Peugeot 308 VTi & 308 Turbo available in Malaysia now

Nasim, the official franchise holder of Peugeot automobiles in Malaysia, has launched the Peugeot 308 and pricing it competitively at RM96,500 for the 308 VTi and RM111,000 for the 308 Turbo, (on-the-road with insurance) in an event officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Sri Najib Tun Razak.

The new 308 which was the winner of the “Golden Lenkrad” award in 2007 in Germany in its category and also recently the AMI NZ Autocar Car of the Year 2008 in its class. It is set to offer Malaysian car buyers more choice apart from the current mainly Japanese offerings available in the market.

Being locally assembled at the Naza Automotive Manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah, the gorgeous 308 will be available in 5 door form and has the new EP6 series of 1.6 L engines. The EP6 engines have won the International Engine of the Year Award twice, in 2007 and 2008 and are a result of a technical collaboration between Automobiles Peugeot and BMW.

Malaysians will be offered 2 variants of the new Peugeot 308; the Peugeot 308 VTi and the Peugeot 308 Turbo. Both are available with only automatic transmissions with System Tiptronic Porsche; a feature that allows drivers to select manual gear selection or fully automatic. En SM Nasarudin said that these two models reflect the growing taste of Malaysian buyers for European automobiles. He added that the cars have been very well specified and are being positioned as premium offerings within their respective segments.

“The performance of the 308 Turbo is already as good as some 2.0 litre competitors and in some cases even better. The 308 offers a combination of strong engine performance, with top-notch creature comforts, space and safety for both the VTi and Turbo and these alone, are strong points for anyone considering the new 308. Our theme ‘Naturally Efficient’ for the launch shows just how far the automobile has progressed and in the 308’s case, it represents efficiency in all areas; performance, spaciousness, fuel economy, safety and also towards the environment.” He added that customers should get into the car and feel the difference when compared to the car’s competitors.

The Peugeot 308 VTi and Peugeot 308 Turbo models are Nasim’s spearhead into the hotly contested C-segment, at near premium Japanese B-segment hatch (CBU) price levels. With the Peugeot 407 as a testimony to the marque’s acceptance into Malaysian mainstream automotive market, Nasim Sdn Bhd is confident of the 308 repeating the success. En SM Nasarudin hinted that Nasim Sdn Bhd will continue to introduce new and exciting Peugeot models into the Malaysian market that are very competitive in their price and size segments as part of Nasim’s strategy for Peugeot in Malaysia.

Peugeot 308 promo trucks spotted on highways

In a refreshing departure from the usual black-masking-taped vehicular spy shots, Nasim has been very bold with the 308 emblem of its upcoming Pug C-segment hatch. Estimated to be priced circa RM90k for the base version 308VTi 5-door hatch.

The new 308 will be launched on 29th January 2009 by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister (and Prime Minister to-be), YAB Dato' Sri Najib Tun Razak at 8.30am. Official details to follow only thereafter...

Related post:

Peugeot 308 coming soon to Malaysia

You may want to read this:

Driven: Peugeot 308GT

Driven: Peugeot 308GT

I used to dread the thought of piloting a manual car ever since I sold off my Proton Wira 1.3GL and my Honda Accord (SM4) 2.0i manual from my houseman and medical officer years. Of course, I'd still bear that occasional Langkawi rental car e.g. Iswara LMST in manual guise, for its bargain-basement day charges.

Strangely, after having sampled the new Saga 1.3M, Toyota Vios J, Fiat Bravo 1.4 T-Jet, Civic Type-R, Renault Megane R26 F1, Clio RS and of course, the Peugeot 308GT, I have discovered how much we have drifted away from it all - the joys of a manual 'box. Things like having better control (engine braking) going into corners and livelier overtaking, all while harnessing an engine's torque band more instantaneously. In short, being on top of things when your drive gets more spirited and/or competitive.

Certainly, there is that twin-clutch automated gearbox of late. I have no qualms about such technological advancements since a gearbox having twin drive shafts in tandem with dual clutches - for uninterrupted torque transmission - is simply better than singular (AMT or the regular fully manual clutch). Afterall, such robotic gearbox is the way to go for the future. However, for junkies who simply love their heel-and-toe antics and that stick shifter, the manual tranny is as 'connected' as one can be. Undiluted, good 'ol driving pleasure. Blame it on our horrendous city or urban traffic congestion for such paradigm shift since late 1980s. I could still vividly remember the good times when my dad bought a Datsun 160J SSS, Datsun 120Y, Mazda 323 and Toyota Corolla 1.3 LE (my brothers' memorable Ford Laser TX3 1.6i, Ford Telstar TX5 and Mazda Familia too). Back then, people used to scoff and swear at auto trannies! Can't believe I am now advocating and rediscovering lost love for the manual 'box since it was just early this year that I had quite an animated debate on the virtues of VW's DSG versus a 6-speed manual with a silly fiend (no typo here) of mine.

