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Showing posts with label peugeot malaysia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peugeot malaysia. Show all posts

Friday, May 29, 2015

Peugeot launches the facelifted Peugeot 508 in Malaysia

5:09 AM 0
It must be Peugeot week here. The official distributor for Peugeot automobiles in Malaysia, Nasim Sdn Bhd has launched the facelifted Peugeot 508 and I was there. The new 508 gets quite a major front end revamp. There is a new family grille with new bumper design and a redesigned bonnet too. There are also full LED technology in the car now. Headlights (which also swivel according to steering angle) are LED as are the daytime running lights, fog lamps and rear lights too. The rear bumper also has a redesign also.

The interior gets a 7 inch multimedia display and is fully loaded with audio, reverse camera, driving aids, connectivity and navigation. A whole lot of stuff as well as JBL speakers (which do sound good as I managed to sit in a display unit and cranked it up a fair bit). Aside from the above, you also get every other goodie you can think of. safety systems, keyless entry, push start, electric parking brake, electrically adjustable seats and other stuff too.


The Peugeot 508 comes sedan and SW (station wagon) models with two engines - the 1.6THP with its 1.6liter turbocharged high pressure turbocharger (THP) that has 165ps and 240nm torque and the 2.2 turbodiesel with 206ps and 450Nm torque. Both get the 6 speed automatic gearbox that as adaptive learning with tiptronic and sport modes for those that want more interaction. You get a 0-100kmh time of 9.2secs and 220kmh max speed with the THP and a 0-100kmh time of 8.4secs and 235kmh in the oil burner. Prices are estimated to start at RM175,000 for the 1.6THP to around RM205,000 for the 508 GT SW. A lot of performance and equipment for the price.

I have to say that Peugeot have revamped the 508 and made it better looking. There are still certain idiosyncrasies that are prevalent in this Peugeot as in other Peugeots. Call it typically French - like the smallish glovebox and no proper place to put your larger smartphones. But this is still just a facelift, and not a total model change. But that being said, the Peugeot 508 is one of the better options to get in terms of how unique it stands out of the crowd of slightly mundane Japanese D segment cars as well as how the car would handle compared to the Japanese too. I mean, you don't win many Car of the Year awards if it wasn't good you know.

Nasim informed us that they hope to be able to sell between 70-90 units of the new 508 monthly. They also stated, quite surprisingly that the 508 is actually their second best selling car in Malaysia behind the 208. This is 16% of the total sales and will contribute to the 6,000 units sales target for 2015. Another bit of trivia is that Peugeot sales in Malaysia account for 71.4% of all Peugeot sales in the ASEAN region. We do love our Peugeots.
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Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Tested: Peugeot 208 GTI - A car worthy of its GTI Badge

5:29 AM 0

These days if you want performance and handling for a certain price it would have to be the hot hatchback. These hot hatches were basically souped up versions of compact and supermini sized hatchbacks in either 3 or 5 door variants with added on bodykits, larger wheels and a more powerful engine. Gone were the days where affordable sportiness meant a coupe body. Ever since the first few hot hatchbacks arrived in the late 1970s and early 1980s, this was the way to go for affordable performance.

Peugeot was one of the early ones. They burst into the scene with the 205GTI in 1984. It was a stupendous car. It had a 1.6liter engine with 105hp in the beginning. This would not sound like much in current times but in those days, cars were pretty light. This was an era before airbags, side impact bars in the doors and other safety kit. So the 205GTi had around 900kgs to lug around. This still meant decent acceleration and performance. And at that point of time, 1.6liter family hatchbacks had an average of 95hp to begin with. So the 205GTI reigned supreme. It even liked to cock its inside rear wheel if one drove it vigourously in the bends. It was, a classic. Still is actually. I do wonder what happened to the few I used to see running around in the mid 1990s.


But it has been awhile since Peugeot has actually come up with a car worthy to succeed the 205GTI. The previous GTI made by Peugeots have been a tad bit pudgy. Filled up with too much croissants and foie gras to be nimble. Even the previous generation of the 308THP Turbo felt like it had too much french cuisine to feel properly fast and nimble. But I am actually glad to say that with the Peugeot 208GTI I tested recently that it's back.

