Peugeot is preparing to launch an all-new 208 in 2026, a car that will not only redefine the brand’s compact offering but also mark one of Stellantis’s most important global introductions in recent years. The next-generation model will debut the all-new STLA Small platform, showcase a futuristic tech-led cabin, and arrive as a fully electric vehicle from day one.
The new 208 represents a turning point for Stellantis’s compact cars, setting the tone for future models that will span the A- to C-segments. The STLA Small platform replaces the existing CMP and e-CMP architectures that currently underpin models like the 208, 2008, and Vauxhall Corsa. It also serves as a cornerstone for Stellantis’s ambition to remain at the forefront of Europe’s affordable EV market—a segment that continues to heat up as mainstream automakers accelerate their electrification plans.
Peugeot’s decision to introduce the platform through the 208 speaks volumes about the model’s importance within the company’s line-up. The hatchback has been a consistent bestseller for the brand, with 109,146 units sold in the first half of 2025 alone. That figure placed it among Europe’s top three compact cars, trailing only the Renault Clio and Dacia Sandero, according to data from Jato Dynamics.
Peugeot has lifted the covers off the refreshed 308 and 308 SW, introducing a bold new chapter for one of its most successful models in the European C-segment. With a sharper design, a host of technological upgrades, and an expanded range of efficient powertrains, including the fully electric e-308 offering up to 450km of range, the new line-up is set to reinforce Peugeot’s reputation for French flair, driving pleasure and everyday practicality.
Both the hatchback and estate variants are the first in the brand’s history to carry an illuminated Peugeot emblem on the nose, a feature that now takes centre stage in the updated front fascia. The effect is amplified by a redesigned grille and a three-claw lighting signature, giving the car an unmistakable presence on the road. The illuminated strands integrated into the grille extend towards the headlamps, adding to the vehicle’s solid stance, while discreet radar systems are neatly hidden behind the badge to maintain a clean finish without compromising safety.
Peugeot has also refined aerodynamics, with redesigned bumpers and carefully sculpted air intakes channelling airflow into the wheel arches, improving efficiency and extending range for the hybrid and electric variants. The GT trim benefits further from the illuminated front design as standard, enhancing its dynamic character. At the rear, all versions adopt the brand’s latest light signature with three LED claws incorporated into a gloss-black strip across the boot lid, while new alloy wheel designs ranging from 17 to 18 inches bring added elegance and efficiency.
Peugeot kembali mencipta sejarah dalam dunia automotif apabila memperkenalkan E-208 GTi, hatchback elektrik berprestasi tinggi pertama yang memasuki pasaran secara rasmi. Menerusi pelancaran ini, Peugeot bukan sahaja menghidupkan semula nama ikonik “GTi”, malah mendahului pesaing seperti Volkswagen yang masih belum melangkah ke pengeluaran model serupa dan hanya memperlihatkan konsep.
Dibangunkan oleh Peugeot Sport, E-208 GTi menjadi simbol evolusi bagi warisan GTi yang terkenal dengan gabungan prestasi dan gaya. Ia mengambil alih tempat yang ditinggalkan oleh 308 GTi berkuasa petrol, yang dihentikan pengeluarannya pada tahun 2020. Selepas kejayaan model hibrid berprestasi tinggi 508 PSE, Peugeot kini membawa semangat itu sepenuhnya ke dalam dunia kenderaan elektrik.
Jantung kepada kehebatan E-208 GTi ialah motor elektrik yang telah dinaik taraf secara menyeluruh, menghasilkan 280hp dan 345Nm tork — peningkatan besar berbanding E-208 standard. Dengan keupayaan pecutan 0 ke 100 km/j hanya dalam 5.7 saat dan kelajuan maksimum 180 km/j, model ini memenuhi segala ciri yang diperlukan untuk layak digelar sebagai “hot hatch” elektrik sejati.
Namun, peningkatan dalam prestasi turut membawa kompromi terhadap jarak perjalanan. Julat WLTP yang sebelumnya mencecah 433 km dalam E-208 biasa kini dikurangkan kepada 350 km, kesan daripada talaan prestasi. E-208 GTi masih mengekalkan pek bateri 54 kWh, dan menyokong pengecasan pantas DC sehingga 100 kW, yang membolehkan pengecasan dari 10 hingga 80 peratus dalam masa hanya 30 minit.
Peugeot has surged ahead in the electric hot hatch segment with the unveiling of the E-208 GTi, becoming the first manufacturer to bring a fully electric performance hatchback to market, outpacing rivals like Volkswagen, who have so far only revealed a concept. Reviving the GTi legacy in a bold new form, Peugeot’s latest creation represents the brand’s inaugural all-electric vehicle, developed by Peugeot Sport.
The E-208 GTi carries the torch from where the petrol-powered 308 GTi left off in 2020, marking a new chapter in the storied GTi lineage. While Peugeot continues to spell “GTi” with a lowercase “i,” the essence remains unmistakably performance-focused. Following the release of the hybrid 508 PSE, this electric model becomes the company’s next performance milestone.
