The car with the lion on the hood is a French car Peugeot, whose logo is one of the oldest in the global industry. Leo, depicted on the emblem, symbolizes power, flexibility and speed, qualities that the company's engineers sought to incorporate into their creations at the end of the 19th century. If you see this sign, know that this is a representative of one of the most technologically advanced automakers in Europe, with a rich history of victories in rallies and races.
The question of what is the name of a car with a lion on the hood often arises among novice car enthusiasts or when meeting rare classic examples on the roads. Peugeot (Peugeot) has come a long way from making coffee grinders and bicycles to creating cutting-edge electric vehicles and racing prototypes. Brand recognition is ensured not only by its aggressive design, but also by its consistent build quality, which is appreciated by drivers around the world.
Modern models of the brand continue to bear the proud name of the lion, although the logo itself has repeatedly changed its appearance, becoming more stylized and flat. In this article we will analyze in detail the history of the appearance of the symbol, consider the current model range, and also give practical advice on servicing these cars so that your Peugeot served long and reliably.
The history of the appearance of the lion on the car emblem
The history of the famous lion dates back to 1847, when the Peugeot brothers, who owned a metallurgical plant in Valentignes, decided to label their products. The first products with the image of a predator were saws: the lion symbolized the three key qualities of the saw blade - the strength of the teeth (resistance), the flexibility of the blade (flexibility) and the cutting speed (lightness). Later, with the start of automobile production in 1889, it was decided to transfer this now popular symbol to the radiator grille of new vehicles.
Over more than a century of history, the logo has undergone many changes, reflecting the spirit of the times and design trends. At first the lion was standing on its hind legs, then it crouched to the ground, preparing to jump, and in recent years the brand has moved to a flat, graphic image of the lion's head. Evolution of the emblem directly correlates with technical progress: from massive steam engines to aerodynamic bodies of the series GT.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used car, pay attention to the condition of the emblem mounting. Frequent pressure washing or careless polishing can damage the chrome or tear off the plastic base of the logo, requiring replacement of the part.
It is interesting that at different periods the lion was depicted with an open mouth, which was supposed to demonstrate the roar of an engine, or with a closed one, emphasizing calmness and reliability. Today's logo, unveiled in 2021, is designed in the style neo-retro and aims to combine the brand's rich heritage with its electric future. This is not just a picture, but a sign of quality that is recognized anywhere on the globe.
Key Peugeot models with distinctive design
The modern line of cars with a lion on the hood includes a wide range of models, from compact hatchbacks to large crossovers. Each model has its own unique character and a design inspired by the i-Cockpit concept, which features a compact steering wheel and a high-mounted instrument panel. This creates a feeling of driving a go-kart, which is especially noticeable in urban environments.
One of the most popular models is Peugeot 308. This car regularly receives awards for best design and ergonomics. Its front part with the characteristic “fangs” of daytime running lights and a large radiator grille makes the car recognizable even from afar. A crossover is ideal for family trips Peugeot 3008, which combines cross-country ability, high ground clearance and a futuristic interior.
- 🦁 Peugeot 208 - a compact and maneuverable hatchback, an ideal choice for the metropolis, also available in a fully electric version e-208.
- 🚙 Peugeot 5008 — a seven-seat crossover with a convertible interior, offering maximum space for large families.
- 🏎️ Peugeot 508 - a fast liftback with a truly sporty silhouette and low-slung, competing with the German “Big Three”.
- ⚡ Peugeot e-Expert is a commercial electric vehicle that proves that workhorses can be eco-friendly and stylish too.
The sports department deserves special attention Peugeot Sport, which releases versions GT and GTi. These cars feature more aggressive bumpers, improved aerodynamics and uprated engines. Owning such a car is not just a means of transportation, but also participation in the brand’s racing history, which includes victories in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Dakar Rally.
Secrets of model names
Did you know that Peugeot model numbering has its own logic? Typically, the first digit indicates the car class (size), and the last digit indicates the model generation. For example, 308 is a compact class (3), eighth generation. Zeros in the middle (as in 3008 or 5008) traditionally denote crossovers or SUVs. However, in recent years the brand has been moving away from strictly following this system, introducing letter suffixes for electric versions.
Technical features and reliability of engines
Under the hood of a car with a lion you can most often find engines from the series PureTech (gasoline) and BlueHDi (diesel). The 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engines have become a real hit due to their efficiency and surprisingly high power for such a volume. However, they require high-quality maintenance, especially regarding the lubrication system and the timing belt, which operates in an oil bath.
Diesel units are famous for their high-torque performance and service life. System BlueHDi includes a particulate filter and urea (AdBlue), which allows it to comply with the strictest environmental standards Euro 6. For Russian operating conditions, it is important to monitor the quality of fuel and the level of urea, since the car’s electronics are very sensitive to the purity of exhaust gases.
| Engine type | Volume (l) | Power (hp) | Resource (km) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PureTech | 1.2 | 82 - 130 | 200 000+ | Turbocharging, belt in oil |
| PureTech | 1.6 | 150 - 165 | 250 000+ | High reliability, chain |
| BlueHDi | 1.5 | 130 | 300 000+ | Economical, AdBlue system |
| BlueHDi | 2.0 | 150 - 180 | 350 000+ | Torque, for large models |
Transmissions installed on Peugeot, range from time-tested manual transmissions to modern 8-speed automatic transmissions Aisin. Automatic transmissions are characterized by smooth shifting and adaptability, but they also require regular oil changes, despite the manufacturer's claims that the fluid is filled for life. Ignoring this rule may lead to costly valve body repairs.
