Summary
The Peugeot 408, an automobile known for its dynamic silhouette and robust performance features, is reportedly under evaluation by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) for use as a patrol vehicle. This development, signified by circulated images of the car in police colors, has garnered attention and speculation on social media. The 408, with its low drag coefficient and extensive safety features such as whiplash protection and an autonomous emergency braking system, presents a strong case for police car utilization.
The entry-level model, 408 Allure, is equipped with practical features like dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a TomTom sat-nav system, further bolstering its suitability for law enforcement use. With the Royal Malaysian Police’s history of testing and using various vehicles for law enforcement, the Peugeot 408 stands out due to its advanced design, impressive safety features, and practicality. It faces competition from other vehicles in the market, such as the Skoda Superb and the Cupra Formentor.
The Royal Malaysian Police’s current primary patrol vehicle is the Honda Civic, so the adoption of the Peugeot 408 could mark a significant shift in the PDRM’s fleet. The 408’s safety specifications, including its protection against whiplash injuries and its pedestrian-friendly bumper and bonnet design, will play a pivotal role in the evaluation process.
The potential addition of the Peugeot 408 to the PDRM fleet has ignited discussions on traffic safety improvement in Malaysia and the impact of cultural factors on driving behavior. The introduction of the Peugeot 408 into the PDRM fleet could significantly modernize the patrol vehicle fleet, enhancing its ability to respond to incidents and conduct patrol duties more effectively.
Background
The Peugeot 408, a vehicle noted for its Fastback-inspired dynamic posture and unexpected silhouette, has recently become the subject of high rotation on social media. This is due to images being circulated of the car in police colors being unloaded from a transporter truck. This has led to speculation that the Peugeot 408 is undergoing police car testing with PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police).
The Peugeot 408, with its low drag coefficient of 0.28, is a car with an impressive performance pedigree. It’s safety features, including good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision and an autonomous emergency braking system, make it an ideal candidate for use in law enforcement. Notably, the Peugeot 408 also provides good protection for pedestrians due to its bumper and front bonnet design, an important consideration for a police vehicle that frequently operates in populated areas.
In terms of specifications, the 408 Allure, the entry-level model of the 408, is well-equipped. It comes with features such as dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a TomTom sat-nav system, making it a highly practical vehicle for law enforcement use. It’s worth noting that the Royal Malaysian Police, with over 130,000 sworn officers, regularly collaborates with police forces worldwide, and maintains a list of vehicles currently or formerly operated for police use.
Peugeot 408’s competition includes the Skoda Superb and the Cupra Formentor. With its advanced design, impressive safety features and high practicality, the Peugeot 408 stands as a strong contender in the police vehicle market.
Peugeot 408 Evaluation by PDRM
The Royal Malaysian police (PDRM) has recently begun evaluation of the Peugeot 408 as a potential addition to its patrol vehicle fleet. This move could mark a significant departure from the current norm, as the primary vehicle in the PDRM fleet at present is the Honda Civic. The Peugeot 408 made its debut in Malaysia in April the previous year and is powered by a PureTech 1.6 litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder petrol engine offering 218 PS at 5,750 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm.
Test Drive and Evaluation
For the evaluation, Peugeot Malaysia loaned two units of the Peugeot 408 to PDRM. Additionally, Peugeot Malaysia has initiated a service called the Peugeot Weekender Experience which allows customers to take a long test drive spanning up to three days. This service includes three models for test drives, one of which is the 408.
Safety Specifications
A contributing factor in the 408’s favor for the PDRM fleet consideration is its comprehensive standard safety kit. However, the 408 lacks an advanced eCall system which would alert emergency services in the event of a crash. Also, the control of excursion, which is the extent to which a body is thrown to the other side of the vehicle when it is hit from the far side, was found to be marginal. The vehicle also does not include a counter-measure such as a centre airbag to mitigate against occupant to occupant injuries in such impacts.
Regarding pedestrian safety, the protection offered to the head of a struck pedestrian was found to be mostly good over the bonnet surface, with some poor results recorded elsewhere.
These evaluations play a significant role in determining whether the Peugeot 408 will be integrated into the PDRM patrol vehicle fleet in the future.
Comparative Analysis
The Peugeot 408 is subject to comparison with other prominent vehicles on the market. It is frequently compared to the Skoda Superb and the Cupra Formentor, particularly for those interested in the SUV genre. When assessing performance, interior quality, practicality, and running costs, the Peugeot 408 consistently fares well against its competitors. However, it’s worth noting that the Peugeot 408’s performance and features are very closely related to the Peugeot 308, which was tested earlier in 2022.
Design
Peugeot 408 stands out from the multitude of coupe-SUVs on the market. Its design is considered the best amongst competitors, irrespective of cost. The design was largely inspired by the “2015 Advanced Design manifesto” concept car that Peugeot had previously worked on. The design not only improves the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle but also enhances the overall usability and ergonomics of the vehicle.
Malaysian Market
The influence of social/cultural factors on driving behavior in Malaysia could further contribute to the Peugeot 408’s potential as a preferred vehicle in the region.
Impact of Peugeot 408 Evaluation
The Peugeot 408’s evaluation by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has elicited considerable interest and scrutiny in its performance, practicality, interior quality, and running costs. This is likely due to its potential to replace the current fleet of Proton Wira and Proton Waja police cars.
In terms of public reception, the Peugeot 408 has received positive feedback for its array of safety features and has caught significant attention in Malaysia. This adoption of the Peugeot 408 by PDRM has also opened discussions on improving traffic safety in Malaysia, with potential benefits to traffic police and insurance companies through the detection of errant driving behaviors. These improvements are projected to significantly impact road safety, as well as the overall performance and efficiency of the police fleet in Malaysia.
