With 2021 having started, Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) – the new company handling Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia – is preparing itself to provide the necessary services and support to customers and owners. To start off, it is running a customer information update exercise which calls for owners of Peugeot vehicles to provide their details so that the customer database can be updated.
This is important as owners will need to be kept information of service reminders, warranty matters, service campaigns and other news from time to time. Having the latest contact information will enable BAASB to stay in touch with them.
All personal information protected
All Peugeot owners in Malaysia can update their information by visiting the new official Peugeot website at www.peugeot.com.my. To prove ownership, they will have to provide details of their vehicle registration as well as service and warranty booklets. BAASB assured owners that all information collected will be protected in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) law of Malaysia.
BAASB says this is just the first step in is efforts to improve the ownership experience for Peugeot owners. The team at BAASB includes people who have long experience in the auto industry and have taken the Mazda brand to a higher level in the past 10 years. They would certainly be aiming to achieve the same success with the Peugeot brand.
Besides the website, customers and owners can also contact BAASB by writing to customersupport@baasb.com.my. There is also a dedicated Peugeot Customer Support phone number 03-7627 8818, which operates from Monday to Friday, 8.30 am – 6.00 pm.
After a decade-long absence, Peugeot will return to endurance racing, including the Le Mans 24 Hours, in 2022. By then, it will have completed development of an all-new hypercar defined in the new FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) regulations.
Development by Peugeot Sport and Total
The hypercar will be known as the Peugeot Hybrid4 500KW and its powertrain is now being developed by Peugeot Sport and Total (and its subsidiary, Saft). Details of the powertrain which have been revealed show a mid-rear, 2.6-litre, 500 kW (680 bhp), twin-turbo, V6 , petrol internal combustion engine combined with a front-mounted 200 kW (272 bhp) motor generator unit, with a high-power density battery. The smart powertrain will have energy flow management, a key to high performance.
Although the 165-kg engine can deliver 500 kW and the motor generator unit has a capacity of 200 kW, the regulations set a maximum power output of just 500 kW during races. The regulations also forbid the use of electrical energy below 120 km/h, so the motor generator unit only engages once this speed has been reached. The car must pull away from standstill under the power of its internal combustion engine alone.
At full power, the power output is limited to 300 kW and adjusted as a function of the power delivered by the motor generator unit at 200 kW which is directly dependent on the battery level. When the motor generator unit comes into use, the car automatically switches to 4-wheel drive, thereby modifying its drivability – through high-speed corners, for example,
When the battery pack is empty, the engine reverts to 500 kW power output and the transmission returns to rear-wheel drive. During races, the battery will be fully charged prior to the start by means of a mains-connected plug-in hybrid charger. Once on the track, the battery will function completely independently and be charged only by the kinetic braking energy recovery system.
The robotised sequential 7-speed (plus reverse) gearbox will be controlled by steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and the Peugeot Sport-developed brake-by-wire system will also be managed electronically.
The driver will be able to adjust the level of engine-braking generated by the electric motor under deceleration and the force applied by the pads to the braking discs to achieve the optimum electric regenerative/hydraulic braking split. Optimal energy management, both under acceleration and during energy recovery, will consequently be key to the car’s performance and efficiency.
The architecture of the Peugeot HYBRID4 500KW powertrain is the result of a highly- detailed brief shaped by the new FIA WEC regulations,” noted François Coudrain, Peugeot Sport’s WEC Programme Powertrain Director. “We initially considered a single turbo, but that would have prevented us from achieving our engine’s centre of gravity target. A twin-turbo V6 block offers the best trade-off between technology, weight, packaging of the engine’s ancillaries, reliability and performance.”
Innovative battery concept
The high-density, high-power battery pack has been developed jointly by Peugeot Sport and Saft, a Total subsidiary. As one of the keys to high performance, it will need to be integrated perfectly, physically inside the car and in the powertrain’s energy-management process. Working from a specification written by Peugeot Sport, Saft’s engineers selected the best type of cells for the battery which favours power over energy density, consistent with the needs of endurance racing.
“The main parameter will be to optimise how the energy stored in the battery is used,” explained Kamen Nechev, Saft’s Chief Technical Officer. “To achieve this, you need an extremely short charge-time combined with high-capacity storage cells to form a package that enables maximum power to be delivered as rapidly as possible. The most competitive solution resides in the management of charge optimisation and the amount of power available in real time.”