The Peugeot 208GTI basically starts out as a normal 208 but adds a different front grille with a very slightly different front and rear bumpers to go with it. It also adds a rear rooftail spoiler and thin wheel arches which the normal models don't have. It also gets 17inch alloy wheels with 205/45/17 tyres on them. Aside from these, there are 'GTI' badges on the C-pillar and on its rump. Internally, it gets red to black plastic trimming, a leatherette covered dashboard with real red stitching, a sporty flat bottom tiny leather steering wheel and a nice chunky weighted gearknob for your manual shifting. The seats are like the 1.6VTI but covered in a GTI specific finish and are grippy yet comfortable too.

Internally, the car gets a turbocharged 1.6liter four cylinder engine coupled to a 6 speed manual gearbox. It gives out 200hp and a very useful 275nm torque. The chassis gets quite extensive mods such as a reinforced subrame up front, larger sized and retuned dampers, different springs (which only lower the car by 8mm unfortunately), larger anti-roll bars, larger brakes and a revised steering turn in rate to boot. Quite a fair bit has been done to the little Pug. Oh, the car is also pretty light. It weighs only 1160kg. A pretty impressive figure these days. Consider this weight with 200hp and things do get pretty interesting actually.

The interior is very well equipped. I think for the price Peugeot is charging – RM139,888otr with insurance, you get a premium feel interior, great front seats, a very useful touchscreen info-tainment system that sounds pretty good, a panoramic roof and parking sensors too. Being a 3 door hatchback also means two longer doors than usual. It is actually quite acceptable to get in or out from the rear seats as the seats slide forward and the longer doors help ingress and exiting.


When you get seated in the 208GTI you actually feel quite good. It feels upmarket compared to some other hatchbacks in the same price range and category. Build quality is pretty good but since its French, it does have its idiosyncrasies. Some of its fittings here and there could be done better. But compare this to any run of the mill Japanese hatchback, the Pug feels special. And also a bit whacked out too. Its the super small steering wheel and that above the steering wheel instrument cluster point of view. You have to get used to the size of the steering and then in the right place, it will block half of the digital speedometer reading, the rev counter above 6,200rpm (which is right at the redline) and speeds below 30kmh on the analog speedometer (see the pic right above - this is what I would see in the Pug with my upright seating and high up steering position actually). Only the French would be able to pass off a design like that and then try to get away with it. Other peeves are the still small glovebox due to the unwillingness of relocating the fusebox in right hand drive cars and the bonnet release on the left side of the car too.

Driving the 208 GTI


Anyway, you get comfy in the nicely scuplted seats and start up the car. Here it slightly disappoints. The engine and exhaust note feels slightly ordinary. The exhaust note is only slightly sportier than usual and can only be heard if you're outside of the car. If you're driving the 208GTI there is only a mere hint of sportiness in the engine or exhaust note. I suppose the 200hp and 275nm torque just wants to be felt and not heard.

But it does make itself felt on ways other than its exhaust note. In the sub RM150,000 price range I do not think any brand new car can touch the darn thing in all out acceleration. Peugeot claims 0-100kmh in 6.8seconds. I think they're just being conservative. I do believe I managed two or three runs with times at least in the low sixes. The engine feels linear and smooth most of the time. But from a standstill, it is really, really rapid for a supermini sized hot hatch. Stock Golf GTIs would actually be surprised if they were trying to follow one. The overall feel of the engine is compliant and tractable at all speeds. It isn't hard to drive in traffic and works well at all speeds. Yes, the only issue is that it does so pretty quietly. Like refined transport instead of hot hatchback noise. Not that it matters. I state again that I do not think any brand new car under RM150,000 can touch this car in a straight line. 

As for handling, the 208GTI is somewhat like its engine. Smooth and tuned for overall driving instead of just balls out driving. Maybe this is why Peugeot only dropped the car by 8mm. The ride is actually quite good for a hot hatch. It isn't as jiggly as some of the others in its class and actually rides better than the base 208 sold here. That one feels light, floaty and glides over bumps instead of absorbing is a little. Well sorted in terms of ride but the price to pay is in its ultimate grip and handling. 

