Expanding the Peugeot network

SEPTEMBER 6, 2009 | NEW SUNDAY TIMES | CARS.BIKES.TRUCKS | V9
# ISSUE 09/09
For Malaysian Peugeot Enthusiasts
Expanding
the Peugeot
network
n By Hezeri Samsuri
NASIM Sdn Bhd (NSB), a member of
the Naza Group of Companies and the
official franchise holder of Peugeot
vehicles in Malaysia, has opened its
first 3S (sales, service and spare parts)
center in the northern region of the
Peninsular.
Located in Juru Auto City, the new 3S
center is wholly owned and managed by
NSB, and caters to Peugeot owners in
Penang, Perlis and Kedah.
This is another step in the expansion
of the Peugeot network in the country,
which also includes NSB-owned centers
in Shah Alam, Selangor and Johor
Baru.
Presently, the company has eight
Peugeot authorised dealers and nine
branches nationwide.
“NSB has grown from strength
to strength with the launch of new
Peugeot models and also through the
expansion of its dealer network. The
increase in sales of Peugeot vehicles
requires more 3S centers in order
to ensure high quality service with
specialised tools for all owners,” said
SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, joint
group executive chairman of the Naza
Group of Companies.
The new Peugeot 3S center in Juru
Auto City is a double-storey building
with a built-up area of 8,000 sq ft.
It is also installed with Peugeot
Planet System (PPS), a modern
technical diagnostic equipment
exclusive to Peugeot vehicles.
With three service bays and 21
personnel, the center can cater up to
12 cars per day.
Also, NSB is supported by the
Automobiles Peugeot regional training
centre and office based in Petaling
Jaya, Selangor.
The Automobiles Peugeot regional
training centre supports Peugeot’s
regional markets in Australia, Brunei,
Cambodia, China, Hong Kong,
Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal,
New Zealand, Singapore, Sri Lanka,
Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, the Peugeot Platform,
which is a global online helpdesk
for Peugeot service technicians
worldwide, is also available to all
authorised Peugeot service centres in
Malaysia.
With technical support from
From left: Automobiles Peugeot (Asean regional office) general director Dominique Dourouze, SM Nasarudin and Naza
Group of Companies president Datuk SM Shalahuddin SM Amin at the launch of the new 3S centre in Juru Auto City.
High quality services for Peugeot owners.
Automobiles Peugeot, NSB can
continuously enhance customer
satisfaction as well as provide prompt
and reliable service to all Peugeot
Attentive staff to serve customers’ needs.
owners.
In line with its growth strategy, NSB
began exporting Malaysian-assembled
Peugeot models to Thailand earlier
this month.
NSB will be opening its first Peugeot
3S centre in Kuching, Sarawak next
month.
>Happenings
Exciting Peugeot road show in store
Those looking to buy a
new car can pay a visit to
a Peugeot Test Drive Me
road show at the open car
park of Sunway Pyramid on
September 11–13 (10am till
10pm).
Organised by Nasim Sdn
Bhd, the road show will
feature plenty of exciting
offers and mystery gifts for
visitors as well as lots of fun
and games for kids.
Inside:
Visitors can get up close
with the range of race-bred
Peugeot cars, with the Spyder
as the highlight.
Those who make car
bookings at the road show can
enjoy test drive gifts, Touch
“n” Go cards and Bubba Gump
food and beverage vouchers
valued at RM100 each.
Also available are special
vehicle trade-in facilities for
Peugeot owners and on-the-
• International Engine of the Year
Award
• Sporty and eco-friendly 107
• Impressive audio performance
spot loan application services.
With Step Ahead FlexiPlan and Lion Save Plan
car financing and service
packages, Peugeot car buyers
benefit from significant
savings in car ownership and
maintenance costs.
Check out exciting cars
such as the 308 VTi and Turbo
Panoramic, new 407 and 207
CC and catch the Peugeot
experience at the road show.
• 308 charge in Thailand
• A rare French thoroughbred
• Peugeot UK retains lead
• Pleasant RON95 drive with two
Pugs
Peugeot Assistance: 1-800-88-0747
Peugeot Careline: 1-800-88-6292
www.peugeot.com.my
Engineered To Be Enjoyed
V10 | CARS.BIKES.TRUCKS | NEW SUNDAY TIMES | SEPTEMBER 6, 2009
SEPTEMBER 6, 2009 | NEW SUNDAY TIMES | CARS.BIKES.TRUCKS | V11
For Malaysian Peugeot Enthusiasts
For Malaysian Peugeot Enthusiasts
International
Engine of the
Year Award
Peugeot once again won the International Engine of
the Year award in the 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre category for
its 1.6-litre, four-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol
engine.
