A car with a lion icon: history and models of the Peugeot brand

When car enthusiasts wonder which car is decorated with a lion badge, they most often mean the legendary French concern Peugeot. This car brand with a rich history has been using the image of a predator as its official emblem for more than two centuries. However, over the long period of its existence, the logo has undergone many changes, changing the animal's pose, detailing and even the number of paws, which sometimes causes confusion among collectors and novice drivers.

It is worth noting that the lion on the hood is not just a beautiful picture, but a symbol of strength, flexibility and speed, which the company chose back in the 19th century. Initially, when the brand was producing coffee grinders and saws, the roaring lion was supposed to represent the quality and reliability of metal products. Over time, with the transition to bicycles and cars, the image became more stylized, but the essence remained the same: this is a machine that combines elegance and power.

In the modern world, there are many modifications, from compact city hatchbacks to powerful crossovers, and they all bear a recognizable silhouette on the grille. Understanding which model is in front of you often depends on the shape of the “animal grin” and the year of manufacture of the vehicle. In this article we will analyze in detail the evolution of the brand, look at key models and discuss the features of their operation.

Logo evolution: from saw to electric car

History of the emblem Peugeot dates back more than 200 years, and during this time the lion has changed dramatically. In 1850, a snarling, rearing animal appeared on saw blades for the first time. This image was supposed to symbolize three qualities of a saw blade: flexibility of the spine, sharpness of the teeth and cutting speed. Later, when the company began producing bicycles, the lion became more dynamic, and with the beginning of the automobile era, artists began to experiment with profile and angle.

In the mid-20th century, especially in the post-war years, the logo became more streamlined and modern, following the fashion trends of the time. The lion “reared up”, then “walked”, and in the 90s the famous lion appeared, looking to the left, with a characteristic “bang”. Today's logo, especially on the new electric models, features a shield with a lion's head, marking a new era for the brand.

⚠️ Attention: When buying a used car from photographs, carefully study the logo. If a car dated 2010 has a 1960 model emblem, this may indicate that body parts have been replaced or the car is not original.

It is important to understand that changes in the heraldic sign often coincided with the release of iconic models. For example, the appearance of a more aggressive lion often correlated with the launch of sports versions or updating of the model range. Knowing these nuances helps to more accurately determine the age of the car during inspection, even if the documents are lost or in doubt.

Main brand models: from 108 to 508

The modern line of cars with the lion icon covers almost all classes of passenger transport. The most popular models in the compact car segment are Peugeot 108 and Peugeot 208. These vehicles are designed for urban use and are distinguished by maneuverability and economical fuel consumption. The small “108” is often chosen as a second car in the family or as a first car for a beginner due to its dimensions.

The larger class C is represented by the model Peugeot 308, which has been repeatedly voted Car of the Year in Europe. This is already a full-fledged family hatchback or station wagon, offering a high level of comfort and safety. For those looking for business class, the model is intended Peugeot 508, which combines the features of a sedan and a fastback, having a unique front optics design reminiscent of the fangs of a predator.

• 🚗 Compact class: Ideal for traffic jams and parking in the city center.
• 🏠 Family segment: Spacious interior and large trunk for travel.
• 💼 Business segment: Premium materials and advanced driver assistance systems.
• ⚡ Electric cars: New versions with zero emissions and modern electronics.

The crossover deserves special attention Peugeot 3008, which became the brand's bestseller in many countries. High ground clearance and all-wheel drive allow this car to feel confident not only on asphalt, but also on light off-road conditions. The design of this car is often called futuristic, and it is radically different from the classic sedans of the brand.

Technical features and engines

Under the hood of cars with the lion badge you can find a wide range of power units. French engineers are traditionally strong in creating compact and efficient engines. Gasoline engines of the series have gained particular popularity PureTech with turbocharging. They are characterized by a small displacement, often only 1.2 liters, but thanks to the turbine they produce power comparable to naturally aspirated engines with a volume of 1.6 or even 2.0 liters.

Diesel units known as BlueHDi, are famous for their efficiency and compliance with strict environmental standards Euro-6. They are designed using a selective catalytic reduction system using urea (AdBlue), which significantly reduces nitrogen oxide emissions. This makes such cars welcome in environmentally restricted areas in major European cities.

Engine type	Volume (l)	Power (hp)	Features
Gasoline PureTech	1.2	82 - 130	3 cylinders, direct intake
Gasoline THP	1.6	150 - 270	Turbo, developed jointly with BMW
Diesel BlueHDi	1.5 - 2.0	100 - 180	AdBlue system, particulate filter
Electro (e-208)	-	136	Cruising range up to 340 km (WLTP)

Transmissions are also varied: from classic manual transmissions to modern 8-speed automatics Aisin and robotic boxes EAT8. The latest generation of robots operate smoothly and shift quickly, providing comfort comparable to torque converter automatics, but at the same time using less fuel.

i-Cockpit security systems and electronics

A unique feature of modern Peugeot cars is the interior architecture i-Cockpit. It's a concept that puts the driver at the center of attention. The instrument panel sits high, right in the field of view, and the steering wheel has a reduced diameter and is flattened at the top and bottom. This arrangement allows you to avoid looking down when reading the speedometer, which increases safety.

