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Peugeot 508 1.6 litre 156 THP launched – RM170k OTR

October 18, 2011 at 11:53 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Peugeot

Nasim launched the Peugeot 508 sedan earlier tonight in a single variant form, this being the 1.6 litre 156 THP. More than 100 pre-launch bookings have already been taken for the car, which rolls in at RM169,888, on-the-road with insurance.

Output figures for the EP6CDT Prince twin-scroll turbocharged mill are the by-now familiar 156 hp at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm at 1,400 rpm, and the partnering transmission of choice is the AT6 six-speed auto gearbox, with steering mounted paddle shifters part of the package.

Performance figures for the variant include a 220 km/h top speed, a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 9.2 seconds and a combined drive cycle consumption figure of 7.1 litres per 100 km.

The kit list for the 1.6 156 THP includes just about everything as seen on the European spec’d model that we tested in Spain earlier this year – bi-Xenon headlamps with headlight washers and auto height adjusters, LED daytime running lights, leather seats, colour head-up display, eight-way electric-powered seats for the driver / passenger and push-start ignition.

Other standard issue items are six airbags, a 7-inch HD World in Peugeot multi-function colour screen (with USB and Bluetooth connectivity), four-zone air conditioning, an Intuitive Control Unit in the centre console, automatic electronic parking brake as well as steering-mounted radio/volume control and cruise control switches.

Also to be found, a Smart Beam function for the headlamps, where an intelligent camera – positioned at the back of the rearview mirror – analyses the driving conditions (vehicle being passed, lit urban areas sorta thing) and automatically switches the headlamps to high beam if the situation demands it, and reverting back to the standard beam if there’s on-coming traffic.

Elsewhere, there’s ESP, ABS, EBD, emergency brake assist, anti-skid regulation and DSC, as well as a Hill Assist system, front and rear parking assist (displayed on the 7-inch screen) and an Available Space Measurement (ASM) system, which aids the driver in parallel parking.

The 508 here also features the 10-speaker, 10-channel 500 watt amplifier JBL audio system with Arkamys audio processing that’s optional in Europe as standard fitment, and gets up-sized wheels to boot, in this case 18-inch twin five-spoke alloys, wearing 235/45 series tyres.

Four external shades are available for the 508, these being Pearl White, Bourrasque Blue, Aluminium and Haria Grey.

Oh, and the car actually has a navigation system, but it’s effectively dormant for now because there’s no Malaysian map as yet – owners will have to wait until next year before they can use it, when the map becomes available and retrofit loading is carried out. There are maps of France and Russia in the system right now, though it’s unlikely that an owner will want to drive his 508 that far just to utilise the GPS ….

374 Comments      

Peugeot 908 HYbrid4 hits the track for the first time

October 18, 2011 at 11:26 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Motorsports, Peugeot

Peugeot gave the 908 HYbrid4 its world debut at Geneva this year. Since then, the dual powered Le Mans racer has undergone a shakedown at private PSA Peugeot Citroën venue, and more recently, hit the track for the first time. It was at Estoril, Portugal, for testing.

The car completed a little more than 300 km in the hands of Peugeot drivers Nicolas Minassian, Stéphane Sarrazin and Alexander Wurz. ”Our aim wasn’t to put a lot of kilometres on the clock, but to verify that all the chief functions performed,” said Peugeot Sport’s Technical Director Bruno Famin.

”It was important to analyse the data of each run to be sure we understood the results before moving on to the next step. The system functioned well and responded as predicted, which was very satisfying. At the same time, we started to make a few adjustments to the car’s basic set-up. It worked well, so that’s very positive,” he added.

The system employed by the 908 HYbrid4 recovers and stores the kinetic energy generated under braking, before feeding it back into the driveline during acceleration. This significantly improves the efficiency of the powertrain, says Peugeot. The diesel engine is a 3.7-litre V8 HDi FAP unit with 550 hp. It is aided by a short power boost of 60kW (80 hp) for a few seconds when it the system is activated.

