If you as a vehicle manufacturer want to comply with future CO2 and other pollutant limit values, you have to take the right path with the engines and gearboxes in good time. To this end, the PSA Group is relying on a new generation of gasoline and diesel engines, which should make almost all series fit for the future. The focus is on the new three-cylinder turbo gasoline, which after the debut in Peugeot 308 in output levels of 81 kW / 110 PS and 96 kW / 130 PS are now being introduced in six other models from the Lion brand.
In combination with a start / stop system, the 208 with 1,2-liter turbo emits 103 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer - in the 308 it is 105 grams. Saving is nice, but it doesn't have to be fun. Some buyers of downsizing motors know this from painful experience. Particularly pronounced starting weaknesses force the driver to step on the gas, turn off the gears and accordingly dramatically increase consumption.
First driving impressions with the new engine-model combinations on the test track prove that Peugeot is on the right track in this regard. The torque of 230 Newton meters in a 1,2 turbo with 96 kW / 130 PS is already around 1.500 revolutions per minute - and that over a wide range. The unit does not sound like an effort, it remains rather discreetly in the background - except when starting. A comfort feature that the French have deliberately developed. If you want to have it gaudy, you can use the "Sport" button to record the racing car sound through loudspeakers.
The larger petrol engine with a displacement of 1,6 liters is naturally programmed for more power. The Euro 6 generation, which was launched for the first time in early 2014 with the 270 PS version in the RCZ R sports car, now also comes in 3008, 5008 and the top versions of the 208 - with six-speed manual or six-speed Automatic. With a performance spectrum ranging from 150 kW / 205 hp to 199 kW / 270 hp, they emit 125 to 145 grams of CO2 per kilometer. However, the driver will have to discipline himself in the 208 GTi in order not to drive thirst to unimagined heights. This restriction also applies to the 1,2 turbos, which, due to the spontaneous throttle response and crisp torque, tempt you to turn off the gears. But then the most sophisticated downsizing gasoline engine gets thirsty. However, if you stick to all gearshift recommendations and keep your foot on the gas, you can keep the average consumption of the small and compact cars equipped in this way below the five-liter threshold.
Saving is of course easier with the diesel gensets. After the start of the two 2,0-liter engines (110 kW / 150 PS and 132 kW / 180 PS) with Euro 6-compliant exhaust gas aftertreatment technology in the 508 sedan, the equally clean 1,6-liter diesel came with 99 , 120 or 150 hp in the compact series 308. The most economical diesels only emit 80 grams of CO2 here.
For the more powerful gasoline versions, Peugeot is now using the new six-speed converter automatic, which was developed by the French together with supplier Aisin. It shows its strengths especially in city traffic. Even at low partial loads, it shifts up to the last gear step earlier - which some manual transmission drivers tend to save. This happens extremely gently, especially very quickly and frequently. In addition, the surcharge of around 1.200 euros is also limited in comparison to the competition.
Author: Peter Weissenberg / SP-X