KUALA LUMPUR: Stellantis today launched the all-new Peugeot 408 in Malaysia.
It is available as a locally assembled model in three variants. The base Allure is priced at RM146,055, the Premium at RM166,055 and the flagship GT at RM196,055. All three variants were on display at the launch venue in a 5-star hotel here.
The new 408 is the first Peugeot launch under the Stellantis Malaysia banner, pointing to its unique position in the C-segment as a non-mainstream, stylish option for customers.
While it was a traditional sedan in its previous life, the latest 408 is now a fastback with a slightly elevated height.
It opens up a new front for Peugeot to exploit, being a car targeted at customers who want less of the SUV height and something more exciting than a regular sedan.
Design director Pierre-Paul Mattei had said in 2022 that the new 408 "is closer to a sedan than an SUV, but it’s not a typical sedan design.’
Peugeot said the new 408 introduces a radical design under the "Language of Attraction" ethos, combining allure, emotion, and excellence.
It features a dynamic fastback silhouette and a new Peugeot emblem on the front grille. Notable for its aesthetics, the car incorporates a full-LED headlamp cluster with a distinctive vertical fang-shaped daytime running light strip. The GT trim includes advanced Matrix LED lighting technology.
Dimensions of the 408 are notably spacious, with a length of 4,687mm, a width of 1,859mm, and a height of 1,487mm. It is built on the EMP2 platform and offers a wheelbase of 2,787mm with a ground clearance of 189mm.
The car's interior boasts the Peugeot i-Cockpit with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, and a minimalist centre console that includes a 10-inch touchscreen with customisable i-Toggles for intuitive control.
Under the bonnet, the 408 is equipped with a 1.6-litre turbocharged PureTech engine paired with an 8-speed EAT8 automatic transmission, delivering 218hp and 300Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100kph in 8.8 seconds.
The car also excels in practicality and comfort. The driver's seat (GT trim) is certified by the German AGR for ergonomics and offers an air massage system with heating.
The interior is designed for maximum convenience and luxury, including a wireless charging area, extensive storage, and a motorised tailgate with hands-free access on the GT variant.
In terms of safety, the 408 is equipped with numerous advanced features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, active lane departure warning, and a 360° parking assistance system.
The new model prioritises passenger well-being, featuring a high-efficiency cabin air filter and an upgraded Air Quality System in the GT trim.
The Allure comes with standard 18-inch Granite Grey wheels, while the Premium gets a set of 18-inch Granite Black wheels.
Customers can upgrade the look with the geometric 20-inch Monolithe Black wheels exclusive to the GT variant, and is equipped with a range of exclusive features as follows:
> 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° Camera
> AGR Certified Seats with Memory for the Driver (AGR or Aktion für gesunder Rücken is an independent German association of ergonomics and back health experts)
> Multispot Massage Function for Passenger and Driver
The 408 is available in a choice of four colours – Perla Nera Black, Okenite White, Artense Grey and Obsession Blue.
All new Peugeot vehicles come with a warranty of 7 years or 200,000km (whichever comes first).
Globally, the new 408 is also available as a plug-in hybrid and an all-electric version will show up later this year.
Stellantis said the 408 is popular in Vietnam and Taiwan where it accounts for 30% of Peugeot's sales.
Among those present at the local launch were Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry Liew Chin Tong, France's ambassador to Malaysia Axel Cruau, Stellantis chief operating officer (Asean & General Distributors) Daniel Gonzalez and Stellantis Malaysia managing director Jamie Francis Morais.