The new battery will be located in a carbonfibre casing inside the car’s monocoque structure, behind the driver and underneath the fuel tank. It has been designed to combine durability with consistent performance during races of durations of up to 24 hours, and even beyond.
The new team at BAASB is headed by Dato’ Wong Kin Foo, presently a director in Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd. Dato’ Wong, as Managing Director of BAASB, will report to the board of BAASB, which consists of representatives from Berjaya Corporation Berhad (BerjayaCorp) and Bermaz Auto Berhad (BAuto).
The board is chaired by Dato’ Sri Robin Tan Yeong Ching, CEO of BerjayaCorp and Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh, Executive Chairman of BAuto, as well as Dato Francis Lee, CEO BAuto, amongst others.
Some of the management team members of BAASB: (Top) Board members Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh (left) and Dato’ Francis Lee. (Above) Michael Moh, Head of After Sales;, Dato’ K.F. Wong, Managing Director; and Ian Khong, Head of Marketing.
All the members of the team have long experience in the auto industry and some, like Dato Sri Ben Yeoh, have worked in many different companies, including the distributors of Mazda, Toyota, Proton and Mercedes-Benz. Dato’ Wong was CEO at Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad, the company long associated with the Mercedes-Benz business in Malaysia.
Other key members of BAASB include Michael Moh, who is Head of After Sales and, Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd and Michael Chen who is Head of Sales.
Mr. Moh has had a 40-year career in the auto industry on the service side, his last position being Vice-President, After-Sales at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. Mr. Chen is a seasoned veteran, also with 40 years of automotive experience, having worked with brands such as Datsun/Nissan, Hyundai, Suzuki and Foton. He was also among the pioneers in the national car project with EON Bhd.
Also on the team is Ian Khong as Head of Marketing and though younger, he has had experience working with brands such as Mitsubishi, Toyota, Mazda, Ford and Proton. Over his 26-year career, he has gained experience in various aspects of the auto industry… besides having been a rally driver.
BAASB will operate from the group headquarters in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor, with plans for expansion in the near future.
We’re certainly looking forward to reporting on the activities of BAASB which, with the experienced team, will certainly take the Peugeot brand to a new level. They already have a proven record with Mazda and can now draw on that experience for the French brand.
Mercedes-Benz has Mercedes-AMG, BMW has BMW M and now Peugeot has also created its own high-performance division known as PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED. Coinciding with the launch of this new division, the carmaker is announcing its return to the World Endurance Championship in the Le Mans Hypercar category from 2022, although that has already been known earlier.
Roots in Peugeot Sport
PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED is probably an evolution of the Peugeot Sport division within the original Peugeot PSA Citroen group. It was established in 1981 as a motorsports division and gained fame when it developed and ran the Group B Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 in the 1984 World Rally Championship. Since then, Peugeot Sport has been involved in F1 and WEC as well.
The Group B 205 Turbo 16 was one of the legendary rallycars developed by Peugeot Sport in the 1980s.
Two new models
Now, as PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED, the division appears to also be given an additional role in developing high-performance versions of Peugeot models for a more business-orientated approach. The first of these is the latest 508 with AWD and plug-in hybrid electric technology to enter the new era in which the kilowatt is king.
The new 508 PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED will be available in Fastback and Stationwagon bodystyles. The signature of this new family, with three Kryptonite claws, refers to the new identity for Peugeot Sport, to the light signatures of the production models, and draws inspiration from the brand’s heritage with rear lights inspired by the 504 Coupe.
The new 508 PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED is the most powerful production car ever built by Peugeot for sale. The powertrain produces 360 bhp/520 Nm, thanks to the combination of internal combustion engine and two electrical motors (one at the front and the other at the rear). Claimed 0 to 100 km/h acceleration is 5.2 seconds, with a top speed beyond 250 km/h but electronically limited to that speed.
The driver can select from 5 driving modes to suit conditions and preference: 100% electric driving; Comfort; Hybrid; Sport and 4WD. Recharging can be done within 7 hours at home or within 2 hours using a dedicated 7 kW wallbox charging point.
Optimised for high performance
The engineers have made changes to the 508 to optimise the high-performance version for sportier dynamics. The adjustments to its chassis include a specially-tuned steering set-up. The front and rear tracks are wider and there’s variable 3-mode shock absorption. 380 mm diameter front brake discs and fixed 4-piston calipers are installed behind 20-inch alloy wheels running on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. The driving position has also been lowered.
PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED has drawn on expertise gained during the development of the 3008 SUV HYBRID/HYBRID4 and 508 HYBRID, as well as experience from competing with hybrid powertrains.
This weekend sees the running of the 88th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which was originally scheduled for its usual date in June but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On this weekend too, Peugeot and TOTAL officially commence their Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) project. This will see a new racing car, developed to new regulations, for the top tier endurance category.
“Le Mans is the holy grail of the automobile world,” said Jean Philippe Imparato, Peugeot brand CEO. “It is the race who determines its winner. For us, this represents 3 victories but also the endless sweat, tears and joy and an incredible team spirit with TOTAL, with whom we celebrate 25 years of collaboration.”
“The Le Mans Hypercar project provides us possibilities for joint development on the entire energy system of the car. We can work on the efficiency of our fuels – for all the competitors, as the exclusive supplier- or for the lube, specifically designed for hybrid vehicles. It will also allow TOTAL and SAFT to study new battery solutions alongside Peugeot,” said Philippe Montanteme, TOTAL’s Strategy/Marketing & Research Director.
The choice of the LMH category was dictated by several criteria, one being that of a certain aerodynamic freedom. This makes it possible to incorporate, with the support of Peugeot Design, the aesthetic detail of the brand. Draft sketches have already been prepared which show the first design thoughts and verify the fundamental required elements, particularly in terms of dimensions.
The hypercar specifications
After various phases of studies for the general structure, the aerodynamic concept and the choice of engine architecture will come the final decision of the electrical framework. This will lead to development of the hybrid powertrain that can generate 500 kW.
“The hypercar will have 4-wheel drive, equipped – as required by the regulations – with an electric motor and a maximum power of 200 kW on the front axle. The total power level will be identical to that of a 100% thermal 2-wheel drive car (500 kW or approximately 680 ps) that will be distributed between the 2 axles. In comparison with what we currently know in LMP1, the car will be heavier so as to be compatible with road vehicles. It will also be longer and slightly wider,” revealed Olivier Jansonnie, Technical Director WEC program at Peugeot Sport which will be involved.
“This regulation is also different because it incorporates ‘BoP’ or ‘Balance of Performance’. It certainly sets limits, but also allows room for many technical possibilities in our development, specifically on the general shape, as long as a certain overall aerodynamic efficiency is not exceeded. This will be measured in a 1:1 scale wind tunnel and which will be part of the BOP,” explained Jansonnie.
Debut in 2022
He added that the aerodynamic concept has been confirmed, engine framework has been decided and the functionality of the hybrid system and its fundamental design are chosen. “We still have several steps left before our debut in endurance in 2022,” he said.
Peugeot is no stranger to Le Mans and endurance racing, having successfully competed with the 908 turbodiesel in earlier years. It stopped participation suddenly after 2011 due to a decline in sales as the company needed to conserve resources on the launch of new models.
“This category unites our entire company and all of our entities, with features and technologies similar to those of our production cars. We are coming back to endurance racing because we have the opportunity to work the sport in a different way, with the hybridization of petrol and electricity. Peugeot Sport is changing its identity and launching its label of electrified high-performance vehicles. This endurance program allows us to integrate ourselves fully into the transition of energies,” declared Imparato.
Carlos Tavares, Chairman of Groupe PSA and also a racing driver, will be the official starter of the 88th 24 Hours of Le Mans race today. He will be in a Peugeot 908 which the brand used in endurance racing between 2007 and 2011.
Along with the 3008 update, Peugeot has also revealed an updated 5008 which also shares the new ‘design codes’ of the brand. Like the 3008, it too is still in its second generation, having been added to the range in 2009. The current second generation has been around since 2017 and was reclassified as a SUV where before it was a MPV.
New styling elements can be seen in the grille which is now frameless, spread sideways with fins under the headlamps providing the visual connection. The Lion has moved into the grille, sized prominently, while the leading edge of the bonnet had the model identifier ‘5008’, as does the entire Peugeot range moving forward. The headlamps of all versions now use LED technology, with hook-shaped DRLs.
