Install a 320GB HDD in your 407 today!

I took some time to fiddle with my Navist system the other day. The car comes with a 2GB SD card that contains the MAPit files that are required for the GPS to function properly.

Being a little curious, I wondered if it was possible to transfer those files to a larger SDHC (high capacity card) without messing up the system. After copying and backing up the card, I then transferred the maps as well as a few choice Mp3s and videos to a 8GB card and hey presto! The media works properly!

Now a little emboldened by the success I began to wonder if it could support a portable hard disc drive. I decided to plug in my Transcend 320GB HDD into the USB port and incredibly, that worked as well. Fortunately, the HDD was powered directly via the USB port and fit the glove compartment door pocket nicely, so now I have a virtual movie library running on the car. No more long boring drives!!

Take note that both the disc and the cards have to be formatted in FAT32 format and not NFTS. This goes the same for any USB thumb drive that you might be using. Now you can watch full length dvds, Youtube videos etc so long as its in AVI format.

To capture Youtube videos (such as that fantastic 308 commercial), download the latest version of Realplayer. When you next log into a Youtube video file move your mouse to the top right hand corner of the video and you will see a prompt to “Download This Video”. Click and you are all set!

For those who are keen to try ripping their DVDs or converting their Youtube captured videos I currently use Any Video Convertor, a freeware(!) application which can encode AVI files up to 720 x 576 resolution which is good enough for the 7 inch display. Sound output is still in stereo though. The application can be downloaded here.

Maintenance cost of the 407

It’s a common perception here in Malaysia that continental cars are very expensive to maintain. In general the cost of servicing and parts of European cars used to be slightly higher than maintaining a Japanese counterpart. I recently worked out the cost of maintaining a 407 based on the servicing package offered by KS Auto, an authorised Peugeot service centre in Chan Sow Lin and was a little surprised to find that it was actually cheaper to maintain this car than a Honda City.

Part of the reason is that with continental makes versus Japanese makes, you have to take into account the service intervals. For example, the Peugeot’s recommended service interval is every 10,000km. Whereas the City needs ton be serviced every 5000km.

If one were to follow the recommended service and preventive maintenance guidelines, it would cost around RM 5800 to maintain the Pug for 100,000 km versus RM 6500 for a Honda City! Of course these are only best estimates and do not account for any other parts that might break down but most cars these days have at least a 3 year warranty period on parts.

At the end of the day, it’s about how one treats the car, how to watch out for warning signals and how fast problems are attended to before they get more serious.

New 407. The 2009 Facelift version

In the beginning of 2009, Nasim Sdn Bhd announced that the Peugeot 407 would receive a very minor facelift which would incorporate among other things, new tail lamps and a new front grille on the exterior with vertical stripes and a slight change on the bumper protector (the 08 version had the bumper strip run the whole length of the rear bumper, the 09 facelift features it only on the corners). In addition, the rear bumper itself has had a minor facelift, with polypropylene bumper, which gives it a more sporty look and moves the number plate lower down the bumper.
The interior detailing has also had been changed; the front fascia from a silver surface to one with a one with a piano black finish. This extends towards the door handles and door trims. There are some additional silver trims on the control knobs which gives it a classy appeal.

The most significant changes are that the facelift version has 4 front parking sensors installed allowing better manoeuvring due to the longish snout. Also the MFD (Multi function display) in the 08 premium version was stuck on top of the dashboard below the central air vent as the GPS monitor took up the slot where it was originally located. This then is the infamous taxi meter.

In the facelifted 407, the MDF has now been integrated into the Navist GPS system allowing users to switch on the fly. This makes for a clean, clear and uncluttered dashboard, very stylish. One thing to note however is that due to our sunny Malaysian skies, the GPS unit can sometimes be hard to read due to the terrible glare.

All this comes at a small price, the price for both the basic and premium version has been bumped up by RM 3,000 respectively making the basic model RM 128,888 and the premium model RM 136,888 on the road.

Peugeot 407 CKD launch version

I will be getting the Premium version of the Peugoet 407, which currently in Malaysian is the completely knocked down (CKD) version. The CKDs are being distributed by Nasim Sdn Bhd and are fitted with a host of new features. In comparison the first batch of CBU (completely built up) 407s which was originally launched in Malaysia by Cycle and Carriage somewhere in 2004 came with very basic specifications.

Just to give you some idea of the extra features of the CKD, new 407 owners will get as a standard:
· Xenon headlamps with automatic levelling
· 17 inch alloy wheels
· Premium 240 watt JBL 8.1 sound system with boot-mounted subwoofer
· Electrically-adjustable front seats
· Auto wipers and headlamp washers
· Auto headlamps
· 7 airbags
· Dual zone climate control
· Safety features include ABS, EBD, EBA, ESP, DSC, pre-tensioner seat belts, ISOFIX points for seats

407 owners who opt for the premium version will also get:
· Navist in dash touch screen GPS and entertainment system
· Leather seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel

The 407 also scores a high 5 stars on the EuroNCAP crash test and comes with 7 airbags (driver, passenger, driver side knee, driver side, passenger side and 2 curtain airbags).

Five colours are available - Aluminium, Iron Grey, White Gold, Montebello Blue and Nera Black. Please visit the 407 microsite for more information. The price for the basic version is RM 125,888 OTR and the premium version will set you back RM 133,88 OTR.

Paul Tans blog also mentions that there are revisions to the engine and a slightly revised gearbox.

“Nasim now reveals that the 407 will get a new engine with Peugeot’s VTi variable valve timing. The CBU model offered here comes with an EW10J4 engine without these features, putting out 137 horsepower at 6,000rpm and 190Nm of torque at 4,100rpm. The new car will come with the EW10A engine, putting out 140 PS and an impressive 200Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, one of the highest torque figures around for a non-performance 2.0 liter engine. The engine will be mated to a revised gearbox.”

This year, Nasim launched the 2009 face-lifted version, with some slight modifications to the exterior and interior design as well as a few extra specifications. Will show you more in the next post.

Sex Appeal

The 407 is one gorgeous car, plenty of fine lines and smooth rounded curves. It gives the appearance of extreme motion even while remaining stationary. I particularly like the long sharklike snout and the large intake grill very fierce and agressive.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.