Stellantis launches the new Peugeot 208 and 2008 hybrids... with Fiat engines!

So yes, it's not a totally new story. At the end of 2023, we were among the first to announce that Peugeot to launch a 208 with a Fiat engine for the South American market. A few months later, in early 2024, was the Citroën C3which was also powered by a Fiat engine. But now, at the beginning of September 2025, there's still plenty to smile about: Peugeot unveils its new 208 and 2008 hybrids... and guess what? They too are powered by a Fiat engine.

The 1.0 Turbo 200 engine from Fiat

These new versions are based on the now familiar 130 hp 1.0L Turbo 200 engine, already used in the Fiat Pulse and Fastback. This three-cylinder aluminum engine, equipped with MultiAir III technology, stands out for its flexibility at low revs and its efficiency. But the big novelty is its association with an electric motor via an MHEV system, supported by a 12 V lithium-ion battery.

This is not a plug-in hybrid or even a full hybrid, but a mild hybridization. The result: up to 10 % less fuel consumption in the urban cycle and around 8 % less CO₂ emissions. Peugeot speaks of a gain in comfort and silence thanks to functions such as Advanced Start & Stop, e-Braking and e-Coasting, which recover energy during deceleration and braking.

Figures not so far from European engines

The fact remains that it's not easy to compare these data with those of European versions. According to the figures available, a Peugeot 208 equipped with the 1.0L Turbo 200 without hybridization is announced at 104 g/km of CO₂, while the 208 1.2L (PureTech Gen 3) is between 101 and 105 g/km. In other words, the difference is minimal... provided the Brazilian measurements are carried out to the same standards as in Europe.

Why not in Europe?

One might ask why this proven Fiat engine is not offered in Europe. The answer can be summed up in one word: rationalization. Stellantis has chosen to specialize its engines by market. Thus :

• In Europe, priority is given to the 1.2L Gen 3 and 1.6L Hybrid (and hopefully soon to the 2.0L GME).
• In Latin America, the 1.0 T200 and 1.3 T270 dominate.
• In North America, the trend remains towards larger engines (2.0L, 3.0L and more), even though the 1.6L made a recent appearance on the new Jeep Cherokee.

Deliberately simplified communication

Here's a fun fact: in 2025, we're no longer talking about Fiat Firefly, GSE or PureTech engines. Stellantis prefers more neutral names such as 1.0L Turbo 200, 1.2L Gen 3 or 1.6L Hybrid, in order to confuse us about the real origins of the engines. But enthusiasts are well aware that behind this "Turbo 200" designation, there's a Fiat heart beating under the hood of the Peugeot 208 and 2008.

The launch of these hybrid models marks a further step forward for Stellantis in South America. In Europe, the 1.2L and 1.6L will continue to be used, but on the other side of the Atlantic, Stellantis is relying on Fiat technology to electrify its best-sellers. A logical strategy... but one that is sure to fuel discussions between Italian and French car enthusiasts.