Nasim launches first car in 2014 – Peugeot 2008 Urban SUV

Monday, 6 January 2014 – Nasim has the distinction of being the first auto distributor to launch a new car in 2014, in the form of the Peugeot 2008. The 2008 is termed as an Urban SUV, a new term coined by auto makers. The urban suv represents the latest trend of vehicles made to tap into the market for people who want the attributes of an SUV such as a higher sitting position, a higher ground clearance to avoid hitting kerbs, but drive like a car. These same people also do not really want a large and bulky vehicle, and do not need all-wheel drive. At one time, these vehicles were called cross-over vehicles, but it looks like the term urban suv will take over from now, although some car makers would likely continue calling them cross-overs..

In reality, an urban SUV would be somewhat like a car on stilts, with somewhat higher suspension, looks like an SUV and with 2-wheel drive. I think one of the early ones would be the Toyota Rush, which was based on the Avanza platform and mechanicals, but had a SUV look. Honda has the new Vezel which we expect sometime later this year, and Ford has one in the pipeline, also due to arrive on our shores later this year.

The All-New Peugeot 2008 Urban SUV was first previewed at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS) and has so far received more than 100 bookings.

“We have set a sales target of 100 units a month for the All-New 2008 Urban SUV, which has received critical acclaim in Europe. With ever-changing expectations in the market, the All-New 2008 Urban SUV was designed to appeal to a wide demographic audience,” said Dato’ Samson Anand George, Chief Operating Officer of Nasim Sdn Bhd.

He said the All-New 2008 Urban SUV will contribute significantly to Nasim’s sales target of 7,000 units in 2014, especially with its unique features that set the vehicle apart from other SUVs.

It comes with Smart Park Assist, which consists of front, rear and side sensors to enable a safe and convenient parking experience. Side parking is made a breeze with this intelligent feature where the driver merely positions the vehicle with guidance from the touch screen, engage reverse and the vehicle will self-steer into position. The driver only controls the accelerator and brake functions.

The driver sits higher than normal in 2008 Urban SUV. It gives the driver a better view and a sense of safety by increasing the visibility of the open road. Wheels are 16 inch alloys. A panoramic glass roof, fitted with its electric shutter, allows natural light into the passenger compartment.

The Peugeot i-Cockpit is characterised by the compact steering wheel, the head up instrument panel and seven -inch high-resolution colour touch screen coupled with an Arkamys 3D sound audio system with six speakers. In addition, there is a USB port for connecting and charging phones and media devices as well as Bluetooth connectivity. Also included are digital dual zone auto air-conditioning, centre armrest with storage driver and passenger sun visors with illuminated vanity mirror.

Other premium features include auto headlights, ‘Follow Me Home’ security lighting functionality, remote ‘Guide Me Home’ security lighting, front and rear fog lights, automated front and rear windscreen wipers and one touch all power windows with anti-pinch.

The spacious 360 litres boot size can be further enlarged with the Smart One touch 60/40 foldable rear seat bench that gives 1,194 litres of flat fold space.

Under the hood, the All-New 2008 Urban SUV comes equipped with a 1.6-litre VTi engine that produces 122 hp and 160 Nm of torque. The engine is matched to an auto adaptive gearbox with Tiptronic and Sport mode functionality. It can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 11.2 seconds and has a top speed of 190 km/h.

The All-New 2008 Urban SUV comes with six airbags and an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) that combines several functions: anti-skid regulation (ASR), dynamic stability control (DSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), emergency braking assistance (EBA) and electronic brake force distribution (EBFD). Additional safety features consists of front and rear parking aid with audio visual assistance, hill start assist, very high strength steel (VHSS) body structure, cornering assist fog lamp and ISOFIX anchorage points at rear. As a result, the All-New 2008 Urban SUV achieved a full five-star rating from EURO NCAP.

The front suspension features Independent MacPherson struts and anti-roll bars whereas the rear suspension is outfitted with Trailing Arm with Deformable cross member axle that offers the exceptional handling, dynamism and driving experience that Peugeot is known for.

Among the awards won by the All-New 2008 Urban SUV include the ‘European Car Of The Year 2014’ by Italy’s Auto Europa, and ‘Top SUV/Crossover Vehicle’ by Poland’s Golden Steering Wheel awards.

First revealed at the Geneva Motor Show 2013 in March and launched in Europe in May 2013, the All-New 2008 Urban SUV has already recorded 73, 600 orders in Europe by the end of November, a volume well above expectation. In fact, Peugeot France has had to increase production of the All-New 2008 Urban SUV at its Mulhouse factory to cater for the overwhelming demand inside and outside of Europe.

Available in four exciting colours – Digital White, Virtual Blue, Dakota Brown and Artense Grey, the All-New 2008 Urban SUV is currently on display in showrooms nationwide, excluding East Malaysia.

The on-the-road price with insurance for the All-New 2008 Urban SUV is RM119,888 in Peninsular Malaysia while in Sabah the on-the-road price with insurance is RM121,888 and in Sarawak the on-the-road price with insurance is RM121,588. These prices look attractive and are affordable.

Nasim Sdn Bhd will show case the All-New 2008 Urban SUV at the upcoming Peugeot Roadshow at One Utama New Wing on the Ground Floor, High Street from 8th Jan till 12th Jan 2014.

Visitors can test drive the All-New 2008 Urban SUV as well as view and test drive Peugeot’s exciting range of cars such as the 508, 408 and 208. Fantastic offers and freebies await attendees to the road show.

All Peugeot models come with five-year warranty with unlimited mileage together with Nasim’s existing 24-hours Peugeot Assistance service, complimentary access to the Peugeot Lounge at Subang Airport and Peugeot Privilege membership.