PSA 1.2 PureTech Engine Review Specs, Oil And Failure (2024)

The 1.2 PureTech engine used in Peugeot and Citroen cars was named “Engine of the Year 2016” for engines with a displacement of 1.0 to 1.4 liters. As I know this engine quite well, I decided to present my comments about it. I focused only on the version with a turbocharger, because such a version was awarded in this poll.

PSA 1.2 PureTech Engine Review Specs, Oil And Failure (1)

The supercharged 1.2 PureTech engine is available in two power options – 110 and 130 hp. It is used in French Peugeot, Citroen and DS cars belonging to the B and C segment, such as Peugeot 208, 308, Citroen C4, C4 Cactus or DS3, DS4. Despite its small capacity, it offers high torque, thanks to which it can cope with even heavier cars.

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1.2 PureTech Review

For many years, the range of gasoline engines of the PSA concern consisted of several well-developed naturally aspirated structures driving Peugeot and Citroen cars. In the era of downsizing, the French were not indifferent to market trends. In 2014, they showed the world a competitive engine.

Huge investments in research and development confirm the commitment and approach of engineers to the new unit. Importantly, after years of presence on the market, it still collects good opinions among users and mechanics. Can you rely on it?

In 2014, the family of small-engine EB engines made their debut, went to B and C segment cars, later to crossovers and SUVs. At a cost of nearly EUR 900 million, a three-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1.2 was developed, benefiting from 120 PSA patents.

Due to the refined design, the engine easily meets the stringent Euro 6 exhaust emission standard. Interestingly, from 2019, 1.2 PureTech is also being built at the Opel plant in Tychy – now PSA is the owner of the German brand .

The development of a new engine was necessary. VAG started using the 1.4 TSI in Skoda, Seat, Volkswagen and Audi a few years earlier. Fiat made 1.4 T-Jet, Ford 1.0 EcoBoost and Renault 1.2 TCe. The market reacted enthusiastically to small, downsizing engines. At that time, the French only had 1.6 THP on offer. The bike, designed with BMW, suffered from many childhood diseases. For this expensive. The answer was very good.

The manufacturer provided two versions of the mentioned engine. The base – naturally aspirated EB2 is the primary source of driving force for Peugeot 208 and Citroen C3, among others. Depending on the model and market, it has a power of 75-82 HP. In its case, engineers used multi-point fuel injection and a twelve-valve cylinder head.

The presence of a less complicated injection allows trouble-free installation of the gas installation – thus achieving considerable savings in everyday use. The naturally aspirated variant will work only in typical large-city operation. Outside the city, it clearly lacks power and torque, especially when overtaking. In return, it is content with small doses of fuel – less than 5 liters per 100 km.

1.2 PureTech Specs

I tested the 1.2 PureTech engine several times in various car models belonging to the PSA group. Although I am not convinced by the downsizing concept of replacing large, naturally aspirated combustion engines with smaller, turbo-charged counterparts, I liked the 1.2 PureTech engine.

But understand me correctly – this engine is a great alternative to naturally aspirated engines with a capacity of 1.4 l-1.8 l, which in 90% do not offer either meaningful performance or positive impressions behind the wheel, and at the same time will consume the same or more the amount of fuel.

However, replacing 6-cylinder engines with a capacity of 2.5 liters or 3.0 liters with three or four-cylinder shells is a mistake in my opinion. Especially in the long run. The manufacturers probably finally noticed it too and are starting to design engines in spirit rightsizing.

Returning to the 1.2 PureTech engine, it is worth emphasizing two of its characteristic features – great flexibility and pure sound. This engine is eagerly put to work from 2000 rpm, and the more revolutions it reaches, the vigor increases. Contrary to many turbocharged engines, this engine is very easily “tightened” under the red field of the tachometer.

Engine work is accompanied by a great sound, which has something of a V8 from the new Mustang (I know, it sounds ridiculous, but it really is). The engine is also quite economical. In the 110-horsepower Peugeot 308, he used 7.7 to 8.5 liters of fuel per 100 km in the city, depending on how much I pressed the gas pedal to the floor. On the route, it easily went down to 5.3 l / 100 km.

So if you are considering a new car with a small, naturally aspirated motor, pay attention to this engine. It has vigor and performance that you will not get from any 1.4 or 1.6, and at the same time consumes little fuel. However, if you are looking for a strong engine for years, choose something bigger and proven. It is difficult at this point to determine the service life of this structure and its future operating costs. Still, I have a good feeling about this engine.