☑️ Checklist before buying a Peugeot
Typical faults and methods for their elimination
Like any complex equipment, a car with a lion on the hood has its own characteristic “diseases”. One of the common problems for 1.2 PureTech gasoline engines is the destruction of the timing belt. Belt lint can clog the oil pump, leading to oil starvation and engine wedge. Therefore belt condition monitoring and using only recommended low viscosity oils is critical.
Owners of diesel versions often encounter problems with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and diesel particulate filter (DPF), especially if the car is driven primarily in the city over short distances. For prevention, it is necessary to periodically load the engine on the highway so that the filter can be regenerated. You should also pay close attention to the condition of the fuel system and injectors.
⚠️ Attention: Never turn off the engine immediately after active regeneration of the particulate filter. Let it idle for 1-2 minutes to cool the turbine and stabilize temperature conditions.
Among the electrical elements, it is worth noting the possible failure of the parking sensors and multimedia system. Software failures can often be resolved by rebooting or updating the software from an authorized dealer. The body of Peugeot cars is well galvanized, but owners should monitor the integrity of the paintwork on the edges of doors and sills to prevent the appearance of pockets of corrosion.
Helpful advice: To extend the life of the turbine on Peugeot gasoline engines, use only oils with the approval specified in the service book (usually 0W-20 or 0W-30). Saving on oil can lead to major engine overhauls.
Maintenance costs and spare parts availability
Car brand content Peugeot in Russia and the CIS countries has its own characteristics. On the one hand, this is a mass brand, and consumables (filters, pads, spark plugs) are widely available and cost reasonable money. On the other hand, body parts and specific suspension parts may cost more than mass-market competitors and often require a waiting order.
The maintenance schedule requires a service visit every 10,000 km or once a year, which is a fairly frequent interval for modern cars. However, this approach allows for timely identification of minor faults. Standard hour cost at official stations is higher than at garage services, but for complex work with electronics and PureTech engines, it is better to contact specialists who know the specifics of French engines.
- 🔧 Spare parts: Motor parts and electrical parts are often original or from trusted suppliers (Valeo, Bosch), which guarantees quality.
- 💰 Prices: The cost of scheduled maintenance is comparable to other European brands (VW, Ford), but higher than that of budget “Chinese” or “Korean” brands.
- 🚚 Logistics: For some auto body parts, delivery times can range from 2 to 6 weeks, which must be taken into account when planning repairs after an accident.
Despite possible nuances with the availability of spare parts, Peugeot remains a popular choice due to the high residual life of the main units. Proper maintenance allows these cars to travel 300-400 thousand kilometers without major investments in the engine and gearbox.
The main conclusion: Peugeot is a car for those who value design and comfort above utilitarianism. With timely and high-quality maintenance, the “lion” on the hood will delight the owner for many years, but requires careful attention to maintenance regulations.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
In its segment, a car with a lion on the hood successfully competes with such giants as the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Mazda 3. The main advantage Peugeot is a unique interior and exterior design that will set you apart from the gray stream of identical cars. French charm is combined here with the German practicality of the EMP2 platform, on which many models of the PSA concern (now Stellantis) are built.
When compared with Korean or Chinese counterparts, Peugeot often wins in the quality of interior materials and suspension settings, which hold the road well at high speeds while remaining comfortable on bumps. However, in basic configurations the Frenchman may be inferior in terms of the number of electronic options, offering them only in expensive versions GT or Allure.
To sum up, a car with a lion logo is a choice for people with taste who are looking for a balance between driving emotion and everyday practicality. This is not just a means of transportation from point A to point B, but a way to express your individuality. With a competent approach to operation and maintenance, this car will become a reliable partner for many years, justifying the trust that people have placed in the brand for almost 200 years.
Why does the lion on the Peugeot logo sometimes change direction?
The direction of view and the pose of the lion changed depending on the era and design tasks. In the early years, the lion looked to the right, then it was turned to the left, stood on end or bent down. This did not have a mystical meaning, but reflected artistic trends and the need to adapt the logo to new forms of radiator grilles and emblems. The modern lion looks straight or in profile, symbolizing confidence and readiness to charge.
What does the GT sign mean on a Peugeot car?
Abbreviation GT (Gran Turismo) on Peugeot vehicles denotes the sports version of the model. Such cars are equipped with more powerful engines, have an improved braking system, a sports body kit, lowered suspension and a special wheel design. The interior of these versions also features sports seats and decorative elements.
Is Peugeot a French brand?
Yes, historically and culturally Peugeot is a French brand founded in France. However, from 2021 the brand is part of the multinational automobile giant Stellantis, which was formed as a result of the merger of PSA Group (owner of Peugeot, Citroen) and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Car production can take place in factories in different countries, including France, Spain, Slovakia and China.