Shiny black side scoops and a painted treadplate have been included into the new bumper from the first trim level. For the GT/GT Pack, there is a scalable design pattern to emphasise the stylistic upgrade of the GT versions. The GT/GT Pack versions also have Full LED headlamps for extra distinction as well as better illumination. With the extended light signature and the bend lighting function, visibility at night is said to be improved at speeds of up to 90 km/h.
At the rear too, there are new, upgraded headlamps with Full LED technology (including the reversing lights). Drivers behind will immediately recognise the model, if not the brand, by the ‘3D claws’ light signature, while the driver’s intentions to turn are conveyed by sequential indicators. The lights are covered with a clear, smoked glass, extending the black boot lid on each side of the vehicle, which helps to visually widen the rear of the car.
Depending on the market, the 5008 will have a new ‘Black Pack’ option which has darker design elements. These include satin black roof bars, black rubber wipers and blackened wheels.
Although Peugeot doesn’t mention it, there seem to be tiny differences in overall length and width, with the new version being 29 mm shorter and 11 mm narrower. However, this could be due to differences in body trim and the all-important wheelbase remains the same at 2,840 mm.
A new i-Cockpit
The i-Cockpit is one of the strong selling points of Peugeot models and the designers have improved upon it. The 12.3-inch digital headset, fully customisable and configurable, has a digital panel with ‘Normally Black’ technology for high quality rendering with better readability and contrasts.
The central touchscreen is now 10 inches in viewing size, with a high definition display. Seven elegant piano keys, operating as toggle switches, are lined up across the centre of the dashboard. They provide quick and direct operation to main functions – radio, air-conditioning, 3D connected navigation with voice command, vehicle settings, telephone, mobile applications and hazard warning lights.
Raising perceived level of quality
Together with the revision of the i-Cockpit®, the interior has been given new trims. These are intended to raise the perceived level of quality with the provision of Red Nappa leather upholstery, Mistral Black PET/Alcantara lining and Mistral Nappa Leather upholstery with Tramontane stitching. Customers can also opt for new exclusive décor such as Dark Lime Wood and window winders with chrome inserts as well as a frameless rearview mirror.
As with other SUVs, the 5008 has a variable cabin layout with individual seats in the second and third rows being foldable. It also possible to tip the front passenger seat forward to maximise available length which can be up to 3.2 metres. With the third row in use, the boot volume is 780 litres and can be expanded to 1,940 litres.
Enhanced technologies
Besides refreshing the looks, Peugeot has also updated and enhanced the technologies, some of which have been introduced during the 4 years this generation has been on sale. Driving aids are the big thing nowadays and for the 5008, there’s Night Vision to detect pedestrians/animals ahead at night or in reduced visibility. The system’s range guarantees detection up to 200 – 250 metres, beyond the range of the high beam. An infrared view will also appear on the instrument panel.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function and Lane Position Assist make driving more relaxed and safer, while automatic emergency braking is active from 5 km/h to 140 km/h. In some countries, it will also be possible to recognise traffic signs and the driver will be alerted accordingly.
Smartphone functionality can be transferred to the dashboard with MirrorScreen compatibility that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection protocols. Additionally, besides USB sockets, there is also a pad for wireless recharging of compatible smartphones.
Engine choices
The range of engines for the 5008 are similar to those available with the 3008. There are Puretech petrol engines with displacement of 1.2-litres (3 cylinders) and 1.6 litres (4 cylinders) with BlueHDi diesel engines having 1.5 litre and 2.0-litre displacements.
When a model has been a success – to the extent of being ‘European Car of the Year’ in 2017 – it is a bigger challenge for the product team to come out with a successor. How to make it better than what has already been regarded as a superior product in all respects would have been on the minds of the team.
Well, a full model change is not quite due yet but with the market being so competitive these days, an update has to be significant, especially with the brisk pace of technological advances. So the new 3008 revealed today refreshes the French carmaker’s successful SUV to maintain it as a leading choice for buyers.
Current 3008
Evolutionary changes
The appearance has, predictably, evolutionary changes with ‘an inspired design’ setting the codes for the next phase of modernity, while enhancing refinement and vibrancy. A new frameless grille symbolises the increasingly modern style, while maintaining a fluid design. It extends with fins under the headlamps to connect all of the elements.
To emphasise the sportiness, shiny black side scoops and a painted tread plate have been included into the new bumper from the first trim level. There is also a specific grille on the GT/GT Pack versions, with a scalable design pattern to emphasise the stylistic upgrade of those versions.
