Peugeot brings petrol particulate filter

Peugeot is about to take the lead on vehicle emissions in Australia by introducing the first Petrol Particulate Filter (PPF) system on its upcoming 308 and 508 GT models.

The PPF is the widespread response to the tightening of emission standards in Europe under the latest WLTP testing regime but has been rejected by a number of high-profile carmakers, led by Volkswagen Australia. This is because it is believed the device is not compatible with the high sulphur content in Australian fuel.

But Peugeot is confident it has overcome any challenge and will have a PPF fitted to the exhaust system of the 308 GT that goes on sale later this month.

“Our engineering team in France have investigated and tested the performance of the PPF system and determined that it can function with Australian premium fuels,” the managing director of Peugeot Australia, Ben Farlow, reveals to carsales.

“With the government mandating the current fuel standards well beyond mid-next decade, the time for debate is over, we just have to get on with the task of developing and offering efficient and exciting vehicles,” Farlow stated.

Mercedes-Benz is also entering the debate with the latest version of its A45 and CLA45 AMG models, which will have a PPF as standard around the world next year.

Until now, it was generally accepted that the maximum sulphur content in fuels suitable for a PPF was about 40 parts-per-million, against a common local standard of 150ppm and a 50ppm level for premium unleaded.

The arrival of the PPF comes against a background of widespread resistance to the technology, as well as claims that the Federal Government needs to enforce a lower sulphur content in Australian fuel.

It is also happening as particulate filters on diesel engines are being questioned, with Toyota Australia facing a class action that affects its top selling HiLux, Prado and Fortuner and could involve as many as 250,000 vehicles built from 2015.

Peugeot says there are fundamental differences between the filters used on petrol and diesel engines, because petrol exhaust temperatures are much higher. It also highlights the special testing required for PPF use in Australia.

“By developing this technology to tolerate fuels with higher sulphur content, we can give Australians access to a wider variety of drivetrains, such as the high performance 1.6-litre drivetrain that will underpin our 308 and 508 GT models,” says Farlow.

Peugeot’s parent, PSA Group, was the first to introduce the PPF on direct-injection powerplants from December 2017 and was also the first to standardise a diesel particulate filter across its passenger models in 2000.

“While fuel quality in Australia is behind that of Europe and many other developed markets, our PPF systems have been designed to work with poorer quality fuels. We have undertaken a significant amount of engineering and testing to ensure our systems are as robust as possible and we would not be introducing the technology if we did not have faith in its performance,” says a spokesperson for the company’s engineering group.

Farlow rejects claims that PPF technology cannot be introduced in Australia.

“PSA’s PPF design is robust to a fuel containing an average 40 ppm and thus can tolerate all premium-grade fuel in Australia. While some of our samples and testing did use averages up to 70 and 150ppm, these were extreme levels. Our recommendation is to use premium grade fuels only – with a skew towards 98RON,” he stated.

Although Peugeot is not identifying an exact sulphur level suitable for its system, it says owners must still use recommended fuels and lubricants, keep up-to-date with servicing and ensure the vehicle is driven for longer periods of times, especially if a vehicle normally only does short trips.

Peugeot says it decided to introduce the PPF with the 308 GT hatch, while will be followed by the 508 GT Fastback and Sportwagon, because the engine and the latest eight-speed Aisin automatic gearbox brings greater power, performance and drivability while emitting less pollutants than ever before.

It says the Australian replacement price for the filter, including the catalyst, is $1283.85.