Peugeot Australia is set to boost its green credentials with the launch of two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants. Eco friendly versions of the popular 3008 SUV and 508 Fastback are set to land in Q1 of 2022.
“Peugeot has made a commitment to have an electric variant across the entire model line-up by 2025 and it is with great anticipation and excitement that we take our first steps in the Australian market,” Peugeot Australia general manager Kate Gillis said.
Marking the French car maker’s shift towards an electrified future, the brand is hoping to target Australian consumers who appreciate the benefits of pure electric driving, but still require a combustion engine for long-distance journeys.
The Peugeot 3008 GT Sport PHEV will kick off at $79,990 plus on-roads and introduces an all-wheel-drive variant to the model range. It’s powered by a 147kW PureTech engine, paired to two electric motors.
The two motors, one upfront and one at the rear, produce 81kW and 83kW, giving the vehicle an impressive combined power output of 228kW. The 3008 PHEV is mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission.
On electric power alone, the 13.2kWh battery can deliver up to 60km of range, which is perfect for city dwellers. The vehicle also features Peugeot’s e-SAVE function to allow the driver to reserve a set amount of electrical energy.
Similarly, the 508 GT Fastback PHEV will be available at $76,990 plus on-roads, but only features one electric motor, and will come with a slightly less powerful PureTech engine.
Nevertheless, the combined 165kW should satisfy buyers thanks to immediate torque and a quiet driving experience. It will use the same 8-speed transmission and e-SAVE function as the 3008 PHEV.
The 1.6 PureTech engine of both the 3008 GT Sport Plug-In Hybrid AWD and 508 GT Fastback Plug-In Hybrid is paired with the new 8-speed e-EAT8 automatic gearbox to incorporate the electric drive train.
Also new to the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles is a highly optimised and imperceptible transition system. To alternate between electric and combustion engines, the torque converter of the combustion engine is replaced by a wet multi-plate clutch.
This provides 60Nm more torque, attributing to more responsiveness and instant acceleration. Subsequently, the 3008 GT Sport Plug-In Hybrid AWD achieves an exhilarating 520Nm maximum torque.
The 508 GT Fastback Plug-In Hybrid delivers an impressive 360Nm maximum torque. The 11.8kWh battery allows for a 55km range of pure electric driving, which once again should be sufficient for city driving.
Both the 3008 and 508 PHEV variants will offer a space-age cabin, fitted with Peugeot’s configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 10.0-inch high definition capacitive touchscreen and a premium Focal sound system.
Luxury remains intact as both cars will be fitted with full grain Nappa leather trim and your conventional soft-touch materials. They’ll also feature Peugeot’s suite of Advanced Safety Technologies.
This includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and blind sport monitoring. A more exhaustive list of features and specifications will be unveiled at launch.
Interested customers should contact their nearest Peugeot dealership for an exclusive test drive opportunity prior to the official launch. Given higher fuel prices across the country, now might be the time to check out a PHEV.