The front headlamps have also been redesigned to be more aggressive, standing out with their unique shapes. LED technology is used across the whole range and extended by hook-shaped DRLs with a chrome tip. This light signature is perfectly in line with the current Peugeot style and is identifiable at first glance.
On the GT/GT Pack versions, Full LED headlamps offer an even more high-tech and distinctive look, thanks to the extended light signature and the bend lighting function which optimises visibility at speeds of up to 90 km/h.
Of particular note is the new ‘Foggy Mode’ function which has replaced the foglights. It is integrated into the Full LED headlamps, and switches on the low beam headlamps with reduced intensity when the rear fog lamps are activated.
At the rear, new, upgraded lighting units include Full LED technology (including the reversing light), displaying the 3D ‘claws’ for a distinctive light signature. The indicators are sequential now and the LED lighting units are also installed across the whole range.
The lights are covered with a clear, smoked glass, extending the black boot lid on each side of the vehicle, which helps to visually widen the rear of the vehicle.
Depending on the market and the requirements of the distributor, there are also variable design elements, including a new ‘Black Pack’ option. This has darker elements such as the grille, roof bars, tread plates and wheels.
The new i-Cockpit
One of the features that has won the 3008 high marks is its i-Cockpit and for the latest version, this has changed to be even more modern. The 12.3-inch digital display, fully customisable and configurable, features a panel with ‘Normally Black’ technology for high quality rendering with better readability and contrasts.
The new central touchscreen is 10 inches in viewing size and, as before, the screen has high definition comparable to what you have on a smartphone these days. Below it are a series of 7 piano keys – operated in toggle fashion – allowing direct and permanent access to the main comfort functions.
To complement the update of the i-Cockpit, the interior has new trim with higher perceived levels of quality. High-end versions will have Nappa leather upholstery and Alcantara lining and also available is a range of new exclusive decor such as New Dark Lime Wood and window winders with chrome inserts. The rearview mirror is also frameless now, adding a touch of elegance.
New smart technology
Since this generation of the 3008 was launched, new and more advanced driving aids have been introduced into the market. The new 3008 gets many of these systems which include Night Vision, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, Lane position assist, Active warning of unintentional lane (or roadside) departure, and the latest-generation automatic emergency braking (AEB) which can detect pedestrians and cyclists.
Night Vision is unique in the compact SUV segment as it detects living beings (pedestrians/animals) in front of the vehicle at night or in reduced visibility. The system’s range guarantees detection up to 200 – 250 metres – beyond the range of the high beam – with a central display of the infrared view within the digital meter, and therefore in the driver’s field of vision.
With smartphones an integral part of daily life, the 3008 now integrates information and apps from the device onto the central screen. MirrorScreen compatibility including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection protocols make this possible.
Powertrain choices
Peugeot, like other carmakers, has an electrification program for its models as the decade progresses. Besides petrol and turbodiesel engines, there are also hybrid powerplants, along with all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive variants. The PureTech petrol engines are in two displacements – 1.2 litres (3 cylinders) and 1.6 litres (4 cylinders), while the turbodiesel is available with only a 1.5-litre displacement.
The hybrid powertrain for the AWD variant has a 200-bhp PureTech engine working with two electric motors, one at the front and the second positioned on the rear axle. The 2WD variant uses a hybrid powertrain of a 180-bhp PureTech engine with an 80 kW electric motor located at the front.
The lithium-ion battery pack has a capacity of 13.2 kWh and two types of on-board chargers are available – a 3.7 kW single-phase charger as standard and a 7.4 kW single-phase charger as an option. Estimated recharging times range from around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 7 hours.
Revealed today, on sale in 2021
The global online event today has only provided an overview of the new model and the sales launch will take place towards the end of the year in Europe. The Malaysian market should see it some time in 2021, perhaps faster than usual since the PSA Group now has the Naza factory in Kedah that serves as a regional production hub, supplying the 3008 and 5008 to ASEAN markets.
At Geneva in 2010, Peugeot displayed the SR1 concept car which represented a new era at Peugeot Design. A new head of design and team had come up with new styling concepts and among them was the i-Cockpit. This was an innovation in dashboard design which met with positive response, leading Peugeot to introduce it in production models within 2 years.