The car's electronics constantly monitor the road situation. Active cruise control, lane keeping and automatic braking systems operate on the basis of data from cameras and radars. However, like any complex equipment, they require proper calibration. If you have replaced the windshield or had the front end repaired, you will need to perform computer tuning of the systems.

⚠️ Attention: Do not cover the area of the windshield behind the rearview mirror and the area around the bumper emblem with thick tint films or stickers. This can disrupt the operation of cameras and parking sensors, rendering security systems useless.

The multimedia system is usually controlled through the touch screen and physical satellite buttons located around it. This solution allows you to control navigation and music without taking your hands off the wheel and without being distracted by searching for menus in the depths of the touch interface. The latest software update often adds support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in wireless mode.

Maintenance and common problems

Owning a French car requires compliance with certain maintenance rules. One of the most famous features of 1.2-liter gasoline engines is the timing belt, which operates in an oil bath. The material of such a belt is sensitive to the quality of the engine oil. The use of non-original lubricants or violation of replacement intervals can lead to swelling and destruction of the belt.

Belt breakdown products clog the oil receiver, which leads to oil starvation of the engine. This is a critical situation that may require major repairs. Therefore, there is a golden rule for owners of such cars: use only certified oils with manufacturer approval and change the belt strictly according to the regulations, and ideally, more often than the factory recommends in heavy city traffic jams.

• 🛢️ Oil: Specification 0W-30 Low SAPS only.
• 🔧 Timing belt: Check every 30-40 thousand km, replace every 60-80 thousand km.
• ❄️ AdBlue system: Monitoring the liquid level and nozzle condition.
• 🔋 Battery: Requires AGM or EFB battery for Start-Stop system.

It is also worth paying attention to the cooling system. Thermostats on modern engines are often designed as a single module with a pump and can fail over 100 thousand kilometers. Signs of a malfunction are a long warm-up of the engine or, conversely, a tendency to overheat in traffic jams.

Body features and corrosion

The issue of corrosion resistance for French cars is always acute. Modern models Peugeot receive high-quality galvanization, but there are places that require special attention from the owner. First of all, these are the edges of the doors, sills and the area around the license plate. Chips of paint on the hood and roof also need to be promptly painted over, since aluminum and steel used in the body react differently to aggressive environments, but rust can spread under the paint layer.

Winter reagents pose a particular problem. If you operate your machine in a region with harsh winters, it is recommended to carry out anti-corrosion treatment of hidden cavities annually. This will extend the life of the body for many years. It is also worth paying attention to the plastic linings on the arches - moisture and dirt often accumulate under them, which leads to hidden pockets of metal corrosion.

A unique feature of some Peugeot models is the use of composite materials for the rear arches and bumpers, which do not rust, but can crack under a strong impact, unlike their metal counterparts, which simply crumple.

The paintwork on French cars is often soft. This provides a deep shine and rich color, but makes the body vulnerable to small scratches (“cobwebs”) when washed. Using quality waxes and ceramic coatings will help keep your lion badge car looking its best.

The secret to body durability

Many owners forget about drainage holes in their doors. Their periodic cleaning of leaves and dirt prevents water from stagnating inside the door, which is the main cause of metal corrosion from the inside, which is not visible during external inspection.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it true that all cars with a lion are Peugeots?

In the vast majority of cases, yes. However, historically the lion was also used by other manufacturers, for example, the Italian company Isotta Fraschini or Swedish Scania (trucks and buses). The lion is also depicted on the coat of arms of England and can be found on tuned versions of other brands as a decorative element. But if we are talking about a mass-produced passenger car, it is almost guaranteed to be a Peugeot.

What does the lion with its mouth open mean on older models?

This is a classic logo symbolizing a snarling predator. At different periods of history, the lion was sometimes standing on its hind legs, sometimes walking, sometimes with its mouth closed. The open mouth has traditionally been associated with engine power and the aggressive nature of the car. In modern versions (after 2021), the brand has switched to a logo in the form of a shield with a lion's head.

Is it difficult to find spare parts for Peugeot in Russia?

The situation with spare parts varies. Consumables (filters, pads, oils) for popular models like 308 or 408 are widely available, since unified units are often used with other PSA brands (Citroen, Opel, Fiat). Body parts and specific electronics for new models are more difficult to find; they are often supplied to order.

What is the service life of PureTech engines?

With timely and high-quality maintenance, especially regarding the timing belt and lubrication system, the engine life can be 250-300 thousand kilometers or more. The key factor is the frequency of oil changes - at least once every 7-8 thousand km in urban conditions, even if the regulations allow longer intervals.