1.2 PureTech Problems & Reliability

The 1.2 PureTech turbocharged version – EB2DT and EB2DTS can boast much better flexibility in everyday use. It has the power of 110 and 130 HP respectively. It turns out to be sufficient for smooth movement also with a full set of passengers on board. To the surprise of many drivers, the small engine can also easily handle the heavy compact SUV – 3008, 5008 C4 Cactus, as well as the Opel Grandland.

The manufacturer applied a number of changes to the base variety. In order to increase the efficiency of combustion of the fuel mixture, indirect injection has been replaced by direct injection with a working pressure of 200 bar – the user must pay particular attention to the quality of the fuel being filled. More power and torque are achieved by a turbocharger with variable blade geometry.

Contrary to many competing designs, the creators of the 1.2 PureTech engine focused on cheap to manufacture and replace the timing drive with a belt – working in an oil bath. According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, it is replaced every 180,000 kilometers. Specialists suggest reducing the interval to 100,000-120,000 kilometers. The cost of the entire operation is about $184.

The period between engine oil changes is set at 20,000 kilometers. For the sake of turbocharger working conditions, it is worth reducing the distance between oil changes by half, especially when the car is used mainly in the city. The regeneration of the turbocharger itself involves an expense of $397-$475, depending on the scale of damage to the factory element.

The low durability of the accessory belt turns out to be a 1.2 PureTech problems. Mechanics recommend its preventive replacement every 30,000-40,000 kilometers (cost about $80) and spark plugs – in practice, they give up even after 40,000-50,000 kilometers. Their malfunction is manifested by a pronounced decrease in power, greater fuel consumption and the appearance of numerous errors in the control unit.

The problem is solved by replacing the set of spark plugs – the operation will not exceed $53. It was only at the beginning of the production period that there were difficulties with the crankshaft. Backlash appeared due to the low quality of elements supplied by sub-suppliers. The manufacturer replaced the defective parts under the warranty for those free from defects.

Conclusion

1.2 PureTech was late on the market, but it turned out to be a good proposition. It drives most models of the PSA group, as well as Opel. Soon it will also appear in the new Astra and Corsa. The initial problems with the crankshaft were eliminated. Users of cars with mileage of 120,000-150,000 kilometers do not complain of more serious faults.

Importantly, the lack of defective technical solutions and the huge popularity on the market translates into relatively low running costs. The dynamics of the supercharged variants of the 3-cylinder engine are also satisfactory, as well as the acceptable fuel consumption.

4.4/5 - (97 votes)

PSA 1.2 PureTech Engine Review Specs, Oil And Failure (2024)

FAQs

Is the 1.2 PureTech engine reliable? ›

The Puretech engine is very reliable providing you remember the following. Its direct fuel injection so it will coke up the back of the inlet valves if always lightly driven at low rpm, this also causes oil consumption past the valve stem oil seals - they hate trundling about town at low rpm.

Are PureTech engines good? ›

So good in fact that we'd go as far as to say it's one of the best small turbocharged petrol engines around. And I'm now beginning to regret our choice of an HDi. The Puretech may not be as economical - it claims 56.5mpg - but it's a far nicer engine all round.
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The Details.
Current mileage1632
Actual economy44.1mpg
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Is the Peugeot 1.2 engine any good? ›

There are a number of commendable engines to try but the three-cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech 82 engine just has likeability shot straight through it. It's a fun and infectious little fizzer of a powerplant, not particularly quick but always up for a bit of sport.

Who makes PureTech 1.2 engine? ›

On the European market, the PureTech 1.2L 3-cylinder modular family represents a third of PSA Group's total petrol and Diesel engines.

Is a 1.2 PureTech a turbo? ›

The arrival of the new PureTech three-cylinder 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine represents a true technological step forward. Its compact size, reduced weight and innovative low-friction materials are key factors in the virtuous search for performance and economy.

What does PureTech mean? ›

PureTech is the Brand name for Peugeot's new range of 3-cylinder petrol units, incorporating the efficiency with 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated, and 1.2-litre turbocharged. The PureTech engine range now powers the 108, 208, 2008, 308, 3008 & 5008 models.

What problems do Citroen DS3 have? ›

The engine on the DS3 has known timing chain issues. If you can hear a loud rattling noise from the engine when it is running and when it is in a stationery position. This is usually an indication of a timing chain problem. You may also notice a loss of revs at high speeds or engine hesitancy when taking off.

