The Peugeot 308 Hatch and 308 Wagon could be getting more powerful and more efficient petrol engines in Australia, along with other model lines in the French brand’s stable.
Last week, Peugeot detailed a new 48V mild-hybrid version of its 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine, which will debut in the new 3008 Hybrid and 5008 Hybrid in Europe from the second quarter of 2023.
At the very bottom of this press release, the French manufacturer confirmed this very powertrain will soon make its way into the Peugeot 208, 2008, 308 and 408 in the coming months, and presumably launch in the European market before year’s end.
Peugeot 3008 Hybrid
Further, the release states that this new 100kW/230Nm 1.2-litre mild-hybrid petrol, which can also add 9kW of assistance from its small electric motor under hard acceleration, will actually replace the existing 96kW PureTech 130 1.2L petrol engine.
Currently, this engine is offered across the Peugeot line-up globally, as well as locally in the 2008 and 308.
Should the non-electrified version of the 1.2L petrol engine go out of production across the board, it means that Australia will likely see the upgraded 48V drivetrain at some point – potentially for the 2024 model year.
However, the brand’s local arm won’t be drawn on confirming the new mild-hybrid engine for any model lines as yet, telling CarExpert “there is no information to share at this stage on the introduction of mild hybrid variants to the Australian market”.
With its modest power bump and on-board 48V system, the 308 (as well as other Peugeot models) should see a slight performance bump as well as a decent improvement to its official fuel consumption rating. In the larger 3008 SUV the new drivetrain claims to bring a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 15 per cent.
Peugeot 308 Wagon (SW)
Part of this is achieved by the ability to run in EV mode when crawling in traffic or driving at low speeds (e.g. car parks), as well as switching the engine off when coasting at up to 145km/h. The ability to actually drive the wheels using the small 21kW/55Nm electric motor is unusual for a mild-hybrid.
It also means that Peugeot models fitted with the new hybrid system will switch out the existing six- and eight-speed Aisin-sourced automatic transmissions for a new six-speed dual-clutch hybrid transmission that also incorporates the electric motor, inverter the ECU, which Peugeot says “which optimises the size and weight of the vehicle and guarantees excellent driving performance”.
Despite its claims, the company hasn’t actually indicated exactly what gains are made in terms of driving performance, if any. Further details will no doubt come to hand as the new drivetrain nears release abroad.
Peugeot 2008 
Peugeot 408
In Australia, the Peugeot 2008 and 308 are offered with the outgoing 96kW 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, and it’s expected the upcoming Peugeot 408 crossover coupe – due sometime in 2023 – will get the same.
Should the new 100kW 1.2-litre MHEV drivetrain make it to local models, the 308 and 408 would offer completely electrified powertrain line-ups, as the brand’s 165kW 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid has been confirmed for the 308 Hatch and is expected to be offered with the 408 as well.
Following confirmation of its first electric vehicle in Australia – the e-Partner compact commercial van – Peugeot has indicated its plans to introduce EVs in passenger and SUV segments before year’s end.
The e-208 city hatch and the e-2008 crossover have been earmarked as the likely candidates to fill these positions.
In fact, the e-2008 has already shown up in government approval documents, indicating it’s already been approved for sale in Australia and we’re not far from hearing official details from the French brand. Stay tuned for the latest.
MORE: Everything Peugeot 208 | 2008 | 308 | 408