Recovered energy (500kJ between two braking phases) is stored in lithium-ion batteries before being automatically released to power the rear wheels under acceleration (there is no “push to pass” function, however). It will also be possible to run in electric only mode along the pit-lane and it is this mode that will be used for the car’s homologation.

It won’t compete in Le Mans anytime soon, though. “We have no intention of rushing things. We are still on a learning curve and the endurance testing will come later,” Famin said.

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French flair: Peugeot 508 test drive report from Spain

October 18, 2011 at 9:04 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Peugeot, Test Drive Reviews

The French have always had a certain fortitude and self-belief about them, nowhere more so than when it comes to their approach to cars. Love it? Tres bien. Indifferent, or not taken by it? Unlike the Italians, who would beg to disagree – rather strongly – if you happen to think one of their designs isn’t quite the trick, the same response from the French would be, well, it’s your loss then, because it is such a gem, non?

That cavalier train of thought, equivalent to an adage that ‘we build it the way we see it best, and so it is, indeed, perfect,’ has worked well enough in the past. And, up till the last few years, it has even gotten them by, even if fissures were starting to show.

Take the Peugeot 407, for instance. Lovely looking car, and sizeable enough, but what about that massive front overhang and oodles of unutilised space, which you could house a dog in (anyone remember the Italian incident with a 207)? The interior certainly wasn’t shabby, but rear passenger comfort seemed an afterthought. Not lacking in form, but questionably, function. Likewise the 607, hardly the commercial success, though that one was pretty much scoped from an era of such idée fixe still well and truly entrenched.

Well, a significant softening in approach has come about, one that suggests that the company, if not exactly abandoning core ideals, has adopted a less parochial view of things and a more global take on matters. This new fashion is reflected in something like the 508, Pug’s replacement for both the 407 and 607. Coming in from those, it’s almost radical, even.

Full story after the jump.
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Peugeot 4008 – French Mitsu ASX, with the lion badge

October 5, 2011 at 6:56 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Mitsubishi, Peugeot

Remember last week’s post on the Citroen C4 Aircross? That French take on the Mitsubishi ASX is part of a collaboration between Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot Citroen, where the former provides its models for the French to restyle and sell under their own brands. Such an arrangement is also in place for Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV electric car and Outlander SUV. This is “Peugeot’s ASX”, named 4008.

Like the Citroen C4 Aircross, the 4008 wears distinct Peugeot styling. But this isn’t the “big mouth” look of 308 era, but the sleeker look of the 508, which was first previewed by the SR1 showcar from Geneva 2010. Present are the floating grille, feline design of the lamp units and three red claws in the rear lamps.

The off roader image is emphasised by a vertical grille design and the inclusion of sill protectors and wheel arch protection trim. The almost-horizontal bonnet grooves and the ASX style line – which extends to the rear wing where it descends again crossing the lamp – are distinctive features.

Petrol engine options include a 116 hp/152 Nm 1.6L (5-speed manual) and a 2.0L engine with 150 hp and 198 Nm. The latter can be had with a CVT, from Mitsubishi. The diesels will be more popular, and there are two choices – 1.6L HDi FAP with 112 hp/ 270-280 Nm with overboost, or a 1.8L HDi FAP with 150 hp and 300 Nm. The diesels will be mated to a six-speed manual.

The 4008 will debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and will go on sale from Q2 2012. Do you prefer the looks of this, the Citroen C4 Aircross or the original Mitsubishi ASX?

60 Comments      

Peugeot 508 – new Lion to roar its way in later this month!

October 5, 2011 at 3:39 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Peugeot


Click to enlarge.

Finally arriving on our shores, the Peugeot 508 sedan is – Nasim is set to launch the much anticipated Pug in Malaysia later this month.

The 508 we’ll be getting is arriving in just a single drivetrain form – that with a 1.6 litre turbocharged Prince engine, with the usual 156 hp and 240 Nm for numbers, mated to a six-speed auto tranny. No, there’s no 2.2 HDi FAP diesel, as intoxicatingly inviting as that one sounds.

