Peugeot’s first electrified models arrive in Oz

BY MATT BROGAN | 2nd Mar 2022

PEUGEOT Australia has launched plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants of the 3008 GT Sport and 508 GT Fastback. The French importer says the PHEVs represent the “beginning of an evolution” and are meant to meet the demands of a growing number of buyers that are interested in these types of electrified vehicles.

Priced from $79,990 (plus on-road costs), the Peugeot 3008 GT Sport Plug-In Hybrid AWD is said to achieve up to 60km (WTLP) of all-electric driving range via a 13.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The medium SUV variant is powered by an 81kW electric motor on the front axle and an 83kW electric motor at the rear. The dual electric motors work in conjunction with a 147kW 1.6-litre PureTech turbocharged petrol engine to provide a total system output of 222kW/520Nm.

As Peugeot’s first electrified 3008 variant, the 3008 GT Sport PHEV AWD is also the first to introduce an all-wheel drivetrain to the French medium SUV range.

The model uses a newly developed Electric Rear Axle Drive (or e-RAD) system to provide drive to the rear wheels; the balance of the variant’s propulsion is provided by the petrol-electric combination that drives the newcomer’s front wheels.

The 508 GT Fastback Plug-In Hybrid, in turn, is “a highly specified variant (of the French brand’s larger five-door coupe) with the addition of electric motor benefits,” Peugeot claims.

Priced from $76,990 (plus on-road costs), the 508 GT Fastback PHEV offers a total system output of 165kW/360Nm courtesy of the combination of a 133kW 1.6-litre PureTech turbo-petrol engine and an 81kW electric motor.

The front-wheel-drive model features a 11.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack and can reportedly offer up to 55km (WLTP) of all-electric driving range.

“So far, the Peugeot 3008 GT Sport Plug-In Hybrid AWD and Peugeot 508 GT Fastback Plug-In Hybrid have received extremely positive reception through our pre-launch test drive program, and it is with great excitement today we can extend our plug-in hybrid electric vehicle offering to a wider Australian audience,” Peugeot Australia managing director Kate Gillis said.

“Both the 3008 and 508 Fastback have been popular among discerning customers looking for French flair and uncompromising style. The arrival of the plug-in hybrid variants of these models is only set to bolster and broaden their appeal within a new segment of the market,” she added.

Both the 3008 GT Sport Plug-In Hybrid AWD and 508 GT Fastback Plug-In Hybrid utilise an eight-speed automatic transmission, which, instead of a torque converter, has a wet multi-plate clutch.

The system allows what Peugeot says is an “imperceptible transition” between electric and petrol engine drive, while contributing up to 60Nm more torque to aid responsiveness and acceleration.

Like other PHEV models, the French pair offers regenerative braking and the ability to save battery power for use in zero-emission driving scenarios. Peugeot says that, under certain conditions, the electric motors can provide acceleration up to speeds of 135km/h before the internal-combustion engine takes over.

Both plug-in Pugs are offered with four drive modes, including Electric Mode, Hybrid Mode, Sport Mode and Comfort Mode. The all-wheel-driven 3008 adds an additional AWD Mode for use at low and medium speeds “on challenging terrain”.

Charging is available via a 3.7kW on-board charger for (240V/10A) domestic outlet use, with the charge time rated at approximately five hours. Public fast chargers may also be utilised.

Furthermore, Peugeot Australia has partnered with JET Charge to enable its customers to have an electric-vehicle charging point installed at their office or home garage.

“Peugeot has made a global commitment to have electrified variants across the entire model line-up by 2025, so the local arrival of the 3008 and 508 PHEVs is a pioneering moment for the brand in Australia as we set out on our future of electrification,” Ms Gillis said

“Peugeot's plug-in hybrid variants offer our customers an enriched driving experience with an array of clever technology working to enhance overall performance and efficiency using both the electric motors and combustion engine,” she added.

The 3008 GT Sport PHEV AWD is equipped with 19-inch Washington alloy wheels, Black Pack garnishing, Nappa leather upholstery with grey stitching, heated and eight-way electrically adjustable front seats with driver-massage function, and a dual-pane electric sunroof.

The new variant additional features a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and configurable 12.3-inch head-up display, 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, adaptive cruise control (with Stop & Go function), lane-positioning assist, automatic emergency braking, fog-mode headlights and a 515W Focal premium audio system.

All 3008 derivatives offer a 360-degree camera system, park assist, lane-departure warning, driver-warning alert, auto high-beam, speed-sign recognition, active blind-spot monitoring, an electrically operated and remote opening tailgate and electric park brake.

The 508 GT Fastback PHEV is similarly well equipped and incorporates the same safety technologies as those listed for the 3008 GT Sport PHEV AWD.

It is further differentiated by 18-inch Sperone alloy wheels, a perforated leather steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and massage enabled front seats, chrome-framed radiator grille, 10-speaker Focal audio system and LED interior lighting.

A sunroof is available optionally on the 508 GT Fastback PHEV for $2500.

Both the 3008 GT Sport PHEV AWD and 508 GT Fastback PHEV are available with metallic and premium paint at $690 and $1050 respectively. Additionally, all Peugeot passenger vehicles are backed by five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with a separate eight-year/160,000km battery warranty applicable to PHEV variants.

Service intervals for the plug-in hybrid variants are set at 12 months or 20,000km (whichever comes first). The 3008 GT Sport PHEV AWD will cost $3108 to maintain over a five-year period, with the 508 GT Fastback PHEV slightly less expensive at $2638.

The 3008 GT Sport PHEV AWD and 508 GT Fastback PHEV are available now.

2022 Peugeot 3008 pricing*: