Sales of petrol Peugeot 308s were up 252% in 2014, according to the brand.

The range of PureTech three-cylinder petrol engines was first launched with the new 208, and a new turbocharged variant has appeared since in the new 308.

The engine line-up includes 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated, and 1.2-litre turbocharged variants.

The PureTech engine range now powers the 108, 208, 2008, 308, 3008 & 5008 models. 

Largely attributed to PureTech, demand for the 308 has moved from a diesel-dominated position in 2013, with only 6% of total sales credited to petrol, to 16% in 2014, with an increase from 14% to 31% in the retail sector alone. 

This growth is expected to continue during 2015 with the arrival in showrooms of two key Peugeot 308 models – GT Line and Sportium – both of which are available with PureTech petrol engines.

To meet buoyant market demand for the EB Turbocharged PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine that powers an expanding range of products, PSA Peugeot Citroën has assigned a new production line at its facility at the Trémery plant in north-eastern France.

Peugeot claims the turbocharged variant reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by an average 18% compared with the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre EP THP Prince engine.