Click on all images to enlarge



Which brings us to this 6-speed manual Peugeot 308GT with one of the finest gearknob around town. I thought I had carressed the best in the business in the FD2R Civic Type-R but this French 'cap' is real solid and exudes a quality, premium feel. Shift quality is accurate - though not exactly a short shifter - only to be let down by the rather highly set clutch pedal.



The Swiss really know their watches but here I'd say the French know their instrument gauges. Look at the speeedometer layout, contrasts, fonts and that fine needle with a red backdrop-surround glow. I am sure you'd too likened it to a fine chronometer. Ditto the tachometer and the temp/fuel gauges. Clean, neat, easy-to-read and classy. These hopeless romantics also dig shapely wing mirrors. Never mind its rather small field of vision or droopy appearance, like a semi-subluxated fractured wrist, they just looked sexy from both inside and out. Note where the turn signal repeaters are placed, at the base of the wing mirror stalk, and you reckon the French are non-conformist.







On the flipside, they are pretty conforming when it comes to the shared turbocharged Prince powerplant of BMW-Peugeot collaboration. Yes, this is the same 175bhp direct-injected lump found in the new New Mini Cooper S, good for 240Nm of torque from a displacement of just 1.6L.


The new 308GT is simply a looker. It may sport a 3-door sports hatch body but it is indeed spacious on the inside. This Pug rides pliantly well, even on 18-inchers and grippy around corners with standard Pirelli P-Zero Rossos. Those typical French seats are adequately sized, well padded and supportive all around for long journeys. With soft leathers looking upmarket in black, they're pleasantly cosseting and comfortable. In fact, the interior is a nice place to be indeed, as it oozes with plenty of soft touch surfaces and a classy ambience.




At less than RM160k for a fully-imported, continental turbocharged hot hatch, here is one that is loaded with goodies like the JBL hi-fidelity audio system, auto wiper, auto HID headlamps, a multitude of airbags and that airy panoramic roof. Added to this impressive check-list is the heart of the Lion: the New Mini Cooper S' engine with BMW DNA, so you better hurry up to the nearest Nasim showroom if you are serious about getting one for the new year(s) festivities. Last I heard, the equipment specifications and trim may be downgraded with the next CBU batch to keep the new 308GT THP 175's pricing competitive. This is as close as you can get to a new New Mini Cooper S on a 'shoestring' budget.

Related posts:
New Peugeot 308GT in Malaysia now
Peugeot 308VTi and 308Turbo coming soon to Malaysia

You may want to read this:
Topless driving: Peugeot 207cc

Peugeot 308 coming soon to Malaysia

Nasim Sdn Bhd (NSB), the official franchise holder for Peugeot has begun taking orders for the new award-winning Peugeot 308. The new car is expected to arrive at all Nasim outlets in January 2009.

Two variants of the new Peugeot 308 will be offered: 308VTi and 308Turbo. Both are 5 door hatchback models with automatic transmission.

Topless Driving: Peugeot 207cc

Click on all images to enlarge
Cabriolets and roadsters were pretty much like Caviars to me. Yes, they are an acquired taste and a premium one at that. Unnecessarily pricey, in a smaller package (read: less value-for-money) and representing a lifestyle statement to the elite-strata of the society (locally at least). This breed of automobiles is also mostly unpractical in our tropical, equatorial heat and hardly blends well with our sticky, humid climate.

My perception of things (not of the rising crime rates in Malaysia though) has changed when I took home the VW Eos a few months ago. Strangely, I enjoyed drop-top motoring very much since then but I have ransacked my clinic's stock of sunblock more than a couple of times! Just for the record, anything with SPF 30+ or 35+ will do, no need to splurge extra cash on the heavy duty stuffs, unless you are into surfing off the coast of Port Dickson, Langkawi or Bagan Lalang for that matter.


