Launched: Peugeot 408 – 3 Variants, CKD, From RM146,055

Stellantis Malaysia officially introduced the locally assembled (CKD) Peugeot 408 in Malaysia earlier today.

After a lengthy teaser and what seemed like a lifetime since we spied it undergoing initial tests locally, the newly established Stellantis Malaysia National Sales Company (Stellantis Malaysia) officially launched its first offering today, that being the new Peugeot 408 fastback crossover.

This stylish C-segment fighter arrives as a locally assembled (CKD) offering that rolls off the line from Stellantis Malaysia’s plant in Gurun, Kedah. The firm claims that this offering has no direct competitor and, given how it’s both styled and kitted out, there’s merit to said claims.

The 408 comes in three guises - range-topping GT (top), mid-spec Premium (bottom right), and base-spec Allure (bottom left).

Three variants will be available across four paintjob options, with each guise set apart by differing levels of kit. Not only  Stellantis Malaysia’s first offering to launch since its inception, it’s also the first new generation Peugeot model to go on sale locally with the French marque’s roaring new emblem.

As teased prior, the 408 will see three guises available locally  – base Allure, mid-spec Premium, and range-topping GT. All share Peugeot’s latest generation 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol heart that outputs  218 HP and 300 NM.

Typically French, drive goes to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic box. Said powertrain enabled 0-100 KM/H dashes done in a respectable 8.8 seconds.

Stellantis Malaysia claims the 408 has no direct rival. This is evident in its styling, which merges the high 189 MM ground clearance of a crossover with a sleek, fastback design more akin to saloons.

Underpinning the EMP2 platform, the 408 sits 4,687 MM long, 1,859 MM wide, and 1,487 MM tall. In the flesh, the low-roofed and sleek fastback design is very un-crossover like, but its 189 MM ground clearance is.

As for kit, common across all three variants are the distinct Matrix LED headlights matched with 3D Claw Effect rear taillights. With the exterior, what sets each variant apart are the wheels – 18-inch grey in the Allure, 18-inch black in the Premium, and striking geometric 20-inch black wheels for the GT range-topper.

On board, the 408’s cabin again presents the Peugeot brand’s unmistakable i-Cockpit design concept that merges both stylish and high-tech touches. The most distinct trait here is the ‘compact’ steering wheel, and the presence of a 10-inch 3D Quartz digital instrument display with configurable touch i-Toggles (both in the range-topping GT). 

 Also reserved exclusively for the GT range-topper are front seats primed with Multispot Massage Function, which comes on top of power adjustment and driver memory function. Other key features headlining the GT range-topper too include a Focal premium audio suite, 360-degree parking camera, panoramic sunroof, and a powered tailgate.

As for the Allure and Premium variants, these do miss out on some of the posh amenities detailed in the GT, but it still offers plenty of core amenities such as USB-C charging points up front and at the rear, automatic climate control with rear vents, digital infotainment with Apple CarPlay connectivity, and plush leather seat upholstery, amongst others.

As for safety, six airbags plus ABS with electronic stability program (ESP) are standard across the board. Opt for the Premium or GT and said basics gets bolstered with a array of active drive assist (ADAS) features.

Included the latter are adaptive cruise control (ACC) with stop-go function, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Active Lane Departure Warning and Correction, Driver Attention Alert, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, amongst many.

Available for viewing and orders at authorised Peugeot dealers nationwide, the new Peugeot 408 commands RM146,055 (Allure), RM166,055 (Premium), and RM196,055 (GT) sans insurance and on-road costs.

Included in said price though is Stellantis Malaysia’s comprehensive 7-year or 200,000 KM warranty coverage.