It would be cliché to start an article about Peugeot by mentioning its past. Plenty has been written already, and many already know that the brand has been in Malaysia for a while, and if its current form is any indication, Peugeot is here to stay.
We shall not mention anything about its past distributors and dealers either, nor shall we talk about the issues owners have had with spare parts in the past. Plenty has been said about that as well and there are plenty of articles on those topics on google.
Peugeot is now official represented in Malaysia via the Stellantis Group, which is the brand owner, custodian and manufacturer of Peugeot cars, not only in Malaysia but globally as well.
That basically means that Peugeot and its fans have never been in a better place.
Heading the charge for the refreshed Peugeot brand in Malaysia is a trio of variants for the 408 model – the entry-level Allure which is priced at RM146,055, after that is the Premium and that is priced at RM166,055 and then comes the GT, priced at RM196,055.
We have driven the Premium and were already quite impressed by it, and later we drove the GT and because the Premium already ticks all the boxes, we were wondering if the GT truly is worth RM30,000 more.
So that is what we want to explore in this article.
Who are its competitors?
Being a c-segment contender, the 408 goes up against the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis, Mazda 3 sedan and even the Proton S70, because Proton insists to position the S70 in the same, ultra competitive segment as the brands mentioned above.
The 408GT, which is the topic of this article, is the most expensive in the segment. The top spec variant of the hugely popular Honda Civic for example costs just RM167,900, a full RM28,155 cheaper.
Mazdas are known to be quite expensive in Malaysia as well, but even the most expensive 3 sedan is priced at RM165,000. The top of the line Corolla Altis on the other hand costs RM147,800.
So you really have to love the 408 GT to be able to justify buying it over some of its competitors.
Why pick the GT over the cheaper variants?
It is difficult to justify spending RM30,000 more for a variant that has somewhat the same body style, same engine and largely the same interior. But once you start diving into the details and spending time poking and prodding around the interior of the GT, you will start notice something’s that stand out and hopefully be able to help you justify the price premium to your significant other.
But before we dive inside, let us take a moment to talk about what the exterior has to offer.
The two biggest distinguishing factors from the outside are firstly the 20-inch Monolithe wheels which look fantastic to say the least, but may will set you back a pretty penny when it comes time to replace the tyres. Just for the record, the other variants roll on 18-inch wheels.
And then there is the body work, particularly the grille. The Allure and Premium variants sport chrome grilles, but the GT gets a swanky one that is painted in body colour and gracefully merges into the bodywork of the car.
On top of that, the GT also gets matrix LED headlamps with a 3D LED tail lamp. Talking about the tail, the GT too unfortunately comes with a bulbous rear bumper that is finished in untreated plastic and is quite an eye sore. To this writer’s eyes at least.
And the other problem with untreated plastic besides being unsightly, is that scratches will tend to stick out and are difficult to repair.
Now we move inside
The interior of the 408 was one of its biggest attractions when the car was first launched. Marred only by the weirdly shaped steering feel that feels good in your hands but hinders the view of the instrument cluster ahead.
You could obviously adjust the seat, but you end up sitting too low or too high. Why Peugeot has insisted on continuing with the oblong shaped steering wheel for the past decade when there have been plenty of complaints is beyond us. May they see the light with the next model.
The dash is minimalistic yet high tech, and the software does taking some getting used to but it is not overly complicated. The instrumentation for the GT is almsot the same as its siblings; a 10-inch instrument cluster but the GT gets a 3D quartz version and a 10-inch infotainment screen.
However, the GT also gets configurable i-Toggle controls that is set just under the infotainment screen. This lets you program shortcuts to key controls such as air-conditioning controls, camera setting, seat controls and others. It is a clever method of giving you quick access without having to navigate layers of menu.
The one thing that we particularly like about the 408 are the seats, and that is something that we have raved about in our review of the Premium variant as well. The GT also gets those brilliant seats, but they come wrapped in premium Nappa leather instead. And the GT also benefits from electronic seats for passenger and driver, which also come with memory and massage function. That is what the RM30,000 premium gets you.
Topping off the interior is a fantastic 10-speaker Focal sound system, while the cheaper 408’s make do with a regular six-speaker system.
In terms of spaciousness though, taller passengers will find themselves more comfortable in the front seat than at the back. And that is putting it simply.
So how does it drive?
They say that you must always listen to your elders, and if there is one thing that I have heard my elders tell me repeatedly is that Peugeot’s always drive well. And they still do.
The suspension is brilliant, and we salute how Peugeot has managed to find the perfect balance of comfort and control.
On the highways, the 408 absorbs and isolates the road from the cabin. In the corners, the suspension keeps the car settled with minimal body roll, giving the driver the confidence needed to keep the car steady and centered in its lane, particularly when navigating high speed corners.
