European award winners hits market below RM100K
Naza launches CKD Peugeot 308 and goes broadside against Honda Jazz
Peugeot 308 1.6 VTi – RM96,500 (OTR)
Peugeot 308 1.6 Turbo – RM111,000 (OTR)
It is a continental car and it even has a French badge, a combination that would have made the Peugeot 308 a tough sell in Malaysia but Nasim Sdn Bhd, Naza Group’s subsidiary which imports the brand is making an offer that many will not be able to resist.
Let’s face it, the Peugeot 308 is a far more stylish car than any Japanese or Korean family hatchback and it is a proper B C1-segment car and not some cramped Sub-B model that masquerades as a B-player.
For your money you will get Peugeot’s fantastic and supple ride comfort, typical French flair when it comes to road handling and, of course, the good looks comes free.
Specifications
| Model | 308 VTi | 308 Turbo |
| Engine | ||
| Type | DOHC, 16V, Dual Variable Valve Life and Injection Timing | Turbo High Pressure (THP), DOHC, 16V, Variable Valve Timing on intake. |
| Fuel Supply System | Electronic Multi Point Fuel Injection System | |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 77 x 85.8 | |
| Displacement (cc) | 1598 | |
| HP @ RPM | 120 @ 6000 | 140 @ 6000 |
| Nm @ RPM | 160 @ 4250 | 240 @ 1400 |
| Transmission | ||
| Type | 4 speed auto adaptive transmission with “System Tiptronic Porsche” (Auto, Manual, Sport mode) | |
| Braking | ||
| Front | Ventilated Disc | |
| Rear | Solid Disc | |
| Steering | ||
| Type | Electro-hydraulic variable power assisted steering | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (mm) | 4276 | |
| Width (mm) | 1815 (excluding mirrors) | |
| Height (mm) | 1498 | |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2608 | |
| Wheel Size (in) | 16 Alloy | 17 Alloy |
| Tyre Size | 205/55 R 16 | 225/45 R 17 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 | |
| Boot size (litre) | 430 | |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed (km/h) | 190 (approximate) | 203 (approximate) |
| Acceleration (0-100km/h) | 12.5 (approximate) | 9.3 (approximate) |
| Combined Cycle | 7.3L/100km (approximate) | 7.9L/100km (approximate) |
| Emission standard | EURO 4 | |
Before the launch, the media were invited to their Glenmarie flagship Blue Box and everyone from Executive Chairman, S.M. Nasaruddin to General Manager Samson Anand George and even marketing man Derick were asking journalists where the 308 should be positioned in terms of price.
Almost to a man, everyone said it would go head on with the Honda Jazz in people’s mind and this is a rather odd answer because the 308 is significantly larger than the Jazz but that is probably the reality and the Nasim boys did not disagree.
The Jazz is an award winner itself and certainly no slouch when it comes to features and technologies and it has the Honda goodwill backing up any purchase decision and this is something that they cultivated for decades through careful implementation of a strong customer relationship management programme that includes respected after sales service and resilient residuals in the used car market.
Peugeot on the other hand is seen as a semi-aspirational brand in the sense that the lower segment of the market aspires towards Peugeot because of it’s continental roots and the glamour of it’s motorsports involvment but past importers and distributors have failed to do justice to the brand, hence the soft residuals.
Nasim has been doing a lot of work improving the after sales support and owners are now better taken care of but that is not going to be enough. What Peugeot needs is a full frontal price assault to put cars on the road because nothing will inspire market confidence like a strong presence on the road. Nasim knows this because they are part of Naza and Naza always goes for volume to instill customer confidence and they have the financial muscle to do that.
By pegging the 308 VTI lower than the Jazz, it will make many who have put their deposit for the Japanese hatchback think twice, maybe some will even ask for a refund and move to Peugeot.
It is a strategy that will cause ripples in the market. Peugeot is not a marque that is regarded as problematic in Europe, the bad rep it gets here is mostly down to the local partners and now that they have Nasim, which has the necessary level of committment, financial strength and market knowledge to mount an assault on the Malaysian automotive scene. I believe that we will see a lot more of these French cars.
Better still I hope this will trigger a slight downward push on prices, nto just to counter the Peugeot assault but also faltering market confidence as a result of the global economic uncertainty.
It is about time Japanese importers and distributors start sharing with the market the financial rewards of the Japan-Malaysia FTA. Come on now, we know you have room to discount…
Below is the full Press Release from Nasim, all specs and details are here:
Nasim Sdn Bhd launches the new Peugeot 308
The award winning Peugeot 308 has been launched into the Malaysian automotive market by Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official franchise holder of Peugeot automobiles in Malaysia on Thursday, 29 January 2009 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The new Peugeot 308 was launched by Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd 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 category is set to offer Malaysian car buyers more choice apart from the current offerings available in the market. Members of the public who are interested to view the car can do so at all Nasim branches and authorised dealers from 3.08pm onwards on the same day.