Peugeot has won the award for the third year in a row.
One of the most sought-after automotive accolades,
the International Engine of the Year award is given by an
international panel of 65 renowned motoring journalists
from 32 countries.
Judges apply their impressions from driving today’s
latest cars to help them find the powerplants that offer
the best driveability, performance and economy, and
reward manufacturers for the successful application of
advanced engine technology.
Introduced on the Peugeot 207 two years ago, the
175hp version of the engine also equips the Peugeot 308
THP 175.
It is part of a full range of 1.4-litre to 1.6-litre engines
that deliver from 95 to 175hp and up to nearly 200hp on
certain models.
Equipped with the latest technological features,
including direct injection for the turbo engine, variable
valve timing for the naturally aspirated engine, a volume
flow-controlled oil pump and an on-demand water pump,
this family of engines improves fuel efficiency and
reduces emissions by around 10 per cent compared with
the previous generation.
Engines in the 1.4-litre to 1.6-litre category currently
equip models such as the Peugeot 207 sedan, 207 CC,
207 SW, 308 sedan, 308CC, 308 SW and 3008.
By 2010, nearly 75 per cent of Peugeot models will be
fitted with 1.4-litre to 1.6-litre petrol engines.
Sporty and
eco-friendly 107
Sports exhaust
silencer with twin
centre tailpipe add
to the dynamic aura
of the 107 GT line.
two decor Peugeot Sport
The new 107 GT line,
design stripes and red
recently launched by
door mirror casings,
Automobiles Peugeot,
front floor mats with red
adopts a sporty
piping, and completed
look with a reduced
by GT line door sill
ecological footprint.
protectors and GT line
This version emits
badges on the front
just 106g of CO2 per
doors.
km.
The 107 GT line has
The 107 GT line,
a 1.0-litre 68bhp petrol
which is sold mainly in
engine and has been
Europe, is equipped
available in European
with air-conditioning
Clean-looking interior with a black
markets since June.
and a radio CD as
theme and metallic finishes.
More than 400,000
standard.
units of the 107 have been produced since
Its sporty character is further
its launch in 2005.
highlighted by a generous level of
In the ASEAN region, only Singapore
equipment: 15-inch alloy wheels, a sports
retails the Peugeot 107.
exhaust silencer with twin centre tailpipe,
The 107 GT line
stands out in a
crowd with Peugeot
Sport design stripes
and red door mirror
casings.
Impressive audio performance
n By Alex Lye
The JBL audio system is among the
outstanding features in the Peugeot
407.
It is a 10-speaker system with
boot mounted subwoofer, six-disc CD
changer and 240-watt amplifier.
In checking out the audio system, I
used a USACi (United States Autosound
Competition International) test CD to
verify the system in phase.
The phasing was all right, and I
begun testing the sound reproduction
stage width of the system and found
that it was almost till the A-pillar.
The height was 10 inches off the
dashboard, which is acceptable.
The depth was good and the deep
dashboard did help.
I tested the overall sound with the
Eagles’ “Hotel California”, and initially
found the off centre sound stage to be
disappointing.
The vocals were lob sided towards
the centre front of the dashboard.
Thus, I decided to tune the system
till the centre channel was in the
middle of the dashboard.
For further system evaluation, I used
a variety of music CDs.
I had:
1) Tchaikovsky played by Dallas
Symphony — Pro Arte a Direct to
CD recording.
2) Fats Waller played by Dick Hyman
— Reference recording, another
7) Famous Blue Raincoat by Jennifer
Warnes.
Direct to CD recording.
3) Sonatas for Violin & Piano played
by Julie Steinberg & David Abel –
Wilson Audiophile.
4) Best of Chie Ayado II.
5) Bridge over water by Weiyi Qiao.
6) Bird of Paradise by Sadao
Watanabe.
With some tweaking, I found the
overall sound reproduction to be
satisfactory.
Still, I did tune for almost flat (bass
and treble) audio reproduction, and set
the fader towards the front.
One thumb rule of in-car audio
tuning is “Front Stage, Rear Fill”.
All the sound should be in front, with
the rear bass frequencies also filling up
the front.
After concluding my evaluation, I
was rocking away happily with my Deep
Purple Anniversary edition remastered,
Machine Head and Rare Earth music
CDs.
