Today was a presented a few virgin experiences for me. This is the first time:-

1) I write an article using wordpress
2) I am invited as a online media
3) I get to attend a Peugeot car launch

Yes, it was the 408 official launch and in case you’ve missed the specs, please direct your browser here:

http://www.kensomuse.com/peugeot-408-are-you-naugthy-or-nice-2/

The car was launched in their newly minted flagship store at Glenmarie

Plenty of good food (which I didn’t get to eat because I was in an unstrategic location when they announce food is served and the queue got really long)

Chocolates – The true epitome of are you naughty or nice … especially true when you’re on a diet

Plenty of pretty girls (which I didn’t get to touch because socially, it would be unwise and might create a scene)

And, of course, lots of pretty cars.

I even managed to see a 508GT there …. sweet! Heard this is the 2.2 diesel version that’s wholely owned by Automobile Peugeot Malaysia. Double sweet!

Also present at the launch was a sup-ed up 408T that has skirtings all over, diffuser, spoiler, 18″ rims, lowered H&R suspension and smoked lamps. Looks good too … the car and the girls flanking it

Only thing missing for this white one is a Marseilles TAXI sign on top

 

Anyways, coming back to the 408, the car is officially launched and as per the topic, they’re priced RM109,888 for the 2.0 NA & RM125,888 for the 1.6T. I don’t know about the rest but to me, it’s one heck of a good price and I don’t think anyone is going to call this expensive. Let’s look at our options based on the selling price:

For RM109,888, you get the 408 2.0NA – which basically means the largest, widest, tallest and longest wheelbase C segment car, a continental with continental driving dynamics, proven and fuss-free Peugeot 407 engine technology.
Alternative sedans : Ford Focus 2.0L Ghia, Honda Civic 1.8S, Hyundai Elantra 1.8, Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 EX, Nissan Sylphy 2.0 XL, Toyota Altis 1.6 & 1.8

For RM125,888, you get the 408 1.6T -largest, widest, tallest, longest wheelbase, most powerful C segment car, a continental with continental driving dynamics
Alternative sedans: Honda Civic 2.0, Hyundai Sonata 2.0 Std, Mazda 3 2.0, Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 GT, Nissan Impul Sylphy

In all those vehicles listed, the 408 tops them in almost every category. In terms of boot space, I think it’s also the leader by offering 562litres of space (The VW Jetta has only 527litres). Also in the press release, the 408 1.6T has a firmer suspension for a “Naughtier” sportier ride whereas the 2.0’s suspension offers more “Nice” comfort.

So, which do you prefer?  Naughty or Nice?

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kensomuse

Though working in a field completely unrelated to the automotive industry, kenso has always had an interest in dabbling into the automotive industry, particularly business related aspects such as sales, marketing, strategic planning, blah blah blah. You can probably find better sources of technical specifications elsewhere if you dig long enough in the internet as this blog talks about the real life ramifications of who, what, where, when and why of the automotive world and focuses on relevant information to potential buyers.

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19 Comments

  1. Lowpro
    May 21, 2012 at 11:42 pm — Reply

    nice… 🙂

  2. Pogostik
    May 22, 2012 at 12:38 am — Reply

    It’s very nice.

    …and to be launched just after Preve enters the market, it’s sure ‘naughty’!

  3. May 22, 2012 at 6:13 pm — Reply

    Bro .. you must be the upcoming PaulTan .. got invited huh!! … Very nice and enjoy your site thoroughly … when can you test the bimmer new 3 series …

    • May 22, 2012 at 7:13 pm — Reply

      No ler … I’m nothing compared to Paultan … just a different approach in presenting the information that can be found online. Glad you like it, bro

      • quuvvan
        May 22, 2012 at 11:19 pm — Reply

        Hi Ken, one suggestion on “different approach” would be a very detail write up with lots of clear pictures. Such as http://www.mobile01.com/newsdetail.php?id=11634. I have yet to find any of our local writer describe our local launch to such great detail. BTW, cute model is optional, good to have too 😕

