French Brands Enter the Japanese Diesel Market

While diesel engines may not be widely familiar to Japanese consumers from Peugeot or Citroën, their history is long, with the first diesel model, the "403," introduced in 1958. In Europe, diesel models are a significant pillar for the company, andHybrid combining electric motor and diesel engineis already in commercial production.

The engines being introduced this time are inline four-cylinder, direct-injection common-rail units combined with turbochargers. All employ the latest clean diesel technologies, including an oxidation catalyst, SCR with AdBlue urea solution, and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) with a self-cleaning mechanism. They meet both the European "Euro 6" emissions standard and Japan's "Post New Long-Term" regulations.

Displacement options are 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter, with the 2.0-liter available in two different power outputs.

Peugeot 308 Allure BlueHDi

EAT6

The 1.6-liter SOHC turbo produces a maximum output of 120ps and peak torque of 300Nm. The Peugeot "308 Allure BlueHDi" boasts fuel economy of 21.0 km/ℓ. It will also be fitted to the Citroën "C4 Feel BlueHDi." The 2.0-liter DOHC turbo, with a maximum output of 150ps and peak torque of 370Nm, is slated for use in Citroën's MPVs, the "C4 SpaceTourer (Picasso) BlueHDi" and "Grand C4 SpaceTourer (Picasso) BlueHDi."

The most powerful model features a 2.0-liter DOHC engine with a variable geometry turbocharger, delivering a maximum output of 180ps and peak torque of 400Nm at just 2,000rpm. It will be installed in the Peugeot "308 GT BlueHDi," "508 GT," and the DS "DS 4 BlueHDi," "DS 4 Crossback BlueHDi."

All these models will be paired with the "EAT6" 6-speed automatic transmission, jointly developed with Aisin AW.

14 Models Planned for Introduction

Looking at the models, Peugeot's hatchback "308" and its wagon variant "308 SW" will feature the 1.6-liter engine in the basic "308 Allure" and "308 SW Allure" trims, priced at 2.99 million yen and 3.238 million yen, respectively. The sporty "308 GT" and "308 SW GT" models will be equipped with the 180ps 2.0-liter engine, priced at 3.54 million yen and 3.788 million yen.

The Peugeot brand's flagship saloon, the "508," and its station wagon counterpart, the "508 SW," will be powered by the potent 180ps 2.0-liter engine, priced at 4.34 million yen and 4.64 million yen. Additionally, early next year, the SUV "3008" and an unannounced new model are scheduled for introduction.

Peugeot 308GT BlueHDi

Peugeot 508GT BlueHDi

Citroën will introduce a new grade for the hatchback "C4," the "C4 Feel BlueHDi," equipped with the 1.6-liter engine, priced at 2.79 million yen. This autumn, the MPVs "C4 Picasso" and "Grand C4 Picasso" are scheduled to receive the 150ps 2.0-liter engine.

For the DS brand, the "DS 4" and its SUV-styled counterpart, the "DS 4 Crossback", will be equipped with the 180ps 2.0-liter engine, priced at 3.49 million yen and 3.61 million yen, respectively. Furthermore, in January 2017, the flagship "DS 5" is also scheduled to feature the same engine.

Citroën C4 Feel

BlueHDi 2.0ℓ

At the press conference, Professor Hiroyuki Ogawa from the Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, took the stage. He explained that despite the diesel engine's often negative image in Japan, it is environmentally friendly due to its high thermal efficiency and advanced clean technologies. He also welcomed Peugeot Citroën Japan's decision, stating that maintaining a certain market share for diesel engines is healthy from the perspective of energy diversity.

In the diesel market, alongside the pioneering German manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen, Jaguar from the UK and Maserati from Italy entered last year. Now, French brands Peugeot, Citroën, and DS are joining. Of course, Japanese manufacturers like Mazda are also active. Although the market had previously shrunk, it is gradually expanding with new options thanks to technological advancements that address previous issues.

