Just one week before the launch of the new Honda Civic, Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official and authorised distributor of Peugeot cars in Malaysia have leapt at the opportunity to introduce their very own turbocharged C-Segment sedan, the Peugeot 408 e-THP.
If you think what you’re seeing here is a familiar face, that’s because the 408 is essentially the sedan version of the award winning 308 THP. And just like the hatch, the 408 is also locally assembled at the company’s facility in Gurun, Kedah. Just one variant will be offered, though it remains unclear at present time if Nasim will be introducing a cheaper Active (like the 308 Active) trim somewhere down the road.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Peugeot 408 e-THP |
| Engine | 1,598cc; Turbo High Pressure, direct injection |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic with Quickshift technology |
| Max Power | 165 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 245 Nm @ 1,400 rpm |
| Price | RM143,888 (OTR with GST and Insurance) |
EXTERIOR
The 408’s fascia is almost identical to the 308. They both share the same full LED headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights, but the subtle difference between the two is the new grille on the sedan. The lion badge is also moved to the grille instead of on the bonnet.
It sits on 17-inch Rubis wheels first seen on the 308 Active, which is one size down from the 308 THP’s 18-inch Sapphire alloys. Over the back, there’s a new pair of C-shaped LED tail lamps, reverse camera and two exhaust cutouts. In terms of dimensions, it’s every bit improved over its predecessor, but now sits 20mm lower to the ground thanks to the new EMP2 Platform. In total, over 140 kg have been shaved off, which should improve fuel consumption, amongst others.
INTERIOR
Inside the 408 is also a familiar affair. It gets the same i-Cockpit design which comes with a raised instrument cluster, small leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, 9.7-inch touchscreen head unit (paired to six speakers) with integrated dual-zone air conditioning controls, electric parking brake, keyless entry and push-start button.
All seats are upholstered in black leather, but only the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable with memory function. Rear passengers benefit from dual air conditioning vents, a 12V outlet and a centre armrest with dual cup holders. It has one of the largest boot space in its class – a huge 565-litre cargo area.
PERFORMANCE
It’s the same old story here in the performance department. As its name suggests, the 408 e-THP gets  a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with Turbo High Pressure, cranked to make 165 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque from 1,450 rpm. The transversely mounted 16-valve direct injection engine is paired to an Aisin-sourced six-speed automatic torque converter (with Quickshift technology) that channels drive to the front wheels.
The e in the e-THP doesn’t stand for electric, though. Instead, it’s to denote the engine’s auto start-stop feature, a first for Peugeot Malaysia. Interestingly though, this feature shuts off the engine when no throttle is applied at speeds below 20km/h, but restarts as soon as the gas paddle is depressed.
SAFETY
The 408 is big on safety. It has six airbags, blind spot information system, electronic stability control, traction control, ABS with EBD and Anti-Skid Regulation all as standard. There’s also four rear parking sensors, reverse camera and a more rigid unibody that can better absorb and deform, structurally, in the event of a collision.
WHAT ELSE?
All purchases of the Peugeot 408 e-THP comes packaged with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty that includes Peugeot’s 24-hour roadside Assistance aid. It’s available in six exterior colours – Aluminium, Alpine White, Lucifer Red, Premium Black, Aster Grey and Bourrasque Blue. New Peugeot owners will also be entitled to complimentary access at Subang Skypark Terminal’s Peugeot Lounge.
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