        • May 23, 2012 at 7:28 am — Reply

          Thanks for the suggestion, quuvvan and the link. Though I don’t read Chinese, I see your point. First thing on my to-do list (aside from writing more articles) if to get myself a DSLR. While the iPhone 4S does a reasonable job, it has limited range for me to do a proper composition. Any freelance professional photographer who wants to collaborate? 🙂

          You can supply the cute model. I’ll do a full review on her ….. “specifications”

  4. Lowpro
    May 22, 2012 at 6:15 pm — Reply

    i didn’t get to eat too. darn! we ate the same stuff last night.

    • May 22, 2012 at 7:14 pm — Reply

      Yeah man … learned my lesson … don’t stay near the chicks; stay near the food

      Darn, I need a better camera

  5. brazbuz
    May 23, 2012 at 3:03 pm — Reply

    first time read your page and i really like it….good job please review more car and put more picture on it……hahahah

    • May 23, 2012 at 3:17 pm — Reply

      Thanks for the compliment. Will do so and do visit here every once in a while for updates 🙂

  6. Duck
    May 23, 2012 at 3:41 pm — Reply

    I think the new Civic 2.0 will be more expensive than the 408 and probably come with lesser features. Honda generally increase their price tag by 3-5k with facelift / new models. As per the short test drive on the 408.. it’s pretty good value for money and very Malaysian: high HP, big boot size, spacious interior and cheap.

    But after test driving the Skoda Octavia, i’d buy that Skoda instead.

  7. Duck
    May 23, 2012 at 3:42 pm — Reply

    by the way, can’t wait to compare it with the upcoming Ford Focus. Any idea when it will be launched?

    • May 23, 2012 at 3:59 pm — Reply

      The problem with Ford is it’s super-cold 2nd hand value. To defrost its image, it has got to do more like increasing the number of SCs to make it more convenient for owners. I like it’s new trendy & hip marketing approach but it seems it is unable to carry over this concept to the service experience.

  8. Duck
    May 24, 2012 at 3:28 pm — Reply

    The upcoming topline Focus will have the same features as the Volvo S60. I think if they price it at 130k region, that would be a steal. Mondeo was quite a failure here. I think it’s probably got to do with the franchisee here.

    On the Octavia, i think it has everything a Malaysian need. Except that maybe the shape of the car is not as trendy / appealing for this age. And of course, Skoda’s got to improve its marketing plan here.

  9. DC18
    May 25, 2012 at 3:40 pm — Reply

    Ford Focus won’t be same spec as the S60. The local version will use 2.0 NA engine using the powershift. Gotta agree aftersales of Ford/SDAC are’t their positive point. They can’t cope with the unexpected demand for the Fiesta.

    As for RV, Peugot and Ford are about on par. Peugeot decline sligthy a year ago due to the engine issue.

    Nasim has not done wrong on the pricing as usual, just need to focus on the engine issue.

    408 is very very atrractively price and I did recommend it to friends for the 2.0 range. And hope I am right this time.

  10. Liew
    July 4, 2012 at 11:23 pm — Reply

    Hello ,bro… This is my first time reading your blog here and I found that the info u posted were so useful, especially for me that I am hoping to get a car soon. And I also found it more accurate and interesting, compared with paultan.org. But here I really need u a favor: I wish to get well know of Pug 408 1.6T: especially fuel consumption, cost of maintenance and overall of this car model. I wish to get more info and understand it before put my signature on the dotted line and get regretted for 7-9 years. Please help..

    • July 6, 2012 at 6:58 am — Reply

      Thanks for dropping by, Liew. Since the 408 is a new model with a modified Prince engine, only time can prove its long term reliability. So far there has been complaints made by owners about strange squeaks in the car but upon thorough checking in the service centre, it was discovered some lose screws or small components that had gotten loose. As to the cost of maintenance, you can find it at the bottom of this article:

      http://www.kensomuse.com/peugeot-408-are-you-naugthy-or-nice-2/

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