Peugeot has announced that it will no longer offer diesel powertrain options for its passenger models and SUVs in Australia, following the discontinuation of the GT diesel trims in the 3008 and 5008 SUVs. The only remaining Peugeot-branded diesel vehicles in Australia are the Expert and Boxer LCVs, while the rest of the lineup will be limited to petrol and electrified powertrain options.
According to local media, a Peugeot Australia spokesperson said: “With continuous local market evaluation undertaken to ensure the Australian market is provided a carefully considered vehicle offering, the MY22 3008 GT Diesel will be discontinued for the MY23 production. Similarly, the MY22 5008 GT Diesel will be discontinued for the MY23 production”. Still, the spokesperson noted there is still available stock for interested parties, prompting them to contact the dealerships.
The decision to drop the diesel options from Down Under came after a long period of declining sales for the SUVs. As reported by Drive, Peugeot sold 722 units of the 3008 and 165 units of the 5008 in 2022, representing a decline of 38% and 13% respectively compared to 2021.
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The 3008 and 5008 were the only remaining models in the Australian lineup offered with the 2.0-liter BlueHDi turbodiesel engine that produces 177 hp (132 kW / 180 PS). This powertrain is also been gradually discontinued from European markets – including France – where most Peugeot models are still available with the smaller 1.6-liter BlueHDi turbodiesel producing 129 hp (96 kW / 130 PS).
Generally speaking, the days of diesel engines are numbered in Europe, with most automakers getting ready to drop them in favor of more efficient electrified petrol offerings amidst strict emission regulations. The same applies to the aforementioned BlueHDi powertrains which have been around since the era of the PSA Group and are expected to be the last of their kind.
The Old Continent recently got the new mild-hybrid 1.2-liter PureTech engine under the bonnet of the 3008 and 5008 but those options have yet to reach the Australian shores where buyers have access only to non-electrified petrol and plug-in hybrid models. This is going to change soon, as Peugeot Australia is getting ready to introduce a number of fully electric models. It is safe to assume that the all-new Peugeot E-3008 that is coming this year will also be a candidate for the Australian market.