The first model to have the i-Cockpit was the 208 in 2012, giving the popular hatchback a new iconic feature that would become an element in the brand’s DNA. With the i-Cockpit, key information is directly within the driver’s line of sight, reducing the need to take the eyes off the road.
It’s almost like the Head-Up Display (HUD) except that it does not project information on the windscreen ahead of the driver. It is therefore not as expensive to incorporate but at the same time differs from traditional instrument panel layout and positioning.
Why does it work better?
To design the i-Cockpit, ergonomics, visibility and architecture must be taken into account, ensuring all body types are comfortable with maximum outward visibility. To achieve this, anthropometric data was studied on a global scale. It isn’t just the driver’s height that matters; their chest to leg ratio that needs to be assessed. For example, some people have a longer torso compared to their leg length. But for others, it’s quite the opposite. If the average height of a man is 1.76 metres, the length of his torso varies from 87 to 98 cm. This has a direct impact on the positioning of his vision.
This anthropometric data made it possible to calculate the range of adjustment for the seats or steering wheel. This reinforces the feeling of being in a ‘cocoon’ and optimises ergonomics, whatever the driver’s size.
Elements of the i-Cockpit
The main elements of the i-Cockpit are the compact steering wheel, raised instrument display, large HD touchscreen in line of sight, and a series of piano keys (or toggle switches) allowing direct and permanent access to the main comfort functions.
The i-Cockpit uses a 3-level arrangement for efficient ergonomics and driving comfort. Like a HUD, the information falls within the driver’s line of sight so that he or she does not need to take their eyes off the road ahead, improving safety. With traditional layouts, the eyes usually have to be diverted downwards a bit to view the meters, momentarily drawing the driver’s vision away from the road.
An unusual feature on the tachometer is the way it sweeps around the face. In conventional meters, the sweep would be clockwise, from the lower left around to the right. For the i-Cockpit, the sweep is counter-clockwise so the pointer rests on the right side when at idle. The designers were perhaps obsessed with having symmetry in the motion, with the speedometer (on the left side) sweeping clockwise. It’s disconcerting for new drivers but something that an owner would get used to.
The cockpit ergonomics are also part of the i-Cockpit with a wraparound layout to put switches and knobs within easy reach. The steering wheel has paddles which allow manual selection of gears, if preferred, without removing the hands from the steering wheel.
The 3D cluster
To date, over 5 million motorists have the i-Cockpit in their Peugeot vehicles. The concept continues to evolve and the latest innovation is the 3D i-Cockpit instrument cluster offered in the latest 208 which is the 2020 European Car of the Year. Visteon Corporation collaborated with Peugeot in the development of the more advanced i-Cockpit, said to be the industry’s first fully digital cluster displaying holographic objects. The instrument cluster represents the first real 3D cluster in automotive production.
The digital cluster displays advanced reflections to create the impressions of 3D graphics. The cluster is composed of a high-definition 10.25-inch ‘background’ thin-film transistor (TFT) and a 7-inch ‘foreground’ TFT projected on a semi-reflective blade.
The leading-edge display creates a 3D projection of approximately 15 mm between the front and rear images. This projects information like a hologram and the information is dynamic and animated. It can get closer to the eye depending on the degree of importance or urgency, and potentially increasing driver reactivity by half a second.
The 3D cluster is the first of several variants in the Groupe PSA brand line-up that will be launched over the coming years in a number of sizes. Identifiable by the two TFTs surrounded by tell-tale satellites, it also provides high-quality graphical content with animations and 3D content on both screens, in a complex and calibrated mechanical structure.
Following the announcement of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) recently, several automotive brands under the Naza Group have resumed operations. The companies representing the various brands are Naza Italia Sdn Bhd (Ferrari), NZ Wheels Sdn Bhd (Mercedes-Benz/Mercedes-AMG), Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Kia), Nasim Sdn Bhd (Peugeot), and Naza Euro Motors Sdn Bhd (Citroen and DS). Naza Motor Trading Sdn Bhd, which deals in multiple brands, has also resumed its operations.
The Naza Group is mindful of providing the highest priority on the health and safety of its employees and customers during this critical period. Strict safety measures and operating procedures enforced by the local authorities will be adhered to at the premises of each company. This would include the necessary hygiene and social distancing practices for customers’ peace of mind.
