They are cheaper than a hybrid and also carry an ECO label: the new Peugeot 208 and 2008 MHEV arrive

Antonio Roncero @roncero_antonio 15 January 2024 3 min.

Up to 15% lower consumption and emissions and the DGT ECO label: this is what the new and interesting MHEV versions of the Peugeot 208 and 2008 are like, which the brand calls “Hybrid”, although in reality they are not.

In their commercial name they display the word “Hybrid”, but, in reality, the new Peugeot 208 Hybrid and 2008 Hybrid are not hybrid cars; instead they use a simpler technology: light hybridisation, also called “soft” or “mild-hybrid” hybridisation. However, for many this technology may be sufficient, since it is not only cheaper, but also provides the advantages of the DGT ECO label. Something that until now was missing in the supermini and the compact SUV of the lion brand.

1.2 PureTech engine with timing chain instead of timing belt

The 48-volt Mild Hybrid system of these new versions is the same one already offered for some months on the 3008 and 5008. It works like all systems of this type, with an electric motor that here reaches 21 kW coupled to the combustion engine. Driven by a belt, it acts as a starter motor or works as a generator to store electrical energy in a lithium battery with a capacity of 0.9 kWh, in addition to assisting the combustion engine when acceleration is demanded.

As interesting novelties, besides promising a 15% reduction in consumption, Peugeot announces that its light hybridisation system allows the vehicle to move fully electrically up to 1 km at speeds below 30 km/h. The automatic dual-clutch transmission is also newly developed. And finally, though not least, the 1.2 three-cylinder engine receives a thorough revision that brings a significant change: the oil-bath timing belt, which seems to have caused many users a great deal of headaches, is replaced by a low-friction timing chain that requires no maintenance.

Two power versions, with 100 CV and 136 CV

In the case of the new Peugeot 208, these MHEV versions arrive alongside a light cosmetic restyling affecting the front end and the light units. Here one can choose between two MHEV versions with ECO label. The 208 Hybrid 100, with 100 CV of power, is combined with the Active, Allure and GT trim levels, and is available from 21,400 euros with discounts included, just 300 euros more than the non-hybridised PureTech 100, which should not last long in the brand’s configurator. Above it sits the 208 Hybrid 136, with power reaching 136 CV, paired with the GT trim. The price premium over the 100 CV version with equal equipment is 1,000 euros.

As for the 2008, the most powerful version, the Hybrid 136, is reserved for the SUV, also with the three trim levels. The price in this case starts from 27,740 euros, while for now the range keeps the 100 CV versions with manual gearbox and without light hybridisation, which cost about 3,600 euros less. If we compare it with the 130 CV PureTech with automatic gearbox, at equal trim the “Hybrid” costs 800 euros more, with similar or even better performance, lower consumption, the advantage of the ECO label… and being able to forget about timing belt problems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4bSQBbI0CI&feature=youtu.be