Are Peugeot 208s good cars? ›

Peugeot 208 reliability

The Peugeot 208 came a respectable 37th out of the top 75 models in our 2022 Driver Power survey, with an average score for reliability and build quality. Peugeot came fourth out of 29 manufacturers overall, with good results for build quality, running costs and reasonable servicing prices.

Are 3 cylinder turbos reliable? ›

There is absolutely no reason for a three-cylinder engine to be less reliable than a four-cylinder engine if both are built with the same material and build quality. Reliability issues of three-cylinder engines stem from the fact that they were usually “budget” products.

What are common problems with the Peugeot 208? ›

Peugeot 208 Common Problems and Solutions
  • AC Grinding. Problem: ...
  • Bonnet latch problems. Problem: ...
  • Touch screen failure. Problem: ...
  • Reduced braking performance. Problem: ...
  • Display screen problem. Problem: ...
  • Gearbox problems. Problem: ...
  • Erratic Brake Efficiency. Problem: ...
  • Faulty Steering Alignment. Problem:

When should the timing belt be changed on a Peugeot 208? ›

Timing Belt Kit Peugeot 208

In general, you need to change the timing belt kit of your 208 every five years or every 74.500 miles. To make sure, always check your owner's manufacturer manual as well.

Are PureTech engines Turbo? ›

Turbocharged Variants

The PureTech 3-cylinder turbocharged engine reduces fuel consumption and emissions of CO2 by up to 21% compared to the 4 cylinder engine of the same power.

Is a 1.2 Litre turbo engine good? ›

1.0-1.2 Litre Engines

You'll get a good fuel economy out of them, as the smaller capacity means less fuel is used. This is great if you mainly do a lot of stop/start driving, such as in a city where there are lots of traffic lights, or if you usually make short journeys.

Who makes engines for Peugeot? ›

The PSA Group (Peugeot/Citroën) sells a variety of automobile engines. Later HDi engines are built as part of a joint-venture with Ford Motor Company.

What is the disadvantage of 3 cylinder engine? ›

Not Refined: A 3 cylinder engine requires more work than a 4 cylinder engine due to the lower number of cylinders present. The 3 cylinders perform most of the work against the 4 cylinders which makes them a tad bit noisier than their 4 cylinder counterparts.

Are 3 cylinder engines good for long drives? ›

If you're in the market for a faster car with more dynamic acceleration. then a 3-cylinder engine might not be the best choice for you. However, a 3-cylinder engine will still have enough power for most driving purposes and its reduced size makes it easier to drive in the city and on back roads.

Which is better 3 or 4 cylinder engine? ›

A 3 cylinder engine is much more fuel efficient compared to a 4 cylinder engine of the same size. This is because of two primary factors, reduced frictional losses and lighter weight. Since there is one cylinder less, the frictional losses caused by metal surfaces coming in contact within the engine block is lesser.

Who makes the PureTech engine? ›

Groupe PSA's Turbo PureTech petrol engine named International Engine of the Year for the 4th year in a row.

Is the Peugeot 2008 reliable? ›

As well as being rated 17th out of 75 cars overall, it achieved good scores for reliability and build quality, exterior styling and for its engine and gearbox. The brand itself was ranked fourth out of 29 mainstream manufacturers for customer satisfaction.

Is PureTech a hybrid? ›

The PureTech engine is mated to the new 8-speed Plug-In Hybrid e-EAT8 automatic gearbox. Associated with the box, an electric motor develops 110 hp / 81 kW on the front axle.

Do Peugeot make Ford engines? ›

The inline-four engines are sold under the DuraTorq TDCi name by Ford, and as the HDi by Citroën and Peugeot. Mazda also uses the Ford-made DLD engine in the Mazda2 and the Mazda 3.

What does Blue HDi mean? ›

BlueHDi is the name of PEUGEOT's Euro 6 Diesel engines, which combine high performance and low emissions.

Does Citroen DS3 have a timing belt or chain? ›

Citroen DS3 1.6 VTi 88 kW = Timing chain, check and replace if necessary after 10 years.

How many miles can a Citroen DS3 last? ›

Turning circle and fuel tank capacity

The DS3 is fitted with some of Citroen's most frugal petrol and diesel units, the most fuel-sipping of which is the 78.5mpg-rated 1.6-litre BlueHDI model. Top up the 48 litre tank, and a range of over 800 miles is possible.