Whilst the 208GTI handles 200hp quite well by not torque steering on most road surfaces on acceleration, it steering suffers from being a little darty. Maybe its the small size of the wheel and the slightly lack of feedback through the wheel. If you really push the 208GTI through a corner it will actually run wide with understeer and when you feed in more steering, or try adjust on the throttle, it will react by wagging its tail (and cocking that inside rear wheel). It isn't just any nose led hatchback out there. So its a very good thing even though IT could basically use more front end grip ultimately. But once you get the hang of it progress made in one can be very rapid especially with the performance given by the engine.  

So aside from what was stated above, the car is bloody satisfying. I truly love the fact that Peugeot has packaged a very fast junior hatchback with a  premium looking interior, good ride, good equipment and only slightly flawed handling coupled with a price below RM140,000. Yes it does have some drawbacks but honestly, I am drawn by the engine performance it gives me even though it does not sound like it and it may have some front end grip issues (which I believe could be solved with custom alignment and better tyres). This is the first French hatchback that I have truly fallen for in a long long time. In fact, I don't really remember falling for any in a long time and no doubt, it is worthy of its GTI badge. (Do see below for a comparison between the Peugeot 208GTI and its rivals)

Pros:  Sorted ride, Engine gives good performance, very well equipped, premium looking interior, 
Cons: Understeers a bit early for my liking, smallish steering makes it slightly darty, small glovebox, quiet sounding for a hot hatch, that small steering wheel and compromised view of the instrument cluster 

Conclusion: Possibly the best overall packaged hot hatch under RM150,000 that money can buy. Worthy of its GTI badging.


Specifications
2015 Peugeot 208 GTI

Engine: 1598cc twin scroll high pressure (THP) turbocharged 4 cylinder 
Horsepower : 200bhp
Torque: 275nm @ 1700-4500rpm

Transmission: 6 speed manual
Weight: 1160kg

Max. Speed: 230kmh (claimed)
0-100kmh: 6.8seconds (claimed) 6.5seconds (tested)

Fuel Consumption: I averaged around  8.8ltr/100km in a combined cycle – 5.9litrs/100km claimed


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The Peugeot 208GTI vs its rivals


So would I buy this over its natural rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST, the Renault Clio 200RS or the Volkswagen Polo GTI.?

Yes, yes and yes. 

The Fiesta ST is by far the best handler here but it cost RM10,000 more (which is actually opposite as the Pug is more expensive than the Ford in the UK). It would give you the best in terms of outright handling and overall performance but its cabin is a tad more basic looking and less premium than the 208GTI. I could live without that 10% less of handling finesse for the extra (almost) 20hp in engine performance and that slightly more premium interior (for day to day driving) that the Pug would give me. Call me superficial and slightly cheap (as its RM10,000 cheaper to buy). But I like my creature comforts and powaaahhhhhhh more than just handling. At this price range mind you.

As for the Polo GTI, as stated before the car in isolation is good enough with its rorty sounding twincharged 1.4liter engine. It loses out badly on the handling stakes by being only slightly better than a stock 1.2TSI. It should give more than this. I think when Volkswagen comes out with the face lifted and revamped 1.8liter Polo GTI here then things may get better for this car.

The Clio RS? Well, you get the same 200hp and in Dual Clutch form. It costs over RM170,000 in terms of list pricing. How much can they cut off?RM30,000? Note that you could get the others with at least RM6,000-10,000 minimum too. Too overpriced in my opinion. Too many electronics and less driver interaction too.

And so, unlike what most motoring journos over in the UK or Europe say, I choose the Peugeot 208GTI as my favourite junior hot hatch by the thinnest of margins.......for the moment that is.
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Monday, May 4, 2015

Test Drive: Facelifted Peugeot 3008 SUV

8:11 PM 0


I got my hands on a facelifted Peugeot 3008 SUV recently. This car, was a car that in my opinion truly needed a facelift. When it first came out back in 2009 I have to say that it was one ugly looking crossover vehicle. It was the automotive equivalent of a hippopotamus to me. But that being said, it was successful for Peugeot and won some awards for them too. They sold over 500,000 units of the crossover that really combines a large hatchback, a mini MPV and a SUV together.

