Peugeot & Citroen Servicing in Malaysia

For owners of Peugeot, Citroën, and DS vehicles in Malaysia, a significant development has recently been announced. Stellantis Malaysia has established a new one-stop call centre designed to be a centralised hub for customer support. This initiative aims to streamline inquiries and assistance for owners of these French marques, covering both sales and aftersales aspects, and also providing a channel for complaints. However, a crucial piece of information for many owners remained unclear: where can these vehicles be serviced? We delved into this matter to bring you the essential details.

Stellantis Malaysia's Service Network for Peugeot

Following our direct inquiry with Stellantis Malaysia, we have received confirmation regarding the service provisions for Peugeot owners. The company has officially appointed no less than 15 service centre outlets across Malaysia where existing Peugeot owners can have their vehicles serviced. This is particularly important for those whose vehicles are still within their warranty periods, ensuring that official service and care can be rendered without compromising the warranty terms. The availability of these 15 outlets provides a crucial network of support for the Peugeot brand in Malaysia.

Citroën and DS Service Information

While Stellantis Malaysia has provided clarity for Peugeot owners, the situation for Citroën and DS owners is less defined. At the time of this announcement, Stellantis Malaysia made no specific mention or shared details regarding a similar service network or appointments for existing Citroën and DS vehicle owners. This is perhaps understandable given the considerably lower sales volume of these two brands in recent years compared to Peugeot. The last new models for both Citroën and DS, the C3 Aircross and DS 7 Crossback respectively, were launched locally by previous distributors, Naza Euro Motors, back in 2019. Although these models were offered with a 5-year or 120,000 KM warranty at launch, it is likely that only a small number of these vehicles remain under warranty coverage today. Further updates from Stellantis Malaysia are anticipated regarding the servicing arrangements for these marques.

A Closer Look: The Peugeot 3008 in Malaysia

Peugeot has cultivated a notable presence in Malaysia over the years, introducing a variety of models with varying degrees of success and reputation. Among its lineup, the Peugeot 3008 stands out, particularly as it marked the brand's foray into the crossover SUV segment. This model's significance is amplified when considering the historical approach of French automotive manufacturers, who were traditionally more focused on hatchbacks. The development of a crossover SUV by a brand known for its stubbornness in automotive design highlights a strategic shift and an acknowledgment of market demands. The first generation of the Peugeot 3008 debuted in 2008, sharing its platform with the larger Peugeot 5008 and the Citroën C4. The second generation, introduced locally in 2017, brought substantial updates and improvements, including a new platform. Initially offered in two variants, the model has since been streamlined to a single variant, with a global facelift expected soon. Given the recent change in custodianship for the Peugeot brand, it's anticipated that Stellantis Malaysia will focus on re-establishing its footing and introducing newer products.

Peugeot 3008 Powertrain and Chassis

The powertrain of the Peugeot 3008 is a testament to the brand's favoured configuration: a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine. This engine, in various states of tune, powers a range of Peugeot models, from the 208 GTI to the 508. In the 3008, it produces 167 PS and 340 Nm of torque, available from a low 1,400 rpm. Mated to this engine is a more modern and advanced six-speed conventional automatic transmission featuring Quickshift technology and paddle shifters for manual control. Power is directed exclusively to the front wheels, contributing to better fuel efficiency. The chassis design, while modern, retains a degree of French simplicity. It features an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. While torsion beams can sometimes be underestimated, French engineering has demonstrated a remarkable ability to imbue them with surprisingly agile handling characteristics, while also offering the space-saving benefits inherent to this design.

Exterior and Interior Design of the Peugeot 3008

The exterior styling of the Peugeot 3008 is distinctive and can be quite striking. The rear design leans towards modern chic, while the front presents a blend of aggressive and futuristic elements. Owners can choose from five colour options: Pearl White, Perla Nera Black, Aster Grey, Cuprite Brown, and Amazonite Grey. The vehicle rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with the 'Los Angeles' design. Both the headlights and taillights are LED units, with the rear featuring the signature 3D claw effect found on modern Peugeot vehicles. The door handles are body-coloured, and the roof can be specified in a contrasting black two-tone finish. Black plastic body cladding runs along the lower sections of the vehicle, adding to its rugged appeal.

Inside, the Peugeot 3008 offers a futuristic cockpit. The dashboard layout is dominated by a centrally mounted floating display screen. The gear lever is a unique combination of monostatic and traditional design, contributing to the distinctive look of the centre console. Ample storage is available, including illuminated cupholders and storage areas ahead, to the left, and behind the gear lever. The interior colour scheme is predominantly sombre, complemented by piano-style toggle switches with satin chrome finishes for various functions.

Safety and Technology Features

The Peugeot 3008 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, both passive and active. This includes six airbags, various ESP modes, hill descent control, hill start assist, electronic stability control, traction control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, and dynamic stability control. While the active safety systems are somewhat limited, they do include active lane keeping assist, speed limit recognition, and blind spot warning systems. In terms of technology, the driver benefits from a 12.3-inch digital heads-up cluster display with four selectable designs. The infotainment system is an 8-inch unit offering Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay connectivity, along with Mirrorlink for other devices. Standard features include GPS navigation and an Arkamys 3D sound staging system. Automatic dual-zone climate control with rear air conditioning vents is also standard. For added ambiance, LED ambient lighting is included, and the driver's seat offers eight-way power assistance for enhanced comfort. Practicality is further enhanced by 11 litres of refrigerated storage space.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The Peugeot 3008's turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivers a respectable output of 167 PS and 340 Nm of torque. The manufacturer quotes a fuel consumption figure of 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres, which translates to approximately 14.3 kilometres per litre. However, as with most turbocharged vehicles, aggressive driving can significantly increase fuel consumption. The vehicle's chassis, despite its French origins, is engineered to provide a balanced driving experience, combining comfort with a degree of agility, particularly from the rear torsion beam suspension.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Peugeot 3008

The Peugeot 3008 offers a compelling package, characterised by its unique positioning as a left-field contender, abundant French charm, appealing aesthetics, and impressive engineering. The driving experience, overall practicality, and the tactile quality of the materials and switchgear all contribute to a highly satisfying ownership experience. However, the brand's historical reputation in Malaysia presents a challenge. Past reliability issues, particularly concerning older 1.6-litre turbocharged engines, have led to a degree of customer distrust. While these issues have largely been addressed in subsequent generations and models, rebuilding consumer confidence will take time.

Pricing and Warranty Considerations

The Peugeot 3008 is priced at RM 158,616.66 on the road, excluding insurance. This price includes current exemptions. It is important to note that warranty and service terms may vary, especially during this transitional period for the brand under Stellantis Malaysia. Owners are advised to confirm the specific terms with their service provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

In conclusion, while Stellantis Malaysia is actively working to establish a strong aftersales network, particularly for Peugeot owners, clarity for Citroën and DS owners is still pending. The Peugeot 3008 exemplifies the brand's commitment to innovation and design, offering a compelling option in the SUV segment, albeit with a history that requires ongoing efforts to build trust.