Are Citroen DS3 reliable cars? ›

In terms of reliability the only problems encountered so far in three years have been heater failure, easily fixed, but only time will tell. Its not perfect but with a few tweaks it could be. If you value a fun drive with good looks this is a great little car that packs a good punch.

Where are Peugeot 208s made? ›

The Peugeot 208 is manufactured in a number of places including Slovakia (Trnava plant), Morocco (Kenitra) and Argentina (El Palomar).

What are the common problems with Peugeot 308? ›

Peugeot 308 Common Problems and Solutions
  • Stuck in 5th Gear. Problem: ...
  • Overheating Engine. Problem: ...
  • Oil Warning Light. Problem: ...
  • Starting problems. Problem: ...
  • Car pulling to the left side. Problem: ...
  • Anti pollution warning message. Problem: ...
  • Turbo problems. Problem: ...
  • Fan Constantly Running. Problem:

Are Peugeot 208 engines noisy? ›

Noise and vibration The 1.2 Puretech engines makes a thrummy sound when you accelerate but that fades away at motorway speeds, and while the diesel engine sounds a lot gruffer, regardless of speed, it still isn't what you'd call unpleasant.

Are all 3-cylinder engines noisy? ›

It is not that 3 cylinder engines are noisier, the difference in the sound occurs due to a different firing orders than a 4 cylinder engine. Traditionally, a balanced 4 cylinder engine will fire one of the cylinders after every 90degree rotation of the crankshaft.

Why do 3-cylinder engines vibrate? ›

In most 3-cylinder engines the occurrence of vibration is higher at slower speeds due largely to the fewer number of power strokes (number of times the cylinders are fired). This tends to even out at higher speeds and at higher engine rpm levels.

Which engine is better turbo or normal? ›

Is a turbo engine better than a normally aspirated engine? Yes, a turbocharged engine is better than a normal engine in terms of performance and efficiency. A lower capacity turbo engine can produce the same amount of power as a higher capacity NA engine.

What does the Orange engine light mean on Peugeot 208? ›

This orange / amber symbol on the Peugeot 208 dashboard is to signify the engine will not start during engine Start and Stop mode. This is because the clutch is not fully depressed.

How many miles can a Peugeot 208 do? ›

Its 217-mile driving range should make it suitable for all but the highest mileage drivers.

Do Peugeot 208 hold their value? ›

The Peugeot 208 is an attractive prospect as a cash buy, with a brochure price that's lower than most of its obvious rivals, including the Audi A1, Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo. That said, the 208's resale values aren't predicted to be as strong as those cars', so it is likely to be worth less after three years.

Will a timing belt last 10 years? ›

Depending on what schedule you may read, including information distributed by the manufacturers themselves, the average life span of a timing belt is between 60,000 and 105,000 miles or after 7 to 10 years regardless of mileage.

How much is it to change a timing belt? ›

If your timing belt is in need of replacement, you can expect that service to cost anywhere from $300 up to $500. Because the timing belt is not easily reachable on many vehicles there is a good bit of disassembly and reassembly needed to get to the belt. Economy cars with smaller engines require less labor.

What is Citroen PureTech? ›

Called PureTech 155, it's a variation of the 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit already used in the C4, producing 153bhp here. There's 10Nm more torque, too, while the PureTech 155 is eight-speed auto only. New Citroen e-C4 2021 review.

Is a 1.2 turbo engine good for motorway driving? ›

Answer provided by. While a 1.2-liter engine will work for motorway driving, most people recommend a 1.4 to 1.6-liter engine at the smallest. 1.2-liter engines are better for city driving, where you'll be doing a lot of stopping and starting. You'll get a better fuel economy rating from a small engine this way.

Which engine is better 1.2 or 1.0 turbo? ›

1.0 petrol variant is turbocharged and best in the class. 1.2 petrol is little bit underpowered. Than 1.2 lte the 1. ltre is equipped with turbo there you will get the torque and push with the mileage also.

Is turbo engine good for long drive? ›

Turbocharged cars usually run at a higher RPM, so they tend to overheat more than the naturally aspirated ones. Overheating may cause the engine to stall mid-way. Therefore if you are traveling long distances, ensure you take halts at regular intervals to avoid overheating.

What oil does Peugeot recommend? ›

Mobil 1™ ESP 5W-30 is a fully synthetic low ash oil that has been approved by Peugeot as a PSA B71 2290 oil.