But now things are a little better. In 2014 Peugeot facelifted the 3008. It gets a new front end which now sports the current Peugeot family looks and looks more like the 508, 5008 and the new 308. The front grille is no longer an extremely large smiley grille. There are new headlights that have LED daytime running lights up front and a new LED rear light cluster too. The facelifted 3008 looks a little more sleeker and is definitely more pleasing to look at in my eyes. It still is a little dumpy looking as it has to pull out from its bag of tricks interior space, SUV height and other practical needs yet still look decent. So it does have some awkwardness if you look at it at some angles. But this facelifted 3008 is so much better than before. Less opinion dividing than the previous version. So in terms of looks, I could live with this facelifted 3008 for a while.



As for the interior, you still get the same black interior as before. But you do get tons of equipment. Peugeot Malaysia has specced up the car pretty well in that you get a proper info-tainment system with navigation (USB, Bluetooth etc), a reverse camera, park sensors and pretty decent sound too. The screen for the system can show you a combination of the nav map with the radio settings or with a compass or one of the other. Its quite nice to look at. There is a heads-up display for the speedometer readout so that you don't have to look down at the meter cluster to check how fast you're going. There is also a full length panoramic roof with a cover that allows light into the cabin or not.

The quality of the interior is a mix of soft touch plastics, leather and hard plastics. Build quality, while looks decent on the surface there are some trimming that could have had better fitting than what was on the car. Another minor quirk about the 3008 is that all the radio and trip computer controls are located on stalks behind the steering wheel. You may have to fumble around a bit before you are used to the location of the stalks.


Of course, the most major quirk of this French crossover is the fact that Peugeot had decided not to change the basic architecture of the car when they made it in right hand drive form. You get the same thing in all of its cars from the 208, 308, 408, 508, 5008 and this 3008 sold here. The glovebox is tiny as half of it is occupied by the fuse box which is maintained during the shift from left to right hand drive. So was the bonnet lever which is located on the passenger side also. The armrest box is large and deep, but again the orientation is meant for left hand drive cars as it opens up to the driver and not away from the driver. More practical for the passenger instead of the driver. The cupholders up front are for cups. You can put 500ml mineral water bottles but they are smallish in size. No large tumblers here. You need to use the large door pockets for that. But there is a nice cubby hole that fits my cell phone nicely in the middle of the dashboard. So its a hit and miss in the storage department.

Overall space in the 3008 is quite like the 308 hatchback of which it is closely related to. The car does not share the same wheelbase, but neither is it that much of a difference – 2613mm or 3mm up from the 308. So rear legroom is similar to the smaller looking 308. It only enjoys lots of headroom, width and a more practical boot – which has a split tailgate and the option of a three position boot floor area (you can arrange the floor board to sit high so that it acts as a cover for a hidden compartment or as low as possible to make the most of the space). Oh, it basically does the normal 5 seater family crossover thing well. No seven seats here though.

Driving the 3008 SUV

The thing about the Peugeot 3008 is that it actually shares the 1.6liter turbocharged engine with a whole lot of other Peugeots sold here.We've seen the engine in the RCZ, the 508, the 5008, the 408 and the 308 to name a lot. Or a few. It makes things easy for Peugeot to produce and allows a smaller spare parts inventory for them. The only different is the state of tune for the engines. This 3008 comes with 165ps and 240Nm torque. Some get less – 156ps and some get 200ps in different states of tune. And here in Malaysia the 3008 comes with a practical 6 speed torque convertor gearbox with adaptive learning, sport mode and a 'manual tiptronic mode for those who want some extra interaction.

Now the performance of this approximately 1500kg crossover vehicle is quite good. Surprising in fact. It does 0-100kmh in a tried and tested 9.5seconds. Maximum speed is stated to be 202kmh and I managed to hit over 180kmh in it on some stretches of road. But at speeds above 150kmh on Malaysian roads, the 3008 felt a little floaty and required some concentration. Those that follow my writing would know that one criteria I have about road testing is that I always measure a car's capability on how fast it allows me to cruise in a relaxed manner that would require normal concentration instead of the extra focus for overly spirited driving . This crossover allows me to do so up to 150kmh easily. Which is actually a good figure if you factor our road conditions and traffic. And ride quality is very good as well as these speeds. Also bear in mind that it is a tall crossover and not a sporty hatchback.