NZ Wheels is operating strictly on appointments only at its Klang Autohaus, KL North-East Service Centre and Johor Bahru Autohaus outlets. Customers who wish to visit the service centres are required to contact the respective outlets to make book an appointment.
NZ Wheels Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Klang, Selangor
Naza Kia Malaysia is resuming full operations at its authorised outlets in stages. It has initiated the ‘Kia Promise’ programme which ends in June 2020 as an added assurance to customers that the MCO will not affect aftersales aspects.
This means that all existing warranties will remain valid even if scheduled maintenance service could not be performed during the MCO. The programme also covers vehicle warranties that end during the MCO as well as those unable to get warranty repairs performed on their vehicle during that period. Customers are also given an additional grace period of 2 months or 2,000 kms (in moderation) beyond the standard 6 months or 10,000 km service interval to service their vehicle following the end of MCO.
Owners should call the service centres in advance to book an appointment.
Owners of cars purchased from Nasim and Naza Euro Motors are also required to call in in advance to book an appointment for servicing. All warranties for the brands they handle will still be honoured if service appointments or due dates fall within the MCO period.
Naza Motor Trading has resumed regular business hours at the Naza Automall PJ in Selangor from 9 am to 6 pm. It has a variety of models from various brands available.
Pick-up trucks have not been entirely unknown in Peugeot’s range, although they have been rare. Mainly seen in Africa markets, Peugeot has had pick-up variants of the 403, 404 and 504 in the past, Now, as part of the brand’s international expansion, it is aiming for a slice of the 2.4-million 1-ton pick-up segment, albeit in Africa and Latin America. Europe and other markets are not in the marketing plan.
Its new entry is the Landtrek and while Peugeot doesn’t mention the background of this new model, it is known to have been jointly developed by the French carmaker and Changan, the latter selling its version as the Kaicene F70 in China since last October. Changan and Peugeot have had a joint-venture company for some time but early this year, it was sold off to the Baoneng Investment Group.
The Peugeot Landtrek was jointly developed with Changan which sells its version as the Kaicene F70 in China (below).
The Landtrek follows the typical pick-up fundamentals and is engineered with high priority given to durability and payload capacity. Before being confirmed for production, prototypes covered 2 million kms of testing on all kinds of terrain and in different weather conditions.
Dimensionally, the Landtrek is of the same size as other pick-ups in the market. It measures 5.33 metres in length for the double cab version and 5.39 metres for the single cab versions, all with a width of 1.92 metres.
The interior design draws some of its elements from 3008 and 508 models, notably the 3008’s 2-spoke steering wheel and the 10-inch HD screen at the top of the dashboard inspired by the 508. The aim has been to provide a passenger car-like cabin (for up to 6 persons) for maximum comfort on any terrain.
The modularity of the rear bench seat is unique in the 1-ton pick-up segment and its backrest can be folded 60/40 or 100%. When folded down, the backrests can support a load of up to 100 kgs. At the front, there is a choice between 2 independent seats with central armrest or a 3-seater Multiflex bench seat. With the latter, there is the possibility of folding down the central backrest to make room for an armrest/work table or to load bulky objects weighing up to 75 kgs.
Besides 6 airbags and Electronic Stability Control, there’s also Hill Descent Control, Anti-Skid control and Trailer Swing Control. The Lane Departure Warning system will alert the driver if the truck wanders off the lane while 1 to 4 cameras can be installed to facilitate manoeuvring by providing a 360° view.
Claimed to have ‘the most accommodating cargo box in the segment’, it can take in 2 Euro-pallets in the Double Cab versions and 3 Euro-pallets in Single Cab versions. The payload can be up to 1.2 tons in some versions and the towing capacity is 3 tons.
The turbodiesel engine, likely to be the more popular of two powertrain options, has a 1.9-litre displacement and produces 150 ps/350 Nm. The petrol option is a turbocharged 2.4-litre unit which generates 210 ps/320 Nm. Both engines can be ordered with a 6-speed Getrag manual gearbox and the petrol version can also be specified with a 6-speed Punch automatic gearbox with sequential operation, Sport or Eco modes.
Like most pick-up trucks, the Landtrek has a transfer case with High and Low ranges to provide maximum capability in the toughest conditions. The rear differential is equipped with the eLocker system with automatic disengagement and provides extra traction when one wheel spins. It can travel across water that is 600 mm deep and clear rough terrain with 235 mm of ground clearance.
