Peugeot 208 gets three-cylinder engines

* Three-cylinder petrol engines * Likely to be 1.0 and 1.2 versions * On sale summer 2012...

Peugeot 208 gets three-cylinder engines

Peugeots forthcoming 208 supermini will have three-cylinder petrol engines, insiders have revealed.

Our sources suggest that the 208 which will replace the 207 in summer 2012 is likely to have 1.0- and 1.2-litre three-cylinder engines. These should reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared with the 207s range of four-cylinder engines.

Power outputs and transmission options havent been confirmed, and its unclear whether the new engines will have stop-start systems as standard.

Fiat has introduced a two-cylinder engine to the 500 and Ford is due to launch a three-cylinder, 1.0-litre engine in the B-Max in spring 2012. The new BMW 3-Series also due next spring is expected to be available with three-cylinder engines.

Rumours suggest the 208 could be smaller than the 207 it replaces. Peugeot is also hoping to make the new car lighter than its predecessor, which will further boost efficiency.

Peugeot has hinted that the 208's styling will be influenced by the SR1 and HR1 (pictured) concept cars, which were revealed during 2010. A 208 GTI is also expected its likely to use the 197bhp 1.6 THP engine from the RCZ coupe.