Upcoming Peugeot 408: What to expect

KUALA LUMPUR: Stellantis Malaysia National Sales Company is now Peugeot’s official caretaker in the country. Starting March 1, 2024, Stellantis Malaysia has begun directing and managing marketing, distribution, sales, and aftersales operations in the country.

Also Read: e-2008 teased on Peugeot Malaysia's social media - Imminent introduction?

“Stellantis Malaysia is an exciting start and new business chapter for us here in Malaysia. Our priorities are four-pronged – accelerating market growth, expanding product portfolio, creating new dealership opportunities nationwide, and subsequently providing improved customer experience. This includes expanding our dealer network nationwide and building a stronger presence in East Malaysia,” commented Stellantis Malaysia Managing Director, Jamie Francis Morais.

He further added, “We thank Bermaz Auto for their efforts as the custodians of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia since December 2020. With the establishment of Stellantis Malaysia, we are committed to continuing the growth of Peugeot and the prospects of bringing in a wider range of vehicles from other brands under the Stellantis portfolio whilst focusing on enhancing the lives of our customers through our products and services.”

Under Stellantis' leadership, the company will offer a potential future line-up of cars that are scheduled to be introduced during its Investor Day. The list of cars includes the all-new Peugeot 408 and Peugeot Landtrek.

Here we’ll be discussing the upcoming Peugeot 408 EV that is said to arrive in Malaysia in Q2 2024.

The latest generating Peugeot 408 EV made its global debut back in June 2022 and since has been launched in countries like the UK, Egypt, and Thailand. As we are not clear on the exact details of the MY-spec 408 model, here we have referred to the global model for reference.

Platform

The high-riding 408 sits on an updated version of the EMP2 platform which is also used by the ongoing 508, 308, and Citroen C5 X.

Design language

Peugeot’s fastback silhouette is accompanied by a design that includes ample sharp lines and creases, all resulting in an aggressive and dynamic design language. Part of the exterior specs kit is -

• Matrix LED technology
• Fang-shaped LED daytime running lights
• Trapezoidal-shaped lower intake
• Latest Peugeot logo and the 408 script (ahead of the creased bonnet shut line)
• Black body cladding around the lower portion
• Sculpted components with bold lines on the sides
• Distinctive windows
• Heavily raked C-pillar
• Three-claw LED tail lights
• Tailgate with a small lip

Dimensions

The Peugeot 408 measures 4,687 mm long, 1,848 mm wide, and 1,478 mm tall. As for its wheelbase, it is far superior to other fastback crossovers at 2,787 mm.

Cabin amenities

The new 408 like its recent siblings adopts the Peugeot i-Cockpit that features a compact steering along with a high-mounted digital instrument cluster. Also, part of the kit is a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system configured with i-toggles, high-mounted air vents, and a row of physical buttons beneath the i-toggles. Users can also find features like USB ports and wireless phone chargers.

Comfort & space

The space at the rear is practically generous thanks to the car’s long wheelbase with the passengers benefiting from 188 mm of knee room. As for the boot space, it's 536-liter with all seats up and expands to 1,611-liter in cargo mode. Also present is a ski hatch which is an opening in the rear seat backrest that can be used to transport long, narrow objects.

Equipment on offer

 

The Peugeot 408 specs sheet includes varied features depending on the trim levels, however, it is not clear which among the below-mentioned equipment will the MY-spec model get.

• Wheels sized between 17 and 20 inches
• Varied levels of the i-Connect infotainment system
• Various upholsteries and trims (depending on the variant)
• Eight-color ambient lighting system
• Powered tailgate with hands-free function
• Focal Premium Hi-Fi sound system
• Sunroof and keyless entry and start

Driving aids

Part of the globally introduced 408 crossover are several driving aids that will surely help the driver in both city and long journeys. Its six cameras and nine radars supports features like -

• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• Automatic emergency braking
• Active lane departure warning and prevention
• Driver attention alert
• Road sign recognition
• Night vision system
• Long-range blind spot monitoring (up to 75 meters)
  traffic alert
• 360-degree camera
• Automatic high beam.

According to the automaker, in the long run the car will also get Driver Assist 2.0 that will include features like anticipated speed recommendation and semi-automatic lane change.

Powertrain options

Globally the all-new Peugeot 408 is offered in one petrol and two plug-in hybrid options, called Hybrid 180 e-EAT8 and Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 . The former includes a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine making a maximum power output of 130 PS at 5,500 rpm along with a peak torque of 230 Nm at 1,750 rpm. The drive is sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission system.

As for the two plug-in hybrid options, it features a PureTech 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and an electric motor. While the e-motor’s output remains the same in both the options at 110 PS and 320 Nm. The engine’s output differs in the two hybrid options.

In the Hybrid 180 e-EAT8, the 1.6-litre turbo unit makes 150 PS at 6,000 rpm and 250 Nm at 1,750 rpm; total system output is 180 PS and 360 Nm. As for the Hybrid 225 e-EAT8, the engine makes 180 PS and 250 Nm of torque; cumulative output is 225 PS and 360 Nm.

Charging

With a 14 amps charger, the hybrid 408 attains a full charge in about 3 hours 55 minutes. The time goes up to 7 hours 5 minutes when using a 8 amps domestic power socket. At an additional cost, owners can get a wallbox charger which’ll reduce the charging time to 1 hour 40 minutes.

Bottom line

The upcoming Peugeot 408 is surely a car to look forward to as it has a lot in stock, both style and function wise.

Also Read: Stellantis Malaysia launches one-stop call centre for Peugeot, DS, and Citroën vehicles