Three variants of this latest Peugeot 408 will be offered and the GT is the highest variant
The new Peugeot 408 is the first of its kind with a new fastback silhouette. It arrives to stir the Malaysian C segment which is currently dominated by the Honda Civic.
We are guesstimating the top variant, 408 GT selling price to be RM179,888.
Yes, most might say that this 408 should be competing with the BMW 218i and Mercedes A-Class sedan. But we think they should look at the best selling Honda Civic instead which is priced from RM125k for the ‘V’ variant to RM144k for the ‘RS’ variant.
Actually, the high specification 408 GT which have just test driven here should be pitted against the Civic 2.0L e:HEV which is priced at RM166,500.
This new age Peugeot combines a unique design and feline stance with engineering excellence focused on efficiency and intelligent electrification, with cutting-edge technologies dedicated to creating an instinctive driving experience.
The mould-breaking Peugeot 408 stands out first and foremost for its dynamic fastback silhouette and unmistakable style. The feline stance is typical of the latest Peugeot models, with its sharp lines and colour-coded grille, the latter of which blends in perfectly with the front end and showcases the new Peugeot emblem.
At the front, a distinctive fang-shaped light signature brings the 408 into line with the rest of the Peugeot family, as do the three-claw LED lights at the rear. An inverted cut-out in the rear bumper also gives the profile a distinctive look.
With a height of 1.48m, a length of 4.69m and a long wheelbase of 2.79m, the new Peugeot 408 provides spacious second row seats with 188mm of knee room. The boot is also generously sized, with a maximum volume of 536 litres, which can be increased to 1,611 litres with the rear seats folded down.
For its driver and passengers, the new 408 offers the latest generation Peugeot i-Cockpit®, recognisable by its compact steering wheel, which is dedicated to driving pleasure and controlled agility. Emphasis is placed on the quality of the interior space and on connectivity, with the latest technologies making the driving and travelling experience more intuitive and rewarding.
Powered by six cameras and nine radars, a suite of 30 advanced driver assistance systems provide peace of mind and safety. These include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function
- Night Vision, which warns of animals, pedestrians or cyclists in the lane before they appear in the high beam
- Long-range blind spot monitoring (75 metres)
- Rear Traffic Alert, which warns of potential hazards when reversing
The Peugeot 408 will be available with just one powertrain (a turbocharged 1.6L) in 3 tuning options. All three will be coupled to an eight-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox. An all-electric 408 will follow early next year.
Efficiency was a key concern for the designers of the new Peugeot 408, since the combination of efforts in terms of aerodynamics, weight reduction (from 1396kg) and low-emission engines means that the vehicle can now boast remarkably low average energy consumptions.
The new Peugeot 408 will hit showrooms at the beginning of May 2024, a few weeks’ time and will be supported by Stellantis.
By the way, this 408 was launched in Thailand June last year with a starting price of THB2.79 million. Which is about RM361k with all taxes included.