Here, the centre console layout also
includes a seven-inch LCD display for
functions such as navigation, iPod, DVD
and personal settings.
The graphics are easy to identify. For
instance, just touch the steering wheel
graphics on the touchscreen, and the
navigation menu will pop up.
One highlight here is the Junction
View feature for navigation.
This feature is comes in handy as
the navigation unit shows you the right
junction to take when faced with other
choices.
The styling and equipment of the
Peugeot 407 certainly impressed me
as its segment rivals do not come with
such premium features.
"After concluding my evaluation, I was rocking away happily with my Deep Purple Anniversary edition
remastered, Machine Head and Rare Earth music CDs. Here, the centre console layout also includes a
seven-inch LCD display for functions such as navigation, iPod, DVD and personal settings."
Peureux:
"The 308
is a very
successful
model for
Peugeot."
308 charge
in Thailand
The Peugeot presence in Thailand was elevated with the
launch of both the 308 VTi and Turbo models in Bangkok
last month.
Yontrakit Automobiles chairman Khun Pongrit
Leenutaphong said both the exceptional 1.6-litre models
catered to a market niche for young people who desired
stylish and dynamic European cars. Yontrakit Automobiles
is the sole distributor of Peugeot cars in Thailand.
“These are desirable cars for young buyers looking
to express their individuality and style, and at the same
time, fulfill their desire and need for motoring excellence,
performance and safety. Also, the 308 models add further
depth to the range of Peugeot cars we have here,” said
Leenutaphong.
Both the 308 models are exported to Thailand by
Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official franchise holder of Peugeot
automobiles in Malaysia. They are also examples of the
growing success of Peugeot locally assembled operations in
Malaysia.
“The Peugeot 308 has been a very successful model for
us in Europe, mainly due to the excellent design as attested
by European magazines and customers who are happy
with the driving technology and dynamics of the car,” said
Peugeot Asian delegate Alain Peureux. The 308 shares a
semi-tall architecture that first appeared on the 307.
It is a further development of the 307’s technical
platform in order to meet the objectives of an assertive
style, comprehensive specification and a high level of
quality.
It provides interior space, visibility, brightness, compact
packaging and the qualitative points of reference which
have already won more than three million buyers for the
307 worldwide.
Safety is always a priority for Peugeot and the 308 is no
exception. At the level of secondary safety, the structure
(particularly through the use of three impact absorption
structures in front) and bodywork that has been designed
in terms of its rigidity and ability to deform in a controlled
manner, provides optimal impact protection.
In addition, the 308 can be equipped with up to nine
airbags, including two rear side airbags and a steering
column airbag. The 308 VTi is priced from THB1,650,000
(RM171,071) onwards while prices for the 308 Turbo start
from THB1,850,000 (RM191,956).
V12 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2009 | NEW SUNDAY TIMES | CARS.BIKES.TRUCKS
For Malaysian Peugeot Enthusiasts
>Classic Peugeot
A rare French thoroughbred
>Motorsport
Peugeot UK
retains lead
n By Andrew Suresh
Before the mid-1970’s,
Peugeot was widely recognised
for producing some of the best
mid-segment cars.
The range of Peugeot
models excelled not only
as road cars but also in
motorsport.
In 1975, Peugeot broke
that mould by introducing
the 604, a new executive
car from the studios of the
Italian automotive designer
Pininfarina, at the Geneva
Motor Show.
The 604 was a sensational
draw at the motor show, and
was looked upon as a luxury
car that would represent
France in the international
motoring arena.
Asia Motor, which was the
Peugeot dealer back then,
even placed an advertisement
in a local motoring magazine
that described the 604
as a grand tourer which
offered true comfort and
comprehensive equipment
rather than false luxury and
impractical gadgetry.
It was also touted as a great
car with extra inches inside
and not outside!
Actually, the 604 was the
second attempt by Peugeot at
producing a large luxury sedan
after the 601 in 1934.
After achieving success in
the form of the 403, 404 and
504, Peugeot experimented
with this new market which
was then dominated by
American and German car
manufacturers.
The 604 was built on
the chassis of the rugged
504 and powered by a 2.7litre V6 engine, developed
by Peugeot together with
Renault and Volvo, which was
called the PRV to signify the
collaboration.
The 604 SL variants came
with manual and automatic
transmissions.
In 1978, the 604 Ti was
introduced with Bosch
K-Jetronic fuel injection
and modified ratios on the
gearbox.
In the same year, the 604
was fitted with a 2.3-litre
Indenor Diesel motor with a
turbo attached to make it the
first production turbo diesel
executive car in Europe.