Are Peugeot engines good? ›

The Peugeot HDI engine is used in a wide variety of models over a long period of time. It is, generally, a great engine. However, it isn't without its problems and turbo failure is one of them.

What does PSA stand for in Peugeot? ›

As part of the deal, a new parent company was created, PSA (Peugeot Société Anonyme) Group. In addition to manufacturing cars and trucks, PSA was a major producer of bicycles and motorcycles.

Are 3 cylinder engines reliable? ›

There is absolutely no reason for a three-cylinder engine to be less reliable than a four-cylinder engine if both are built with the same material and build quality. Reliability issues of three-cylinder engines stem from the fact that they were usually “budget” products.

Are 3 cylinder engines any good? ›

The straight-three is light on fuel and big on power. These small engines mean great fuel mileage and lower prices at the pump. Three-cylinders are also easier to care for. With cheaper maintenance and lower fuel costs, it's hard to argue against the practicality of a three-cylinder.

What does PureTech mean? ›

PureTech is the Brand name for Peugeot's new range of 3-cylinder petrol units, incorporating the efficiency with 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated, and 1.2-litre turbocharged. The PureTech engine range now powers the 108, 208, 2008, 308, 3008 & 5008 models.

Who makes engines for Peugeot? ›

The PSA Group (Peugeot/Citroën) sells a variety of automobile engines. Later HDi engines are built as part of a joint-venture with Ford Motor Company.

What is the disadvantage of 3 cylinder engine? ›

Not Refined: A 3 cylinder engine requires more work than a 4 cylinder engine due to the lower number of cylinders present. The 3 cylinders perform most of the work against the 4 cylinders which makes them a tad bit noisier than their 4 cylinder counterparts.

Are 3 cylinder engines good for long drives? ›

If you're in the market for a faster car with more dynamic acceleration. then a 3-cylinder engine might not be the best choice for you. However, a 3-cylinder engine will still have enough power for most driving purposes and its reduced size makes it easier to drive in the city and on back roads.

Do 3 cylinder engines vibrate more? ›

Three-cylinders typically have more vibration than an equivalent four-cylinder engine (or higher) of the same displacement. This isn't to say they are worse—they're just different, and the vibrations can be quelled to almost negligible levels with good old-fashioned engineering creativity.

Does 3 cylinder engine make noise? ›

It is not that 3 cylinder engines are noisier, the difference in the sound occurs due to a different firing orders than a 4 cylinder engine. Traditionally, a balanced 4 cylinder engine will fire one of the cylinders after every 90degree rotation of the crankshaft.

What is the disadvantage of an inline engine? ›

Disadvantages: Secondary forces are not balanced, which ultimately limits the size of the engine. Inline fours will rarely exceed 2.5 litres to 3.0 litres. Larger four cylinder engines will often require balancing shafts to cancel the vibration caused by the secondary imbalance.

Why are multiple cylinder engines preferable? ›

First, it's got two more cylinders than a conventional four-cylinder engine, or six in total. More cylinders mean more explosions can occur within the engine, which means more horsepower can be generated.

Is PureTech a hybrid? ›

The PureTech engine is mated to the new 8-speed Plug-In Hybrid e-EAT8 automatic gearbox. Associated with the box, an electric motor develops 110 hp / 81 kW on the front axle.

Do Peugeot make Ford engines? ›

The inline-four engines are sold under the DuraTorq TDCi name by Ford, and as the HDi by Citroën and Peugeot. Mazda also uses the Ford-made DLD engine in the Mazda2 and the Mazda 3.

What does PureTech mean Citroen? ›

More compact, the PureTech naturally aspirated 3-cylinder engine reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to a 4-cylinder engine with the same power. This means you benefit from a reduction in fuel consumption of approximately 1.5 litres every 62 miles while maintaining optimum driving pleasure.

What oil does Peugeot recommend? ›

Mobil 1™ ESP 5W-30 is a fully synthetic low ash oil that has been approved by Peugeot as a PSA B71 2290 oil.

Are Peugeot engines good? ›

The Peugeot HDI engine is used in a wide variety of models over a long period of time. It is, generally, a great engine. However, it isn't without its problems and turbo failure is one of them.

What does PSA stand for in Peugeot? ›

As part of the deal, a new parent company was created, PSA (Peugeot Société Anonyme) Group. In addition to manufacturing cars and trucks, PSA was a major producer of bicycles and motorcycles.

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