The engine is the same across all variants – the PureTech 1.6-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine makes 218PS and 300Nm of torque across the range. All that power is channeled to the front through a smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission.
The powerplant is efficient and yet powerful as well. The turbo lag can be noticeable at times but switching it to Sport mode solves that, so if you are the type that like to carve across corners when the mood arises, you will like how the car handles and delivers its power.
So, is it worth RM30,000 more?
The real question here is, if you can afford it, then why not? The GT has a lot of nice tech and toys that hopefully the next owner of the car will appreciate as well.
This writer loves a good sound system, and an interior wrapped in Nappa, so yes that is one thing good about the interior.
Having electronic seats all around is also a great thing and adds a touch of premiumness to a car positioned to take on the Civic and Corolla Altis.
But RM30,000 is understandably a lot of money, but as we said – why not?
Peugeot Malaysia kini menawarkan rebat istimewa RM21,500 untuk Peugeot 2008, menjadikan crossover kompak bergaya ini lebih mudah diakses. Dengan harga terkini RM111,888 (dari RM133,388 sebelum ini), tawaran ini hadir bersama jaminan 7 tahun komprehensif, memberikan ketenangan fikiran kepada pemilik.
Program Perkhidmatan Pilihan
Untuk pengalaman pemilikan yang lebih lancar, pelanggan boleh memilih Program 5 Tahun Perkhidmatan Inklusif dengan harga tambahan RM10,000.
Program ini merangkumi:
Kos alat ganti untuk 10 perkhidmatan dalam tempoh lima tahun.
Kos buruh, memberikan nilai hebat dan kemudahan tanpa perlu risau tentang penyelenggaraan.
Peugeot Malaysia is offering an exclusive RM21,500 rebate on the Peugeot 2008, bringing the price down to just RM111,888 (previously RM133,388). This incredible offer makes the sleek compact crossover more accessible to Peugeot enthusiasts. The new price includes a comprehensive 7-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind for every owner.
Optional Service Programme
Customers can enhance their ownership experience with an optional 5-Year Service Inclusive Programme priced at RM10,000. This package covers the cost of parts for 10 services over five years, along with labour costs, offering exceptional value and convenience.
Celebrate the year end and usher in the new year with a brand-new Peugeot vehicle, now with great savings with Peugeot Malaysia’s “Year End Extravaganza”! Customers will enjoy great savings, unbeatable rebates, complimentary insurance, and a host of benefits when they register and book the stunning Peugeot 408 and popular SUV range 2008, 3008 and 5008 by 31 December 2024.
All Peugeot vehicles purchased during this Year End Extravaganza comes with a 7-year or 200,000km warranty for peace of mind and is also the last chance for customers to enjoy 5 years free service maintenance, covering parts for a total of 10 services over five years. The maintenance schedule is based on a service interval of every 10,000 kilometres or every six months, whichever comes first.
Stellantis Malaysia telah melancarkan secara rasmi bilik pameran kedua di negara ini, Allure Auto Old Klang Road, yang merupakan pengedar pelbagai jenama pertamanya. Bilik pameran ini menampilkan model Peugeot dan juga Leapmotor C10, SUV elektrik baharu yang dipamerkan selepas pelancaran jenama Leapmotor di Malaysia. Terletak strategik di Jalan Klang Lama, kemudahan ini direka bentuk dengan gaya moden untuk melambangkan penjenamaan kedua-dua jenama tersebut, dengan kapasiti untuk mempamerkan sehingga lima kenderaan pada satu masa.
Bilik pameran ini menawarkan pengalaman pelanggan yang menyeluruh, termasuk ruang istirahat yang selesa, kawasan penghantaran kenderaan, dan paparan konfigurator interaktif untuk mempertingkatkan penglibatan pelanggan. Menurut Jamie Francis Morais, Pengarah Urusan Stellantis Malaysia, pembukaan ini menandakan satu langkah penting dalam pengembangan kehadiran Peugeot dan Leapmotor di seluruh negara. Beliau menekankan bahawa Allure Auto komited untuk memberikan perkhidmatan yang luar biasa kepada pelanggan.
Peugeot Malaysia mengumumkan tawaran istimewa kepada para pelanggan dengan promosi penyelenggaraan percuma selama lima tahun, bermula 1 September 2024. Promosi eksklusif ini meliputi semua model dan varian Peugeot, termasuk Peugeot 408, 2008, 3008, 5008 serta model baharu Landtrek.
Butiran Promosi
Semua pelanggan yang mendaftarkan kenderaan Peugeot baharu bermula 1 September 2024 akan layak menikmati penyelenggaraan percuma selama lima tahun, meliputi kos alat ganti sehingga sepuluh perkhidmatan dalam tempoh lima tahun. Penyelenggaraan akan dijadualkan setiap 10,000 kilometer atau setiap enam bulan, bergantung kepada mana yang tiba dahulu. Walaupun kos alat ganti adalah percuma, pelanggan perlu menanggung kos buruh untuk setiap perkhidmatan.
