No, the headline is not a stab at another Chinese rip-off. Instead, with photos from CarNewsChina, we can see that the Dongfeng Fengshen L60 is a genuine, heavily-rebadged Peugeot 408 that is the result of a joint-development programme between Dongfeng-PSA and Dongfeng Motor, which owns Fengshen.
Launched recently, the L60 rides on the PSA PF2 platform which underpins the outgoing Peugeot 408, not the latest one unveiled at the Auto China 2014 show which sits on the PSA EMP2 platform. So while it may share its internals with the Pug, the L60 does look different enough compared to its French cousin.
Gone is the familiar Pug front grille, to be replace by a rather tasteful layout, replete with LED daytime running lights. At the rear, the car receives chunkier-looking tail lamps while the third window just aft of the main frame appears to sport a black plastic cover.
The only elements that are distinctly 408-esque are the five-spoke alloys which appear similar enough to the 'Rinjani' alloys featured on the 2.0 litre version on sale in Malaysia and its side profile. Under the bonnet, two engine options are available - a 1.6 litre with 115 hp/150 Nm and a 1.8 litre with 137 hp/172 Nm.
Both powerplants can be mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Word on the vine is that Dongfeng is currently working on a 1.4 litre turbocharged unit that nestle in the engine bay of future L60s. Prices for the Dongfeng Fengshen L60 begin at 89,700 yuan (RM53,577) and top out at 129,700 yuan (RM77,469) - effectively making this one of the most affordable cars in its segment in China.
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