The complete equipment level that’s available on the model hasn’t been disclosed, but the kit list will include quad-zone air conditioning, premium leather, a colour heads-up display (HUD) and an adaptive high beam system connected to directional bi-Xenon headlamps.


Click to enlarge.

Additionally, the car will come with paddle shifters and a 10-speaker JBL hi-fi system with a 500 watt surround sound amplifier, replete with Arkamys audio processing. No indicative pricing as of yet too, so we’ll just have to wait for the cheery news.

The launch coincides with yet another milestone recently recorded by Nasim. As at end September 30, Pug sales surpassed the 4,000 mark in Malaysia for the first time. “As at end-Sept, we have sold over 4,000 units, which is a new record for the Peugeot brand in Malaysia. This is double our sales in the same period in 2010, and surpasses our all-time record of 3,773 units in 2009,” said Nasim CEO SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin.

“The all-new 508 will further increase our sales volume this year. This premium luxury sedan will be targeted at executives and professionals that want a car with class, character and panache,” he added.

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Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 tech showcased at Frankfurt 2011

September 16, 2011 at 5:07 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Peugeot

The Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 is expected to be the first series produced diesel electric hybrid in the world when its mass manufacturing starts soon, and word is that we might even see it launched here in Malaysia, if our diesel quality gets the green light.

The 3008 HYbrid4 combines a diesel engine with an electric drive. PSA Peugeot Citroën worked in close cooperation with Bosch to develop the electric components (motor, power electronics, and high-voltage alternator) and configure the ESP® electronic stability program specifically for hybrid vehicles.

Peugeot says we can expect a mixed usage fuel consumption of just 3.8 litres per 100km, and an average CO2 output of 99g/km. At the same time, the combined diesel and electric power puts out a total of 200 horsepower and 450Nm of torque, so you get the best of both worlds – loads of power and torque but if you choose to drive gently you get fuel efficiency as well! The 3008 HYbrid4 accelerates up to 100km/h in just 8.5 seconds and has a regulated top soeed of 191km/h.

The 163 horsepower 2.0 litre HDi diesel engine powers the front axle via a 6-speed automatic, while an axle-split concept developed by PSA and Bosch uses an electrically powered rear axle to give the 3008 HYbrid4 partial all wheel drive capabilities. The car runs on the diesel engine alone at speeds of above 120km/h. The diesel engine has a generator mounted on it – a Bosch SMG138/80 which acts as a high-voltage starter/alternator for the start-stop system and to supply power to the electric drive and the air conditioning system.

The rear axle module has a 37 horsepower 200Nm water cooled SMG 180/120 electric motor and a differential gear unit. When accelerating hard, it acts as a booster. In situations where more traction is needed, it provides additional traction by activating all-wheel drive. An additional benefit is that the rear motor can provide continuous power thus can “bridge” the situations where the diesel engine’s power is cut while the automatic transmission is shifting gears. In urban and stop-and-go traffic, the electric motor can function independently, allowing the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 to run as a zero emission electric powered vehicle, up to a range of about 4 km.

The car’s ESP (electronic stability programme) system was developed by Bosch. As you would expect, with two different power sources running different kind of transmissions, managing traction in situations that requires computer intervention can be a little complicated. The regenerative electric drive on the rear axle was restricted in order to safeguard vehicle stability in all scenarios. There are also two vacuum pumps – a second vacuum pump is required for the brake booster when in electric mode.

The Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 will begin deliveries in the UK in November 2011, with certain exclusive UK customer deliveries to begin in October 2011. The first deliveries will be of a Limited Edition version, of which only 300 units will be made.

Look after the jump for a live gallery of the cutaway car.
[Read more...]

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Peugeot 508 looking good at JPJ’s Putrajaya office

September 13, 2011 at 4:22 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Local News, Peugeot, Spyshots

Looks like local players Nasim is about to launch the Peugeot 508 sedan in Malaysia real soon. A reader by the name of Akmal has managed to snap some photos of the gorgeous-looking French sedan at JPJ Putrajaya where it is likely undergoing type approval for our local consumption.

