The automotive industry in Europe is experiencing a time of profound changes, but not everything is about rapid electrification. Peugeot has decided to take the bull by the horns and present a definitive solution for those still looking for a reliable, efficient, and above all, trouble-free gasoline car. With the arrival of the new 1.2 Turbo 100 blockThe French brand aims to bury once and for all the ghosts that haunted the old PureTech engines, marking a turning point in its mechanical strategy for the Spanish and continental market.
This move is not a simple cosmetic facelift or a software update that will be forgotten after two days. We are facing a in-depth structural review in which nearly 70% of the engine parts have been redesigned. The Peugeot brand has been courageous in acknowledging past mistakes, especially regarding timing and oil consumption, and has gone all out with an engine that is already starting to roar under the hood of popular models such as the 208 and the Peugeot 2008.
The supply chain: the end of a complicated era…
The new feature that has brought the most peace of mind to experts and users is the removal of the oil-bathed timing beltThis system caused numerous problems due to its premature degradation on short journeys. It also led to a class-action lawsuit regarding the PureTech engine in Spain. It has now been replaced by a high-strength metal chain. This change improves the overall robustness. Furthermore, The chain is designed to last the entire lifespan of the vehicle.It also requires no maintenance. This represents significant long-term financial relief for the owner.
Advanced technology for more efficient energy consumption…
To ensure the car is not only reliable but also economical, a low-power operating system has been chosen. miller cycleUnlike the conventional Otto cycle, this technology optimizes the compression phase and improves thermal efficiency. If we add to this a system of direct injection at 350 bar With increased pressure, the result is a much more precise combustion that squeezes every drop of fuel, something that is quite noticeable when we move around the city or on long highway journeys.
Furthermore, this three-cylinder engine doesn't fall short in terms of responsiveness. Thanks to the inclusion of a new variable geometry turbocharger (a feature we usually see in higher-segment cars), the engine delivers its 205 Nm of torque from very low down. This gives the car plenty of pep and prevents it from feeling sluggish when pulling away from a traffic light or attempting to overtake, offering a flexibility that makes driving more natural and less stressful.
Extreme testing and a guarantee shield…
Peugeot has left no stone unturned and has subjected this engine to the most severe punishment. The engine has accumulated more than three million kilometers through real-world testing and thousands of hours on dynamometers. The goal was to ensure that internal wear was reduced by up to 80% compared to previous models. To provide the extra peace of mind that customers demand right now, the brand has launched the program Peugeot CareThis offers a warranty of up to eight years or 160.000 kilometers.
- New pistons: redesigned with low friction segments to avoid excessive lubricant consumption.
- Balance shaft: It has been added to make the engine much quieter and prevent it from vibrating like the three-cylinder engines of the past.
- Optimized maintenance: Major overhauls are spaced every two years or 25.000 kilometers.
This new mechanical phase is not limited to Peugeot, as other brands in the Stellantis group, such as Lancia u OpelThey are also adopting this engine block to standardize reliability across their entire range. The approach is clear: to offer a combustion engine that meets current emissions standards without compromising the car's longevity. Ultimately, what the user is looking for is an engine that won't let you down and that it maintains a reasonable consumption, something that this block seems to more than fulfill after its profound technical renewal.
Source - Peugeot
Images | Peugeot – Stellantis