Peugeot 308 Allure BlueHDi
Body Dimensions | Length 4,260 × Width 1,805 × Height 1,470 mm
Wheelbase | 2,620 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,340 kg
Engine | 1,560 cc Inline 4-cylinder SOHC with Turbocharger
Maximum Output | 88 kW (120 ps) / 3,500 rpm
Maximum Torque | 300 Nm / 1,750 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT (6EAT)
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 21.0 km/ℓ
Price | 2.99 million yen

Peugeot 308 SW Allure BlueHDi
Body Dimensions | Length 4,585 × Width 1,805 × Height 1,475 mm
Wheelbase | 2,730 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,400 kg
Engine | 1,560 cc Inline 4-cylinder SOHC with Turbocharger
Maximum Output | 88 kW (120 ps) / 3,500 rpm
Maximum Torque | 300 Nm / 1,750 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT (6EAT)
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 21.0 km/ℓ
Price | 3.238 million yen

Peugeot 308 GT BlueHDi
Body Dimensions | Length 4,260 × Width 1,805 × Height 1,460 mm
Wheelbase | 2,620 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,480 kg
Engine | 1,997 cc Inline 4-cylinder SOHC with Turbocharger
Maximum Output | 133 kW (180 ps) / 3,750 rpm
Maximum Torque | 400 Nm / 2,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT (6EAT)
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 20.1 km/ℓ
Price | 3.54 million yen

Peugeot 308 SW GT BlueHDi
Body Dimensions | Length 4,585 × Width 1,805 × Height 1,465 mm
Wheelbase | 2,730 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,520 kg
Engine | 1,997 cc Inline 4-cylinder SOHC with Turbocharger
Maximum Output | 133 kW (180 ps) / 3,750 rpm
Maximum Torque | 400 Nm / 2,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT (6EAT)
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 20.1 km/ℓ
Price | 3.788 million yen

Peugeot 508 GT BlueHDi
Body Dimensions | Length 4,830 × Width 1,855 × Height 1,455 mm
Wheelbase | 2,815 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,650 kg
Engine | 1,997 cc Inline 4-cylinder SOHC with Turbocharger
Maximum Output | 133 kW (180 ps) / 3,750 rpm
Maximum Torque | 400 Nm / 2,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT (6EAT)
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 18.0 km/ℓ
Price | 4.34 million yen

Peugeot 508 SW GT BlueHDi
Body Dimensions | Length 4,830 × Width 1,855 × Height 1,505 mm
Wheelbase | 2,815 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,700 kg
Engine | 1,997 cc Inline 4-cylinder SOHC with Turbocharger
Maximum Output | 133 kW (180 ps) / 3,750 rpm
Maximum Torque | 400 Nm / 2,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT (6EAT)
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 18.0 km/ℓ
Price | 4.64 million yen

Citroën C4 Feel BlueHDi
Body Dimensions | Length 4,330 × Width 1,790 × Height 1,490 mm
Wheelbase | 2,610 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,380 kg
Engine | 1,560 cc Inline 4-cylinder SOHC with Turbocharger
Maximum Output | 88 kW (120 ps) / 3,500 rpm
Maximum Torque | 300 Nm / 1,750 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT (6EAT)
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 20.2 km/ℓ
Price | 2.79 million yen

DS 4 Chic BlueHDi LED Vision Package
Body Dimensions | Length 4,285 × Width 1,810 × Height 1,500 mm
Wheelbase | 2,610 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,500 kg
Engine | 1,997 cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC with Turbocharger
Maximum Output | 133 kW (180 ps) / 3,750 rpm
Maximum Torque | 400 Nm / 2,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT (6EAT)
Price | 3.49 million yen

DS 4 Crossback BlueHDi
Body Dimensions | Length 4,285 × Width 1,810 × Height 1,530 mm
Wheelbase | 2,610 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,500 kg
Engine | 1,997 cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC with Turbocharger
Maximum Output | 133 kW (180 ps) / 3,750 rpm
Maximum Torque | 400 Nm / 2,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT (6EAT)
Price | 3.61 million yen