I am not sure what is under the hood of this car but if I were a betting man, I would put my money on the 1.6 litre turbocharged BMW-PSA Prince powerplant which should offer enough kick for the 508 and at the same time keep fuel consumption low :)

The 508 sits on the platform that underpins the Citroen C5 and it replaces both the 407 and 607 models. According to our previous report, the sedan should have made its local debut earlier this month.

Although it is almost halfway through the month, the launch should be just around the corner. October perhaps? In terms of pricing, we reckon that the 508 could be priced close the Ford Mondeo’s price range.

114 Comments      

Peugeot HX1 Concept MPV to debut at Frankfurt 2011

August 30, 2011 at 6:16 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, Peugeot

Peugeot’s latest concept car set for a debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show is an MPV concept called the Peugeot HX1 Concept Car, but it’s not your usual soccer mom van – it’s low slung like a JDM Honda Odyssey.

The HX1 Concept measures 1,373mm tall, 1,990mm wide and 4,954mm long, as a comparison, the Peugeot 5008 is 1,638mm tall, 2,118mm wide and 4,530mm long.

At first glance, it looks as though the HX1 only has two rows of seats, with a maximum seating capacity of four. That’s because by default, the rear row is configured for maximum comfort or leg room.

If required, a “center row” can be created in between the front and rear rows thanks to the “pull-out seats” integrated into the back of the front seats.

The HX1 Concept also featured variable bodywork to optimize the car for aerodynamics at different speeds. A spoiler and two side skirts located at the top of the tailgate are deployed above 100km/h.

Power is provided by Peugeot’s HYbrid4 system, which uses a 204 horsepower 2.2 litre HDi diesel engine coupled with a 95 horsepower electric motor, resulting in a peak output of 299 horsepower. The system uses a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The car also has plug in 240V charging capabilities and an electric only mode, which provides a range of 30km.

Look after the jump for pix of the Peugeot HX1 Concept.
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Nasim launches new Peugeot showroom in Kota Bharu

July 25, 2011 at 1:19 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Peugeot

Less than a week after opening its 19th showroom in Balakong, Nasim has launched its 20th one in the country with the opening of Peugeot Kota Bharu in Kelantan. The launch marks Peugeot’s re-entry into the Kelantan market after the closure of its previous dealership there at the end of 2008.

Nasim COO Datuk Samson Anand George said the launch of Peugeot Kota Bharu was part of the first phase of Nasim’s nationwide expansion exercise, and under the second phase of Nasim’s expansion exercise taking place towards the fourth quarter of the year, three more Peugeot outlets will be opened. Upon completion of this, there will be 25 Peugeot outlets nationwide.

Peugeot Kota Bharu is operated and owned by Murni Millenia, and the company currently has a temporary showroom unit on Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra and a separate service and spare parts centre on Jalan Long Yunus.

In September, Murni Millenia will begin construction of a full-fledged 12,000 sq ft Peugeot 3S centre on Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, which will be renamed Peugeot Blue Box Kota Bharu when it begins operation in February 2012.

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Peugeot 207 Sedan at the IIMS 2011 is made in Gurun!

July 22, 2011 at 5:20 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under 2011 Indonesian International Motor Show, Cars, Peugeot

There are two “CBU Malaysia” cars showcased here at the 2011 Indonesian International Motor Show. One is the Daihatsu Sirion, which is our new 2011 Perodua Myvi with a Daihatsu badge.

The other is a Peugeot 207 Sedan, which is featured at the the Peugeot booth. The 207 Sedan in imported into Indonesia from Naza Automotive Manufacturing’s plant in Gurun, Kedah. The NAM plant has become a right hand drive hub for this car.

According to a Nasim spokesperson, the first 207s landed in Indonesia in April 2011, and Naza has allocated a combined total of 400 units for both the Thai and Indonesian market for 2011. Thai exports began earlier, sometime end of 2010.

Look after the jump for a live gallery of the 207 at the IIMS 2011.
[Read more...]

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