to deliver 218 hp at 5,750 rpm and 300 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The setup allows it to achieve a century sprint in 8.8 seconds.
Three colour options are available as standard: Perla Nera Black, Okenite White and Artense Grey. A fourth Obsession Blue is only available to the Premium and GT variants.
The Allure comes with standard 18-inch Granite Grey wheels, while the Premium gets a set of 18-inch Granite Black wheels.
Exclusive to the GT variant are as follows: geometric 20-inch Monolithe Black wheels, Matrix LED headlights with Automatic Beam, 3D 'Claw Effect' LED Rear Lights, 3D Quartz Digital Metre Cluster, configurable touch I-Toggles, Focal Premium Hi-Fi System, 360-degree camera, Aktion für gesunder Rücken (AGR) Certified Seats with Memory for the driver, and Multispot Massage Function for passenger and driver.
The Peugeot I-Cockpit features a dashboard with a compact steering wheel with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster with available 3D technology and display personalisation options for the GT variant.
Driving modes via the gear selector includes choices between Eco, Normal or Sport.
A 10-inch central touchscreen that is angled towards the driver boasts customisable I-Toggles that allows for shortcut settings that include climate control, radio, navigation, and more.
The system's mirroring function enables connections of up to two phones via Bluetooth or through its USB-C sockets. New users have the option to make use of the i-Connect system's on-board documentation and tutorials.
The driver's seat boasts 10-way power adjustment with two memory settings, while the passenger enjoys 6-way power adjustability. Both seats offer an 8-pocket air massage system with 5 selectable programs and built-in heating.
The GT variant takes it a step further with a Dynamic Black Nappa Leather for both front and rear occupants as standard.
Centre console includes a wireless phone charging area, an armrest, two USB-C sockets (supporting both charging and data transfer), two large cup holders, and a generous 33 litres of storage for miscellaneous items.
Its two-part bench seats at the rear can be folded flat to increase the load capacity from 536 to 1,583 litres in the GT, and 1,611 litres for both the Allure and Premium. There's also an additional 36 litres of storage space under the boot.
As standard the cabin's air is regulated by a High Efficiency Filter that continuously filter particles, mould and bacteria inside the cabin. The GT variant upgrades this to the Air Quality System (AQS) system.
In addition to the standard six airbags, electronic stability program (ESP) and Active Hood for pedestrian protection across the line, both the Premium and GT variants come with a comprehensive range of latest generation driving assistance systems.
They include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and adjustable inter-vehicle distance feature, Automatic emergency braking, Active lane departure warning with lane correction, Driver Attention Alert, Long-range blind spot monitoring, Rear Traffic Alert, 180-degree high-definition reversing camera with integrated cleaning nozzle and 360-degree parking assistance with 4 high-definition cameras (front, rear and side).
The 2024 Peugeot 408 retails at RM146,055 for the Allure, RM166,055 for the Premium and RM196,055 for the flagship GT.
Prices inclusive of a seven-year warranty or 200,000km, whichever comes first.