Peugeot 408 is a C Segment sedan designed for the emerging market such as China, Russia and Malaysia. It sits on a lengthened Peugeot 308 platfrom, which was lengthened by 98mm. It is available in wide range of engine, covering both gasoline and diesel. However in Malaysia, the locally-assembled Peugeot 408 comes in two flavour, 2.0L NA and 1.6L THP. The 2.0L is the cheaper of the two despite the engine capacity, and is tuned for more sedate driving. Meanwhile, the 1.6L THP gets the powerful 240Nm lump, higher specified and carries higher price tag too. The 2.0L is priced at RM109,888, while the 1.6L THP is priced at RM125,888, which is bang on the Honda Civic 2.0S territory.
The 2.0L version is powered by the DOHC 16V unit with VVT displacing 1,997cc. The unit kicks out 145bhp@6,000rpm and 200Nm@4,000rpm. The powertrain is mated to archaic-sound 4 speed automatic, but equipped with Tiptronic and Sport courtesy.In this specs, the car is shod with 215/50 R17 tyres. Maximum speed is claimed to be 195 km/h while 100 km/h sprint can be done is 12.5s.
The 1.6L version is powered by now-famous 1,598cc lump with force induction. It features twin scroll turbo with direct injection. It delivers 163bhp@6,000rpm and punching out an excellent 240Nm of torque from lowly 1,400rpm. This is the real deal of a turbocharged 1.6L engine. Drive is channelled via the 6 speed automatic transmission that also comes with adaptive, sport and Tiptronic mode. Compared to the 2.0L version, the tyres are fatter, comes from 225/45 R17 variety. Century sprint is 9.2s while the top speed is 215 km/h. This version complies with Euro 5 emission legislation, while the cheaper alternative is Euro 4 compliant.
Peugeot 408 is 4,682mm long, 1,815mm wide and 1,525mm tall. It rides on a 2,710mm wheelbase. The long rear overhang of 1,032mm helps it to swallow 562L worth of luggage, which is also assisted by the compact torsion beam rear suspension. Front wheel movement is controlled via McPherson struts. Ventilated disc is used up front, while rears are taken care by the solid item.
Moving on to the interior, Peugeot 408 dashboard is virtually identical to the Peugeot 308 hatchback sibling. One thing to note here is that Peugeot is more skillfull in dashboard texturing. The top portion of the dashboard is the soft padded plastic, contributes greatly to quality perception. The upper portion of the door trim carries the same texturing. Despite the use of hard plastic here, it does not looks any cheapskate. The rest of the interior is typical Peugeot, pure Gallic in nature.
Typical to all Naza-produced car, Peugeot 408 is comprehensively equipped. Both versions of Peugeot 408 comes with an automatic dual-zone climate control system, rear aircond vents, 6 speakers sound system that plays CD/MP3, USB and Bluetooth, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, one touch power window with anti-pinch for all four windows, cruise control with speed limiter function, 17" alloy wheels, Follow Me Home light function, automatic light and wiper and automatic retractable side mirror. The more expensive 408 Turbo gets additional luxury touch such as premium leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with aluminium inserts, auto-dimming rear view mirror and a rear armrest with two cup holders. The 408 Turbo also comes with aluminium insert for the pedal.
In terms of safety, both variants feature two smart airbags, ABS, EBD and EBA. Opting for the 408 Turbo version will get you front side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, electronic stability programme (ESP) and anti-skid regulation (ASR).
Peugeot 408 Turbo
The exterior is identical to the cheaper variety, saved for a different alloy wheel design. The interior is carried over wholesomely from the Peugeot 308. Turbo version comes with different steering (from RCZ), metal pedal, piano black centre console, leather upholstery on the seats and door trims and white-faced meter binnacles.
Peugeot 408 2.0L
The cheaper variety of Peugeot 408 does not feel any spartan than the Turbo version. Saved for the fabric seat and trim, and more basic looking steering, other differentiators include insignificant silvered centre console, black plastic pedal and black-faced meter binnacle.
Nice exterior but the interior doesn't look good at all...they need to improve that..otherwise, they won't get that many sales compare to forte/civic/city/vios!
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