A car with a lion on the badge: what brand is it and what models does it produce?

Have you ever noticed a car on the road with an emblem of a proud lion? This symbol belongs to one of the oldest automobile brands in the world - Peugeot. The French company, founded back in 1810 as a manufacturer of coffee mills, is today known for its reliable and stylish cars. But why exactly did the lion become the symbol of the brand, and which models wear this emblem today?

In this article we will look at the history of the logo Peugeot, we’ll tell you how it evolved from the first black and white versions to modern 3D design, and list the current models of the brand that can be found on the Russian market. You will also learn how to distinguish the original emblem from a fake and why this symbol is so important for identifying company cars.

History of the Peugeot logo: from mills to cars

The first logo with the image of a lion appeared in Peugeot in 1847, when the company was engaged in the production of tools and household appliances. The symbol was inspired by the coat of arms of Franche-Comté, the region in eastern France where the factory was located. Leo personified strength, flexibility and speed - qualities that later became associated with the brand's cars.

Interestingly, until 1905 the logo was static: the lion stood on its hind legs, leaning on an arrow (a symbol of speed). However, with the development of automobile production, the emblem began to transform:

• 🔹 1905 — the lion stands on all four paws for the first time, which symbolized stability and reliability.
• 🔹 1948 — the coat of arms appears, and the lion becomes more dynamic.
• 🔹 1965 — the logo is simplified, the lion loses details, but retains a recognizable silhouette.
• 🔹 2021 - a modern 3D version with a volume effect, used on new models.

Today's emblem Peugeot - one of the most recognizable in the world. It is often confused with logos of other brands (for example, Alfa Romeo or Maserati, where there are also animals), but each symbol has unique features. For example, a lion Peugeot always looks to the left while the snake Alfa Romeo - to the right.

Which Peugeot models wear the lion badge today?

The Russian market offers a wide range of models Peugeot, from compact hatchbacks to premium crossovers. All of them are equipped with a branded lion emblem, but its location and size may vary depending on the class of the car. Here are the current models (2023–2026) that can be officially purchased:

Car class	Model	Features of the emblem	Price (from/to, RUB million)
Compact hatchback	Peugeot 208	Lion on the radiator grille, small size	1.8–2.5
Family sedan	Peugeot 308	3D emblem on hood OTE, chrome trim	2.1–3.0
Crossover	Peugeot 3008	Large lion on the front bumper, backlight (optional)	2.5–3.8
Business class	Peugeot 508	Extended grille emblem, premium finish	3.2–4.5
Electric car	Peugeot e-208	Lion with a blue tint (electric car symbol)	2.3–3.1

Please note: on some models (eg Peugeot 2008 or 5008) the emblem can be integrated into the LED lighting, which gives the car a more futuristic look. Also on hybrid versions (Hybrid) a green or blue accent is often placed next to the lion.

How to distinguish an original Peugeot emblem from a fake?

Fake emblems Peugeot often found on the aftermarket, especially for popular models like 308 or 3008. Here are the key features of the original:

• 🔍 Material: The original is made of durable plastic with a metal coating; counterfeits are often plastic and lightweight.
• 🔍 Fastening: the factory emblem is fixed with special latches, and not with glue or screws.
• 🔍 Color: the lion should be clear, without blurry contours. Paint drips are often noticeable on fakes.
• 🔍 Article: The part code is printed on the back of the original (for example, 9671.T0 for Peugeot 3008).

If you buy an emblem separately (for example, after an accident), ask the seller for a certificate of conformity. Also pay attention to the price: the original part costs from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles, while fakes can be found for 500–1,500 rubles.

What happens if you install a non-original emblem?

A poor-quality emblem can fall off while driving (especially at high speed), damage the paintwork of the hood or cause corrosion. In addition, when selling a car, an expert can reduce its value due to non-original parts.

Where else can you find a logo with a lion?

Emblem Peugeot used not only on cars. The brand actively promotes its symbol in other areas:

• 🚲 Bicycles: the company produces electric bicycles Peugeot eBike with logo on the frame.
• ⚡ Charging stations: branded EV chargers for electric cars also feature a lion.
• 🎮 Video games: cars Peugeot often appear in racing simulators (e.g. Gran Turismo or Forza Horizon).
• 🛍️ Merch: From T-shirts to phone cases, the logo is used on souvenirs.

Fun fact: in 2022 Peugeot released a limited edition watch Peugeot Horloge with logo on the dial. Such accessories often become collectibles among fans of the brand.

Why is the lion emblem so popular among car enthusiasts?

Logo Peugeot is associated with several key values that drivers value:

• 🦁 Reliability: The brand's vehicles are known for their durability and low maintenance costs.
• 🎨 Design: French style makes cars Peugeot recognizable and elegant.
• 🌍 Innovation: the brand is actively developing electric vehicles and hybrids (for example, e-308 or 508 Hybrid).
• 🏆 Sports achievements: Peugeot won rallies many times Yeskar and Le Mans.

In addition, the lion emblem often becomes the object of tuning. For example, some owners install LED versions of the logo or paint it to match the body color. However, such modifications may affect the warranty, so you should consult your authorized dealer before making any modifications.

Frequently asked questions about the Peugeot logo

Even experienced car enthusiasts sometimes confuse the emblem Peugeot with other logos. Let's look at the most popular questions:

🔹 Why does the lion on the Peugeot emblem look to the left?

This is a tribute to tradition: the first logo of 1847 was a mirror image of the coat of arms of Franche-Comté, where the lion faced to the right. When adapted for cars in 1905, it was turned around, and since then the direction has not changed.

🔹 What other car brands have emblems with animals?

Besides Peugeot, animals are on the logos:

• 🐍 Alfa Romeo (snake eating a man)
• 🐎 Porsche and Ferrari (horses)
• 🦅 Maserati (trident with bird)
• 🐂 Lamborghini (bull)

🔹 Is it possible to buy the Peugeot emblem separately?

Yes, original emblems are sold in official service centers or from trusted spare parts suppliers. The average price is from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles, depending on the model. When purchasing, check the article number and the presence of a hologram on the package.

🔹 Why is the emblem illuminated on some Peugeot models?

Logo backlighting is an option for premium versions (for example, Peugeot 508 GT or 3008 Allure). It turns on along with the side lights and runs on LEDs. This solution improves the visibility of the car at night.

🔹 How to properly care for the Peugeot emblem?

To prevent the logo from fading:

• 🧽 Wash your car using a contactless method or with a soft sponge.
• 🚫 Avoid abrasive detergents.
• 🔄 Apply protective wax to chrome elements once every six months.
• 🛠️ For scratches, use metal polish.

Conclusion: Why does the lion emblem remain relevant?

Logo Peugeot is not just a symbol of the brand, but part of the automotive culture. Over more than a century of history, it has become associated with French style, innovation and reliability. Today, the lion emblem can be seen on cars of different classes - from affordable hatchbacks to premium crossovers, as well as on electric cars that determine the future of the auto industry.

If you are planning to buy a car with such a logo, pay attention to the model Peugeot 3008 — it combines modern design, good equipment and a reasonable price. And for speed lovers, it’s worth taking a closer look at the sports versions Peugeot 508 PSE (Plug-in Sport Engineered) with a hybrid powertrain.