But the great thing about this car is that it does feel sporty. It may actually ride stiffer and harsher on rough surfaces than what most would expect for a Peugeot or a family crossover, but this actually allows a tall SUV-like car to be hustled around corners pretty well. The steering is actually feelsome, precise and accurate. The 3008 grips well on sweeping corners and brakes well for something of its size. It grows on you the more you drive it and is surprisngly entertaining in the corners. Like its looks, the 3008 needs some time to warm up to you. But that being said, if you drive a Japanese or Korean crossover like you drive this 3008, you may end up in a ditch. The Japanese and Korean cars are softer and would not even see which way the 3008 came from and where it has gone. As a crossover, the 3008 handles and drives well for something tall and large.

Of course, there are some would think why on earth would an crossover vehicle need to be this agile and fast. Why the heck not? I suppose if you wanted a sporty crossover this would actually make sense. There is also a high level of refinement whilst driving it. There is a slight low speed drone from the 6 speed automatic but even at high speeds, wind noise and road noise it pretty much in check for a car of this price (and type). This is the car for those who have given up chasing their dreams of buying a sports car but still want something engaging to drive.

If you want a human equivalent of the abilities of the 3008 then I have to say that it is like the Hong Kong superstar Sammo Hung. He may be a little chubby, a little round, but boy, he really can kung-fu.


Pros:Refined at speed, really surprisingly handling, well equipped interior, looks so much better than before

Cons:Slightly hard ride at low speeds, some plastics a bit off, looks may still divide opinion

Conclusion: A surprisingly good drive. The crossover / SUV to buy if you really like driving.




Specifications:

2015 Peugeot 3008 SUV


Engine capacity: 1598cc 4 cylinder turbocharged - 165ps, 240Nm

Transmission: 6 speed adaptive automatic with sport and manual tiptronic function

Weight:approximately 1500kg

0-100kmh : 9.5 secs (tested)

Max speed: 202kmh (manufacturer's figures)

Fuel consumption: 10.0ltrs/100km urban (tested)

Price:RM153,888otr with insurance
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Friday, May 10, 2013

Peugeot 208 1.6VTi - Luxury in a small package

9:53 PM 0


Now let's get back to reality after Malaysia's 13th General Elections. I want things to go back to normal. This means everyone goes back to work, school, retirement or college. This also means that the Bangladeshis (any other race that you can say are illegal voters) are not harassed and can go back to doing whatever Malaysians do not want to do. I say, when you don't want to do it yourself, you call them to do it. But when you want a conspiracy, you also end up using the same people you need to run your factories, restaurants and what nots. So make sure life goes on. If not how the heck am I going to continue carrying on with my life in peace?

Anyway, my search for a new family car has basically not ended after my recent purchases. This is because I am a serious Motorhead. Even when there is no need to buy a new car I am still on the lookout for a new car. Right now the Rigval Reza family feels the need to 'upgrade' the Pink Perodua Myvi to something a little more flashy that has a little bit of pizzaz. So I have driven the Peugeot 208 1.6 Vti 5 door hatchback recently and I find it to be one of the better little hatchbacks that you can buy under RM90,000.


The Peugeot 208 isn't like the previous small Peugeot sold here, the 206. Somehow we did not get the 207 as I believe at that time NAZA had just taken over distribution of Peugeot and were just trying out the waters with the locally assembled 206 (or Naza Bestari). So Malaysia had to bear with an earlier model while brand awareness took off. I suppose by now the time was right to launch a new supermini – the Peugeot 208.

This car retails in two versions – the 208 1.6 5 door hatchback (going for around RM85,000) and the 1.6 3 door hatchback (for RM95,000). The biggest difference between the two cars is that the 3 door version has less doors, a panoramic glass roof, larger 17inch wheels, different seat trimming and a bit more street cred. The 5 door still gets a whole lot of kit including something called the Arkamys sound system and all the usual light and wiper sensors that you can get in most highly specced cars these days.

The exterior is nice for a supermini. You get light clusters front and back that are intriguing. You get a front grille that still has a large toothy grin but isn't overly toothy and you get a silhouette that looks modern and contemporary. Nothing offensive here. Not like a Nissan 'My Rear End Looks Huge' Almera.

