Peugeot 408 with ＂small displacement＂ T engine, fuel consumption is only 5.2L

With the 1.2T engine put into use, the engine array layout created by Dongfeng Peugeot with the core concept of "E-dynamic strategy" was officially completed. At the same time, its putting into use also announced that a total of 5 engines including 1.6L CVVT, 1.8L CVVT, 1.6THP and 1.8THP were all carried in various models of Dongfeng Peugeot. The new generation Peugeot 408 was officially launched during the Chengdu Auto Show last year, and a total of 1.6TTHP turbocharged engine and 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine were launched. With PSA introducing the 1.2T engine to Dongfeng Peugeot, the new generation 408 also became the first mid-range car equipped with "T + STT". What is the strength of this 408 model equipped with a new 1.2T turbocharged direct injection engine? Netcom will give you a comprehensive review of its power, appearance and interior.

The "E-dynamic strategy" is an important technical support for Dongfeng Peugeot’s new round of intensive product launch. The "E-dynamic strategy" with the core concepts of "Efficiency, Economy and Environmental Protection" is one of the core strategies for the development of Dongfeng Peugeot’s brand in the next few years. Among them, the 1.2THP turbocharged direct injection engine is the final work of the "E-dynamic strategy" engine array. This new small-displacement three-cylinder engine adopts the D-CVVT continuous dual variable intake and exhaust timing system, which can achieve the effect of early or delayed valve closing. The engine can be adjusted according to different speeds and working conditions, so that the engine can obtain ideal intake and exhaust efficiency at high and low speeds.

In addition, this engine also adopts flexible balance shaft shock absorption system, elliptical timing gear, wet timing belt and other technologies to solve the vibration and noise of the three-cylinder engine. Thanks to many advanced technologies, the 1.2THP engine can achieve a maximum output power of 100kw and a peak torque of 230N.m, even reaching the level of the same 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine. In addition, the official fuel consumption of the Dongfeng Peugeot 408 1.2THP model is only 5.2 liters per 100 kilometers.

The PSA 1.8-liter CVVT engine, which is the product of the "E-dynamic strategy" with the 1.2THP engine, is an efficient and mature naturally aspirated engine. This internal codenamed EC8 engine integrates an overhead double camshaft mechanism; aluminum cylinder head cast iron cylinder block; variable valve timing technology is used at the intake end; 11:1 high compression ratio design; exhaust manifold and two-stage catalytic converter integrated design enable it to meet Euro 5 emission standards, with a maximum power of 102kw and a peak torque of 172N.m. Its biggest feature is that the high-torque platform is very wide, and it can output more than 90% of the peak torque from 1500-6000rpm. However, compared with the 1.2THP engine, not only is the "belly" smaller but also "more powerful. In the case of the same torque output platform of the two, the maximum torque of the 1.2THP engine is 58N.m more than the former. The maximum power is also 8kw higher than that. The acceleration from zero to 100 kilometers is only 9.7 seconds, which is 0.5 seconds faster than the 1.8L CVVT model of the same door, showing the advantage of the turbocharged engine’s strong explosive power.

Nowadays, major manufacturers are deploying small-displacement turbocharged engines, and Dongfeng Peugeot’s domestic competitor Volkswagen will introduce a 1.2TSI three-cylinder supercharged engine this year. There is still a big gap in power performance between the two. Volkswagen’s 1.2TSI three-cylinder engine belongs to the EA211 series, with a maximum power of 77kw and a peak torque of 175N.m. It will be installed on Volkswagen Golf, POLO and other models in the future. In contrast, Dongfeng Peugeot’s 1.2THP three-cylinder engine has more powerful power output and torque output.

Thanks to the powerful power output of the 1.2THP turbocharged engine, the Dongfeng Peugeot 408 has entered the power market of small-displacement turbocharged engines in mid-range cars. At the same time, it will also be equipped with advanced vehicle assistance systems such as "All in One Integrated Touch" and "3D Safety 3D Safety". With the assistance of the 1.2THP and Stop-Start engine intelligent start-stop system (STT), the Dongfeng Peugeot 408 can achieve an ultra-low fuel consumption of 5.2L per hundred kilometers, which is the significance of Dongfeng Peugeot’s launch of the 408 model equipped with the 1.2THP engine.

The Dongfeng Peugeot 408 1.2THP model is almost exactly the same as the 1.8-liter automatic deluxe version in terms of appearance, with only minor modifications in details. For example, the "eTHP" exclusive nameplate is added to the front fender of the 1.2THP model. In addition, the 408 1.2THP model can also be equipped with an optional LED lighting system, which includes larger LED daytime running lights at the eyebrow, LED high beams, and halogen headlights with lenses.

In terms of interior, the 1.2THP model is more similar to the 1.6THP. It is also equipped with a 9.7-inch touchscreen, which integrates vehicle ventilation system control, entertainment system and other functions. However, it does not have a navigation system and reversing images, and can only be installed through optional packages. The author believes that such a large screen does not have a standard navigation system and reversing images, which is "overqualified". In terms of safety configuration, the 1.2THP model is equipped with a Dr. 9.0ESP electronic stability system and electronic handbrake and other vehicle safety assistance systems. However, some domestic consumers like electric leather seats and one-button start functions have not been added.

In the actual driving experience, the power combination of 1.2THP + 6AT showed satisfactory smoothness. The unacceptable jitter of the three-cylinder engine in the traditional concept did not appear, but it behaved more like a docile four-cylinder engine. It was quite linear in starting and accelerating, but there was still a slight jitter at a speed of nearly 100 kilometers per hour. This phenomenon also occurs frequently on many models with four-cylinder engines, so the smoothness of this 408 with 1.2THP engine impressed the author.

In addition, this 408 1.2THP model does not show the neurotic maneuvering of some turbocharged models on the market, so this car gives a very friendly driving experience and handling feeling. Overall, the performance of this 408 1.2THP is satisfactory, but there are still some areas for improvement, such as there is still room for improvement in noise reduction. (Beijing News Agency, March 17, 2015)