Peugeot begins Aussie electric era with 3008, 508 PHEVs
French brand Peugeot is set to take its first Australian steps towards electrification with the introduction of a plug-in hybrid electric variants of the 3008 SUV (pictured above) and 508 sedan.
Both models go on-sale in Australia in the first quarter of 2022 as the flagships of their respective ranges, but test drives are now available from selected dealerships.
Peugeot, once a big player in the Australia but now very much reduced in significance, is promising these two vehicles are the start of a wave of electrification for the brand here. It certainly has other PHEV and full electric options available overseas.
“Globally, we know that Peugeot has made a commitment to have an electrified variant across the entire model line-up by 2025,” said Kate Gillis, General Manager Peugeot Australia.
“The introduction of our plug-in hybrid electric vehicles allows Peugeot to enter a new segment for the brand and reach a new audience of Australian consumers.”
The 3008 GT Sport Plug-in Hybrid will be priced from $79,990 (plus on-road costs) and introduces all-wheel drive to the line-up of Peugeot’s top-selling local model courtesy of new rear axle electric drive assembly dubbed e-RAD.
A healthy 222kW combined power output is produced by a 147kW turbo-petrol engine and two electric motors; one at the front developing 81kW and the second coupled on the rear train developing 83kW.
The e-motors are supplied by a 13.2kWh battery pack. The powertrain drives via a new eight-speed automatic transmission and achieves up to 60km (WLTP) of emissions-free running.
An ‘e-SAVE’ function provides a reserve of electrical energy for the driver to use at their discretion throughout the journey.
The official ADR fuel consumption claim for the 3008 PHEV is a startling 1.6L/100km.
Other features included in the 3008 PHEV include the unique i-Cockpit with configurable 12.3-inch head-up digital instrument panel, a 10.0-inch high-definition capacitive touch-screen, Focal Hi-Fi speaker system, 19-inch onyx black finish diamond cut alloy wheels, black pack exterior trims, and full grain Nappa leather appointed trim with grey top stitch.
The Peugeot 508 GT Fastback Plug-in Hybrid is priced from $76,990 (plus on-road costs) and comes with a 165kW front-wheel drive powertrain comprising a 133kW turbo-petrol engine and 81kW electric motor, 11.8kWh battery pack and eight-speed auto that achieves 55km (WLTP) electrified range.
The 508 also incorporates the same e-Save function as 3008 PHEV. The official ADR fuel consumption claim for the 508 PHEV is a startling 1.8L/100km.
The 508 also gets i-Cockpit with HUD, the 10-inch touchscreen, Focal hi-fi sound, 18-inch alloys and Nappa leather seat trim.
Peugeot Australia should fast track importing full battery EVs as soon as possible, especially the e208 and e2008, and at competitive prices. If not, they will be left behind with the ever increasing EV sales here. I owned Peugeots for over 20 years . All great cars and I feel sad how their sales have declined over the last decade. The local importer needs to act now to import EVs not just PHEVs.