The interior looks and feels classy. I think this is the nicest and most upmarket of all the superminis on sale here. The materials use are nice to the touch. There is enough shiny parts to make the car feel slightly more luxurious and there are soft touch bits on the dashboard which is nice when you rap your knuckles over it. There is no tinny feeling when you open or close the doors. It is quite a nice place to be in for quite a while especially during traffic jams. The rear seats also fit me well (I am about 173cm according to my passport but that figure was a guess according to the guy who took my application a while back. So I wouldn't know. Or didn't really care. But I am a chubby boy)

When you are in the 208 and when you are about to drive it you would notice that the steering wheel is small. You'd also notice that you actually peer into the instrument cluster above the steering wheel instead of through it like most cars. I know some may have problems where the top part of the steering wheel will block the view of the instruments but it did not affect me. It took me a little more fettling with the steering wheel adjustment to allow me an optimum view of the instruments though.

The driving position is good enough with nothing major to fault. So once you start the car and slot the 4 speed automatic into 'Drive' there is nothing much to complain. Visibility is good and I can't complain so far.

What's it like to drive? The small steering takes a little getting used to but other than that it drives like any other supermini. The ride is good and it doesn't get crashy over larger bumps. It still glides over smaller bumps instead of smothering them like larger cars but you can't complain as this car is a supermini and it one that surprisingly (in this day and age) light – it weighs under 1,000kg, even with the required safety equipment and crash protection.

Handling of the front wheel drive 208 is in my opinion decent. There is nothing outstanding here as everything can be considered as safe and secure instead of thrilling. You would have more fun driving a Suzuki Swift. You would have less fun driving a Perodua Myvi. So you can't complain. It does its job as a nippy inter-city car.

The 1.6liter 4cylinder engine (same engine in the 308, 408, RCZ, without the turbo) coupled to the 4 speed auto ensures that. And because the car is very light, it feels adequate with the slightly basic 4 speed automatic. It does have two modes but this does not really make a difference. Acceleration feels adequate and it would be able to handle those highway jaunts too. Just remember it is a supermini without any 'GTI' pretentions and you'd be fine in the 208.

As for faults, the car has a rubbish glovebox. Peugeot saw it fit not to switch the fusebox from left to right when converting the 208 to right-hand-drive. Open what seems to be a large glovebox and you'd find space in the region of two 1liter cartons of milk. Quite pathetic. The French does not seem to care about us that drive on the correct side of the road. Or they are just plain lazy. Anyway, there are small bins and an armrest (hard to find in this class) that opens up to fit your sunglasses. The boot is surprisingly large too. You can 'balik kampung' with ease because of this.

The other thing is the steering wheel / instrument cluster combination. Some may not be able to have a decent view of the instruments. But then again, some drivers don't even bother looking at important stuff like temperature, the petrol gauge or whether the lights are on or not whilst driving in the city.

Anyway another 'non-complaint' is the Arkamys touch screen sound system. It does not have a CD player. You have to play stuff you have via bluetooth and the USB port. Of course Peugeot is telling us that the CD player is outdated but I personally am too lazy to transfer my stuff to the USB stick and I still buy CDs. Call me old fashion and lazy. But I do like the option of playing stuff from my obsolete CD collection. And the sound quality is decent by my standards. Not great. There is nothing to shout about actually. I suppose this is because the Peugeot 208 is still just a supermini and is built to the supermini price it was meant to be.

So what's the verdict? If RM85,000 is your budget for a supermini, then you can safely buy this. The 208 is a car with all the luxuries you need in a small package. A mini luxury car? It's no Mini, but the equipment and feel at this price gives you a lot for less. Badge or brand strength aside.

Family Cars /Hatchbacks I would buy in this price range includes – Peugeot 208, Ford Fiesta, Suzuki Swift, Kia Forte1.6, Proton Inspira 

Family Cars /Hatchbacks I wouldn't buy in this price range even if my life depended on it  includes – Nissan 'big butt' Almera, Toyota 'new model coming out by the end of the year' Vios, Honda 'a bit common' City,  
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