On the road with the new hybrid version
While we are on the eve of the introduction of the next generation Peugeot 3008, the current one will still get a new hybrid powertrain. This is particularly interesting for the Dutch market, as CO2 emissions are reduced by 20 grams. This is accompanied by better driving characteristics, in our experience.
Now some innovations for the Peugeot 3008! Isn’t there a completely new one coming?
The first Peugeot 3008 from 2009 was perhaps a bit of an odd man out, but his successor from 2016 is an outright hit and his slightly larger stablemate 5008 also has no lack of interest. The duo received a facelift in 2020 and the end of the life cycle is now approaching, although both designs are still not outdated. As you may know, the next generation is fully electric and we can admire it for the first time in September.
How hybrid is the new powertrain for the 3008?
Meanwhile, Stellantis developed a new hybrid powertrain that will be available in almost all models of the group in the future. It is the successor to the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech. The three-cylinder engine is assisted by an electric motor integrated into the automatic gearbox, while a starter/generator restarts the engine while driving or at a standstill. Both operate at 48 volts. Another novelty for the 1.2 is the arrival of a timing chain instead of a belt in an oil bath. The engine is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, where the current model has an eight-speed automatic. The extra torque from the electric motor should completely negate the lack of those two extra gears.
What do you notice about the electric support?
No button with the letter B next to the lever, we notice. Wouldn’t we be able to regenerate, as we can with the 3008 plug-in hybrid? We get the answer as we approach the first roundabout: the electric motor causes a significant deceleration as soon as you let go of the accelerator, switching off the fuel engine immediately. The electricity generated thereby flows to the battery under the driver’s seat. Its usable capacity is 432 Wh, which is more than double in gross. By using the battery in this way, it maintains the same power output throughout its life, according to Peugeot. All other components of the hybrid system are located in the engine compartment, which means that the load space is the same as that of the combustion engine version. The extra electric power is very noticeable because the immediately available electric torque compensates for the turbo lag at low revs. Even at moderate throttle, the 1.2-litre feels powerful and revs much less than the conventional variant. With a calm driving style, you initially do not even notice that a three-cylinder is at work. Fully electric driving is possible in traffic jams, in crawling traffic and while manoeuvring.
What do you notice about the hybrid powertrain?
Thanks to the extra torque of the electric motor, the automatic transmission sometimes does not have to downshift and the petrol engine can continue to run at a lower speed. It works according to the Miller Cycle principle and is therefore very economical in certain speed ranges. The new six-speed dual-clutch automatic shifts smoothly and imperceptibly, with the integrated electric motor making the process even smoother.
Is the renewed Peugeot 3008 economical?
Strangely enough, Peugeot does not mention a system power anywhere, but the torque has not changed compared to the current 130 hp 1.2. Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h takes even a little longer with the hybrid, which is partly due to the higher weight. That does not alter the fact that it feels noticeably smoother. Overall, it saves 1 liter of fuel per 100 kilometers, with the greatest saving potential when driving in city traffic, then it is 2.5 l / 100 km more economical than the current one. The instruments let you know that you are driving electrically if the background of the speedometer is blue and also graphically displays the energy flow. The charge status of the battery is also visible and the meter on the right shows whether you are regenerating, driving economically or using a lot of power. The chassis tuning of the 3008 GT that we drive is rather stiff and does not harmonize with the luxurious appearance of the interior. But the hybrid system is an asset and finds its way into the 208 and 2008, among others.