While it initially wanted to combine the notions of environmental performance and technology, the name 1.2 PureTech became a pushback. The reliability problems of this three-cylinder gasoline engine are now well publicized, and Peugeot has even completely renounced the use of this name on its new cars since September 2024. But on the second-hand market, this engine remains extremely widespread. Since its launch in 2012, the former PSA group, now part of the Stellantis galaxy, has used it extensively. From its small C1 and 108 city cars to the large 5008 SUV, few models have escaped it. It is therefore not necessarily so easy to avoid this mechanism… especially since it has different names depending on the year of manufacture or the manufacturer who used it.
There are therefore no more PureTech engines at Peugeot
In the beginning were the 1.2 VTi and 1.2 THP
First to arrive, in 2012, in the first generation of Peugeot 208, the naturally aspirated version of this three-cylinder was first called 1.2 VTi. It then launched a new family of very modern engines, meeting the EB code. The turbo variant, which appeared in spring 2014 on the second version of the 308 and is even more problematic in terms of reliability, was initially called e-THP. PSA thus used acronyms already used for the 1.4 and 1.6 petrol that it had developed in partnership with BMW, for the sake of range consistency. The little e here simply designated the arrival of a Stop & Start with alternator-starter, a sort of light hybridization before its time. But at that time, the reputation of the 1.4 VTi, 1.6 VTi and especially the 1.6 THP was already tainted. The Franco-Bavarian four-cylinder had indeed experienced serious setbacks in its distribution chain. This is undoubtedly why PSA preferred to change its approach by switching to the Puretech name, both in atmospheric and in turbo. In a way, history is repeating itself today. According to our research, this change began at the end of 2014 at DS, a brand just created the same year, on the DS 3 city car. Citroën and Peugeot quickly followed suit.
Which models received the 1.2 VTi and 1.2 THP?
If you see an ad for a car powered by a 1.2 VTi, 1.2 e-VTi, 1.2 THP or 1.2 e-THP, don't be fooled. There is a 1.2 Puretech under its hood, and it was no more robust than in later models. Concerns about excessively premature wear of the belt, overconsumption or overconsumption of oil were already current, even if they took many years before they made headlines. After the Peugeot 208, the naturally aspirated 1.2 VTi variant landed in the little sister 108, the first 2008 SUV of the name and even in the compact 308. It was also found at Citroën, on the second generations of C1 and C3 as well as on the C4 Cactus. Not to mention the DS3/DS 3, which was born at the Chevrons manufacturer before switching to DS during the 2014 restyling. The 1.2 THP appeared on the second version of the Peugeot 308, then on the second C4 of the name and the C4 Cactus. But the name was used only briefly. From the start, the 208, 2008, C3 or DS 3 preferred the Puretech name for their turbocharged variants.
At Opel, we don't talk about PureTech
After the creation of DS, the PSA group expanded further in 2017. It bought Opel from the American General Motors. However, there were links with the German manufacturer before that, since the Crossland X and Grandland X SUVs launched the same year and designed ahead of this merger resulted from a partnership with the French company. The first is a cousin of the C3 Aircross, while the second comes from the second generation of Peugeot 3008. These two models were therefore entitled to the 1.2 Puretech. Same story for the current Corsa, released in 2019, for the second Mokka of the name, marketed since 2021, for the Combo Life MPV or even for the latest Astra to date. However, you will never find this name of Puretech at Opel. The brand has always preferred a simple “1.2” for the naturally aspirated version and “1.2 Turbo” for the supercharged variant.without further artifice. So be careful once again not to be fooled: we are talking about the same engine named differently, with the same potential reliability problems and an equally complex resale.
When Toyota invites the 1.2 PureTech into its range
There is another manufacturer which used the same mechanics and which we rarely think about: Toyota. Yes, despite its reputation for reliability which is most often deserved, the Japanese brand has sold a few vehicles powered by this sulphurous three-cylinder. However, it did not use it for its second generation of Aygo, even though it is a close relative of the C1 II and 108. This city car made do with the in-house 1.0 three-cylinder, less efficient. but more robust. The 1.2 Puretech only arrived at Toyota in spring 2019, with the launch of the small utility vehicle Proace City and its MPV version City Verso. This compact van is in fact a twin of the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter, from which it is distinguished only by a few styling or equipment details. The name 1.2 VVTi therefore designates here a 100% PSA/Stellantis engine. This model is, however, the only one from the brand to have received this mechanism, and it sold very little in terms of gasoline. The “trap” is therefore quite easy to avoid… even if its 1.5 D-4D is not necessarily more recommended. This diesel is none other than the 1.5 BlueHDi, subject to recurring chain breakage problems until the beginning of 2023.
Is the current 1.2 “PureTech” still a PureTech?
Finally, there remains one last scenario that we quickly mentioned in the preamble and which concerns less the second-hand market: that of the current 1.2 Puretech which no longer bears this name. It can be seen as a simple, desperate attempt to erase an inglorious past. But that would simplify the situation a little too much. In spring 2023, Stellantis began rolling out a whole new generation of its three-cylinder. Appearing on the sly on certain Opel Mokkas, it now equips all 100 or 136 hp light hybrid versions of Stellantis and is becoming more and more widespread on the 100% thermal variants. In addition to receiving a chain to overcome the problems of premature degradation of the belt, it has been the subject of major modifications. We are therefore no longer talking about quite the same engine, and it could well have finally proven itself reliable… even if it is still too early to know. In the absence of sufficient perspective for the moment, we are in any case obliged to give him the benefit of the doubt. It's up to you to see if you are ready to do the same… knowing however that a few rare models still retain, even at the end of 2024, the famous belt. You can check its presence simply by lifting the oil cap: if you see a rubber strap there, it is still the old generation of 1.2 Puretech.
If you have encountered reliability problems with your 1.2 Puretech, whatever its name, L'Automobile Magazine is here to help. Do not hesitate to write to us at [email protected].