The new Peugeot 308 which had received positive remarks on its exterior design from Paul Owen, Editor of Autocar Magazine New Zealand, motoring journalist and chief judge for AMI NZ Autocar Car of the Year 2008 award and Mr. Dave Moore, the Editor of the Press, Christchurch, New Zealand said “Here’s substance and style unmatched by its rivals in the compact class” and “A five-star Euro NCAP crash rating, and standard stability control make the 308 a safe family offering” respectively.
The new 308 which is locally assembled at the Naza Automotive Manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah will be available in 5 door form and come with the new EP6 series of 1.6 litre engines. The EP6 engines have won the International Engine of the Year Award twice, in 2007 and 2008 and are a result of a 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 adds 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 and Nasim is confident of achieving strong sales performance while carving out its own niche as mentioned by En SM Nasarudin. This was due to the strong combination of the features offered, the individualistic Peugeot styling that allows it to stand out from the crowd, the already legendary Peugeot ride, handling and reliability and being the only European representative in its price range. 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 adds 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.
During the launch, Yayasan Naza had also donated the sum of RM500,000 to the “Amanah Kemanusiaan Rakyat Palestin” fund to assist them with the rebuilding of their country and to alleviate their suffering caused by war. The cheque was received by YB Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Dear Writer,
It’s so heartbreaking! This 308 is a C-Segment car competing against Civic, Altis, Lancer… How come it drop a class to B-Segment category and compared against Jazz just because of it’s pricing?
The Jazz was all the while contending against the Peugeot 206 (even with other countries, but now they have Peugeot 207).
It’s very sad to see such things happen, it happen with the 206 CKD, then 407 CKD (where people compared it against Civic/Altis/Lancer), and now this 308 CKD… If compared fairly against it’s rival of the same segment, we can clearly see the price differences, but now, it become a different story.
Anyway, honestly, it doesn’t do justice to the car, the people who have put so much effort to bring in the car, assemble and priced it… Sound more like they should’ve price it higher instead so people don’t “mistaken” the class of the car?
By the way, in terms of european category, the 308 is competing against the Golf. Perhaps this way we can see more of the value and effort done…
And oh, the 308 THP (Premium) initially was supposed to be a CBU unit; I have the brochure which I get early 2008 during BlueBox launch, it was estimated RM138,308! The 308 GT was estimated about RM148K, but when it launched, it went up to RM159,999K. So, here, we could say, if the 308 THP is CBU, it might easily cost over RM140K!
Well, all I can say is that it’s pointless to try and promote this car to the Japcentric crowd who’ll continue to look for reasons to bash Peugeot. My friends and I will stick to the 308 Turbo. 240Nm at 1400rpm!
Alternatively they can get the B-Segment Jazz VTEC. Amazing value at RM109,800. Light weight too with only 2 airbags (308 Turbo has 6) and no ESP. RM94,801 for the amazing 1.6L CVTC, 4AT Latio Sport. It’s got up to date 2 airbags and ABS. no ESP though.
Oh yes, they can also get the CKD (Thai source) H-mark 2.0L i-VTEC Civic for RM128,800 only. “The 8th Gen Honda Civic is the icon of revolution in engineering technology” their website says. “Go from zero to hero at just a press of a button” as their website says, by using their paddleshift 5-speed auto. 188Nm (hey lucky double 8s) at 4,500Nm. WOW!
For T-fans there’s the good-enough-for-Orlando-Bloom CBU (Thailand) Altis. The ‘1.8G Sporty’ will only cost you RM120,250. You get Toyota’s famous 1ZZ-FE engine which produces 132PS at 6,000rpm with max torque of 170Nm at 4,200rpm. Yum-yum! It also comes with a rock-solid 4-speed auto with gateshift and plus-minus.
No one ever complains or even mentions Toyota’s sticking to 4-speed autos. Ah, its a Toyota, thats why. No need to do analysis or comparison. Just buy and shout joyfully, “Oh what a feeling! I have a TOYOTA!”. For you guys, the 308 Turbo is way out of its league and pricing value right? Stick to T and H. Play far, far away and be happy.
Well, the 308 is a C1 segment car, which really pinches on the top B, so I think that it is a great strategy for Naza to price it smack in the B-segment and get the volume, because this is the best way to gain consumer confidence, once the brand has a gained its premium in the Malaysian market, I am sure that it will start creeping up in price, by then the next gen 207 would have moved up to today’s C1 size.
The front of this car looks like it’s had it’s teeth kicked in. Definitely weird looking…quite over the top, I wouldn’t call this French good looks, more like an ugly French Tart!
Mr. Moderator. Why won’t you allow my posts?
I believe the targeting of the Jazz was actually Nasim’s idea rather than Peugeot’s. I don’t fully agree with this, but it does seem to me that Nasim is aiming all its products squarely at Honda and Toyota. They are aggressively pitching the 407 against the Accord and Camry, so I am not surprised if they the likes of the Latio and Jazz as rivals to the 308.
I’m not so sure, in Nasim Press Release (you can read in this blog)
“The Peugeot 308 VTi and Peugeot 308 Turbo models are Nasim’s spearhead into the hotly contested C-segment and Nasim is confident of achieving strong sales performance while carving out its own niche as mentioned by En SM Nasarudin”
It clearly mentioned C-Segment, that is “Civic, Altis, Mazda3, etc”….
But the writer clearly written “B-Segment”, which is not doing justice to the car and it’s wrong information.
Andy
the correction has been made, the car is C1 segment not B
Andy124
The correction has been made, the car is C1 segment not B, sorry
I stood my silence over a long time listening to autoworldcar forums and see how immature owners of Japanese cars are !! Make worst by our Malaysia car review writers not knowing what they are reveiwing and explaining the truth about Japanese cars over european cars !!
Peugeot are fantastic cars . The enjoyment of sheer driving pleasure and road holding . Peugoet 403, 404, 504, 405 ( past legends )
European cars sells on heritage , safety and pure good and rock solid handling.
Japanese cars needs lots of publicity to promote their cars as a rebadged of what europe have to offer ( kind of copy cats always )
In term of resale value , Japanese cars not matter it is a camry or accord ( it is middle class status for up and coming business people ( small company sole proprietors , Politicians and Etc ) or executive person ( manager or senior manager ) . Cos their disposable income and salary will reflects and shows almost one step away from success. Meaning cannot afford to lose hard earned monies ned lots of second hand value !! to buy the next new cars ) . In this way they will keep on driving japanese cars till the end of the days . No meaning in life !! Limitations
In term of resale value, European cars depends of market perceptions. It is always a car for successful established for higher income bracket groups ( President , Directors and Ceos) and higher executive level . Cars like BMW. Volvo, Mercedes , Audi , Citroen , VW , Peugeot and so on. These people mostly had seen and been round the world and know what best in their life expectation always . Adventurous !!
Even cars like like Lexus ( no matter who bride the press to brate about the goodie of this car but bring ) , most buyers still perist European cars as yardstick measurement in terms of status .
Most people feel they are class above if they drive a european like Mercedes or Volvo compare to a Toyota or Honda . This is international market preception and no one can deny this worldwide reception. Japanese cars are “toys” .
Malaysian Used Cars dealers like selling “TOYS” meaning japanese cars instead of a real safety cars .
People do not realise that Malaysian government taxes on European cars spare parts are higher than Japanese car parts. It is not because the production cost of spare of europeans couterparts are higher than japanese or vice versa . it is the Malaysian government controlling simply because they want proton ( Mitsubishi tech ) and produa ( Dahaitsu tech) to survive . Does any car margazines or reporters highlight any of this articles to our Malaysian publics. answer , Never not even in http://www.cbt.com.my but promoting and talking the unnnecesary always ( boring !! , malaysian cars margazines reviews are boring and buyers always)
So congratulations to Naza that you have given me hope to own a European cars and retore the dignity of giving every malaysians who previously could not afford a real European cars to become an owner again . Long live the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies our fore father era who believe only in European cars ( Safety , tough, endurance and good stabilty) and not japanese cars( light , no so tough , so so endurance and not much safety at all so called ” Make from MILO TIN ) .
Even until today no matter it is Honda or Toyota what came to my mind . OH !!! you are shouting to me your are driving a ” MILO TIN” and yes I like to drink MILO and you can ave Milo Tins for that reason. Not to mentioned most modern car design are very reliable nowadys
If only Malaysian make cars like Proton, Perodua , Avanza , do have four or five stars NCAP rating and in the event of any accidents or mishaps, the chances for survival could be improved . What’s the point of wearing front and rear seatbelt when our own Malaysian Mass production cars so call Sirim approve standard did not emphasis on the safety aspect of Protons and Peroduas and even locally make toyotas or hondasthoroghly compulsory REAL SAFETY CAGE instead of unprovement highly press advetise ” so call third class safety cage “. You mean our Malaysian Lives has got no value !!
Toyota = Boring cars
Hondas = Light and lady like cars ( not tough )
Mercedes = Longevity and addicted comfort
BMW = Handling but not comfortable
Volvo = Safety and Quality ( longevity)
Peugeot = Road holding and Best Comfort !!
So beat it japanese cars and saleman fanatic talk only , Welcome Peugeot !!! Long live European cars buyers and ownerships