At that time, there was
a major global oil crisis,
and the 604 diesel variant
was expected to appeal to
motorists.
In 1980, the 604 received a
facelift, and a limited edition
model came equipped with
power windows and a sunroof.
A GTi version was
introduced in 1984 with a 2.8litre engine.
Production of the 604 ended
in 1985 with a total of 153,000
units sold worldwide.
A true prestige limousine,
with outstanding passenger
comforts and trim levels,
the 604 was used as a car
that befitted heads of states
and high-ranking ministers
in France and many other
countries.
Only a few units were
brought in to Malaysia for use
by French embassy officials as
well as the wealthy elite.
The 2.7 variants were
retailed in Malaysia in 1981 at
RM64,499.99 for the SL and
RM68,347.50 for the SL (A).
Existing 604 owners here
should contact Peugeot
Club Malaysia via www.
peugeotclubmalaysia.com
to help in ensuring that the
details of this rare French
luxury car are stored for future
reference.
Peugeot is now almost sure of
winning the IRC Manufacturers’
title for the third straight year
after the results of the recent
Barum Czech Zlin rally.
The Czech rally saw Peugeot
UK’s Kris Meeke successfully
defending his lead in the
provisional IRC (Intercontinental
Rally Challenge) standings.
Prior to the start, Meeke had
declared that his target in the
Czech Republic against his main
rival Jan Kopecky — who had
the advantage of competing on
home turf — was to score as
many points as possible.
Despite the early setback
of a tyre puncture, the Briton
still managed quick, consistent
runs in the Kronos-prepared 207
Super 2000.
Also, the rally conditions were
not easy.
“It was incredibly slippery.
Although sometimes the road
looks dry, the moss on the road
makes it like ice,” said Meeke.
Pleasant RON95 drive with two pugs
n By A. Arjuna
During a recent test drive
from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca,
the Peugeot 407 and Naza 206
Bestari had no problems running
on the new Petronas Primax
95 petrol, which is a Euro 2
compliant and RON95 grade fuel.
The drive to Malacca,
together with a large group
of cars from various makes,
was organised by Petronas
to educate consumers about
the fact that Primax 95 is
compatible with most vehicles in
Malaysia.
Ensconced within the
premium confines of the 407,
the drive to Malacca was a
pleasant experience.
We also visited the Petronas
Nasim Sdn Bhd
refinery in Malacca for a
better understanding of
the technological aspects
of processing fuels, and the
stringent tests by Petronas to
produce fuels of the highest
quality.
Primax 95, which contains
SINAR G-07, an additive to
reduce friction and improve
combustion, is said to give
better fuel consumption,
superior engine cleanliness as
well as maintaining optimum
performance.
“Primax 95 is compatible
with most engines, including
those with direct injection
technology”, said Fazil Mat Isa of
Petronas Research Sdn Bhd, the
research wing of Petronas.
Filled with Primax 95, the
The Peugeot UK driver set
a fastest time again on Stage
12, securing second place – and
retaining the Championship
lead.
Since 2007, the IRC has
provided an alternative arena to
the World Rally Championships
(WRC) for those looking for the
raw thrill of a genuine test of
driving skills.
Attracting both young
amateurs and seasoned
professionals like ex-WRC driver
Freddy Loix, the IRC pushes
drivers and machines to the
limit across a series of highly
challenging rallies.
The next round is the Rally
Principe de Asturias in Northern
Spain on September 10-12.
Manufacturer’s standings:
1. Peugeot 95 points
2. Skoda 59 points
3. Mitsubishi 42 points
4. Abarth 34 points
5. Proton 5 points
Peugeot Price list
(on-the-road)
n Naza 206 Bestari (M):
RM43,999
n Naza 206 Bestari (A):
RM48,999
n Peugeot 207 CC:
RM158,888
n Peugeot 308 VTi:
RM96,500
n Peugeot 308 Turbo
Panoramic: RM113,888
n Peugeot 308 GT:
RM159,999
n Peugeot 407 2.0 VVT
(standard): RM128,888
Peugeot 407 ran smoothly and
there was no lag in throttle
response or acceleration.
Meanwhile, we drove the
Naza 206 Bestari on the way
back to Kuala Lumpur.
Like the Peugeot 407, the 206
Bestari did not have any issues
running on Primax 95.
n Peugeot 407 2.0 VVT
(premium): RM136,888
Peugeot Assistance: 1-800-88-0747 / Peugeot Careline: 1-800-88-6292
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