Which brings us to this petite topless feline called the 207cc. I have always fancied the slanty eyed Pugs ever since the 206, 307, 407 et al. This trademark design gets carried over here with even sharper accentuation, paired with an even more gaping mouth diplaying a wide (friendly? or is it feisty?) grin. It's a happy Peugeot alright. The driver is mostly happy too with the tight feel of the car on the road. The 207cc simply felt very solidly bolted together, even with the top down. Decent road manners, great ride pliancy despite a short wheelbase, comfy seats and minimal rolling noise from those grippy premium Conti rubbers. However, the 207cc' Archilles heel has to be its drivetrain. Dont' get me wrong, it's responsive and ever trying to please. But with only 4 'auto' gears, mostly shifted into cog '2' manually, I was yearning for more grunt. Its lovely chassis - which was superbly Conti-esque stable at its triple digits Vmax - simply deserved more horses and torque. The turbocharged lump from the 308GT THP175 (and new New Mini Cooper S) would do nicely here, I reckoned.



Now comes the dicey part: overtaking in a 207cc. It's a daunting task really, waiting for ages for pace to built up and securely pass the car up front. With oncoming traffic on the opposite looking more menacing more often than it should, I guess this is indeed as a local Peugeot (and a close friend) guy puts it: " A lovely boulevardier of a coupe-cabriolet". MidValley Boulevard anyone? Bintang Walk? Heritage Row? Bangsar, Hartamas, Mont Kiara? Now I get it. Serious.

Nasim and Peugeot win Smart Partnership Award from MFCCI

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin greeted by Mr Samson Anand George.

The MFCCI (Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce & Industry) on Saturday awarded Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official franchise holder for Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia and Automobiles Peugeot ASEAN Regional Office (APARO) the Smart Partnership Award for 2008. The award is given to companies that had significantly enhanced economic relations between France and Malaysia. MFCCI also gave out two other awards at the function, the Corporate Responsibility Award and also the Commitment to Malaysia Award. The awards were presented by Minister of International Trade and Industry, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Dominique Dourouze, General Director of Automobiles Peugeot ASEAN Regional Office said that he was very pleased that Nasim Sdn Bhd is the official franchise holder for Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia. With the vast experience and reach that the Naza Group of Companies has in retailing high-end luxury marques, the Nasim team is well positioned to push Peugeot to greater heights in Malaysia.

Mr Samson Anand George, General Manager of Nasim Sdn Bhd who jointly accepted the award with Mr Dourouze said that Nasim is fully committed to the Peugeot business and to date has invested a sum of almost RM10 million to build the Peugeot brand. It had also been Nasim’s key strategy from the start to build the Peugeot brand through proper positioning, having the right products for the market at all times. Nasim has been strengthening the professionalism of its sales and service chain to provide excellent service to all customers at all times while at the same time rationalizing parts and service prices. These key strategies he added would continuously promote Peugeot in Malaysia and help to maintain Malaysia’s position as France’s second largest trading partner among ASEAN economies.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin giving the locally-assembled Peugeot 407 thumbs up.

Nasim had gained much through the close working relationship that it had established with Automobiles Peugeot since 2004. This is mainly through the CKD programmes that began with the Peugeot 206, currently the Peugeot 407 and soon in early 2009, the Peugeot 308. Through the CKD programmes, Nasim is also able to provide for many jobs at its vehicle assembly plant in Gurun, Kedah.

Peugeot 407 Test Drive Campaign: Part Deux

To those who have missed the recent Peugeot 407 Test Drive Me campaign, fret not. Nasim Sdn Bhd has planned a second round of the 2008 Peugeot 407 Test Drive Me campaign at more venues with a lineup of more fun activities.

All are invited to participate in the latest installment of the Peugeot 407 Test Drive Me campaign at Peugeot Blue Box Glenmarie, Peugeot Bangsar, Peugeot Klang, Peugeot KS Blue Box, Peugeot JB (Plentong) and Peugeot Penang - from 10am until 7pm - on 15 & 16 November 2008. For more information on the event, contact Peugeot Careline at 1-800-88-6292.

Peugeot 407 Test Drive Campaign in Malaysia

Nasim Sdn Bhd will be having its Peugeot 407 Test Drive Me campaign at Peugeot Blue Box Glenmarie and Peugeot Bangsar - from 10am until 7pm - on 18 & 19 October 2008. This Peugeot 407 Test Drive Me campaign ensures that customers are able to better understand the new Peugeot 407, not just by looking at the car but to feel the intangible strengths that the new Peugeot 407 carries, the comfort that every driver and passenger ought to receive, the enhanced performance, control of the drive and also the safety features marked by the Euro NCAP 5 star rating.

Customers are encouraged to slot some time for the weekend to visit any of the participating showrooms to test drive the new Peugeot 407. A mystery gift and refreshments await those who visit Peugeot Blue Box Glenmarie and Peugeot Bangsar on 18 & 19 October 2008. For more information on the event, customers are able to contact Peugeot Careline at 1-800-88-6292.