Peugeot 308 claims fuel economy record with new three-cylinder petrol engine
An all-new Peugeot 308 powered by a new three-cylinder petrol engine has travelled more than 1810km on 51.4 litres of fuel to claim a new production car fuel economy record.
Taking the title of 2014 European Car of the Year earlier this month, the record-setting Peugeot 308 was driven for 32 hours over a distance of 1810.03km by a newly introduced 96kW turbocharged 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder e-THP petrol engine.
With an official fuel economy record of 2.85 litres per 100km (99.1mpg), the six-speed manual-equipped 308 achieved the feat at the Almeria circuit in Spain on a full tank of fuel.
The French car maker says the record run was witnessed by independent body Union Technique de l'Automobile, Motocycle et Cycle (UTAC).
Set to also be made available in the 208 hatchback and 2008 crossover in the near future, the PureTech 1.2-litre e-THP 130 turbo petrol engine claims combined cycle fuel consumption of 4.6L/100km and CO2 emissions of 107g/km in the 308.
Earlier this week, Peugeot confirmed plans to increase 308 production and hire 600 new staff – including 450 workers on temporary contracts – to meet demand, after receiving 60,000 orders for the small hatch.
Speaking with Bloomberg, International Strategy and Investment Group analyst Erich Hauser said it’s the first time he can remember PSA talking to the market about adding employment rather than reducing it.
“It shows that the company is starting to gain some traction on its new products,” Hauser said.
Debuting at last year's Frankfurt motor show, the Peugeot 308 is not due to reach Australia until early 2015.
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