2015 Peugeot 308 THP Launched In Malaysia In Just One Variant, From RM132,888

After a series of teasers on various social media networks, Nasim Sdn Bhd has finally, and officially launched the all-new 2015 Peugeot 308 THP.

Just one variant of the all-new C-segment hatch is available, and prices will begin from RM132,888, inclusive of insurance and GST. One variant or not, the all-new 308 is here and riding on a brand-new, modular EMP2 platform, developed by the PSA Peugeot Citroen group for use on various of its models.

Buyer’s Guide:

Riding on a completely new platform and featuring a whole new redesign from the French carmaker, the all-new 308 is primed for competition against the all-conquering Volkswagen Golf Mk7, the aging Ford Focus, and from Japan, the Mazda 3 SkyActiv, to name a few.

(Click here for our quick review of the 2015 Peugeot 308 THP)

What gives the 308 the upper hand in the segment is that Nasim has been typically uncompromising with specifying its car with the maximum equipment possible. And for the price it commands, it isn’t easy to say there’s a better deal in the local market today.

KEY SPECS: 2015 Peugeot 308 THP

• Price: RM132,888
• Engine: 1.6-litre Twin Scroll THP (Turbo High Pressure)
• Transmission: EAT6 Six-speed torque converter automatic (Aisin)
• Power: 152PS @ 5,000rpm
• Torque: 240Nm from 1,450rpm
• 0-100km/h: 9.4 seconds
• Consumption: 6.5-litres/100km (claimed), 800km range from one tank (claimed)

Performance:

While completely reworking the car’s looks and giving it a whole new architecture to ride on, Peugeot has decided against fiddling too much with the car’s powertrain. The existing Prince 1.6-litre twin scroll turbo engine sings to the tune of 152PS and 240Nm of torque – figures that go toe-to-toe with anything in the segment.

The only difference with the car is its transmission unit, which is now an Aisin-sourced six-speed torque converter automatic, also known as the Efficient AT6 with Quickshift Technology.

Further encouraging the performance figures of the car is the fact that with the new EMP2 platform in place, and some very clever engineering, the 308 is 140kg lighter than its predecessor.

Exterior Styling:

As you can see, it’s all completely new for the 308’s looks, and it all looks very good. Some have argued that a Golf Mk7’s silhouette is very much present here, but truly differentiating one family C-segment hatch from the other is never an easy trick, and who says there’s anything bad about looking like a Golf? Anyways…

At the front, there’s lot of chrome bits in all the right places, most notably around the front grille and fog lamp surrounds. The full LED headlamps feature 31 diodes in total, including those which form the daytime running lights.

The wheels are a very stylish set of 18-inch ‘Sapphire’ lightweight alloys. To the rear, and Peugeot’s familiar boomerang-type rear lamps have been reshaped and matured to form what you see here, with the signature three-claw lighting slats that dart downwards.

To match the flared wheel arches is an increased overall width of the car that is now at 1.80m, and a reduced overall height of the car, which stands in at 1.46m.

Interior Design:

Inside the cabin, Peugeot stands by its latest i-Cockpit philosophy, which consists of four integrated components: a low position compact sports leather steering wheel, a high position instrument panel, a high center console, and a high position 9.7-inch HD Multifunction Touchscreen. The focus behind the i-Cockpit is to ensure drivers may keep their eyes level with the road and yet get all the vehicle information they need.

There’s no shortage of premium quality here, with Alcantara upholstery for all seats, a high use of soft-touch materials, satin chrome trims and inserts. The 9.7-inch HD Multifunction Touchscreen negates the need for button clutter, which allows for the simple, minimalistic dash design of the 308.

CARGO: As is, boot volume is at 470 litres and already a leap from the previous generation 308. With the rear bench folded, maximum volume is at 1309 litres.

Features & Equipment:

Here’s where the Malaysian-spec 308 really shines in the segment, because as it appears, Nasim has held nothing back to achieve this level of equipment.

One of the main attention-grabbers of the car is its 9.7-inch HD Multifunction Touchscreen head unit. Apart from being a pretty massive display screen, the HD quality displays are very impressive. From this screen alone, drivers and passengers may control the air-conditioning, driver assistance systems, multimedia functions (USB, iPod, Bluetooth streaming etc.), telephone functions, and vehicle management systems. Display for the reverse camera as also within the unit.

Like its B-segment cousin, the 208, the Pug 308 has its audio sorted out by an Arkamys 3D system, which here, is a six-speaker arrangement, just as it is in the 208, and just as we like it.

Other items like keyless entry and engine push-start button are all included, but one other highlight worth mentioning is the standard inclusion of front seats with massage functions. Who could have imagined that a C-segment hatch would even get such a thing?

Safety Features:

Needless to say, the 308 gets an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist as standard. In fact, the list of standard safety kit is far from over. Six airbags, Advanced Intelligent Traction Control system, audible seatbelt reminders, dual ISOFIX child-seat anchors in the rear, and hill-start assist all contribute to the 308’s five-star EuroNCAP rating.

Going a level ahead of the competition, the local-spec 308 even comes with Dynamic Cruise Control (regulates speeds based on vehicle ahead), Emergency Collision Alert (warns driver audibly to brake if vehicle ahead approaches too quickly) and Emergency Collision Braking (auto brakes and warns driver of collision, mitigating a potential crash).

Other Information:

Five colours of the all-new 2015 Peugeot 308 THP are available, and they are Nero Black, Rouge Red, Mocha Brown, Artense Grey and Pearl White.

Inclusive in the list price is Peugeot’s five-year warranty with unlimited mileage, and the brand’s 24-hour road-side assistance service. Other benefits of being a Peugeot customer include:

Peugeot Privilege: Membership Card entitles owners to various lifestyle privileges.

Peugeot Lounge: Access to the facility at the Subang Skypark Terminal where Peugeot customers may enjoy a first-class lounge experience.