Peugeot announces the world’s first production diesel electric hybrid to make its first appearance next spring.
Peugeot’s unveils the production version of its 3008 hybrid crossover.
The new vehicle will be called the 3008 Hybrid4. Peugeot have taken a 163bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, which drives the front wheels together with a 37bhp electric motor which drives the rears.
The Hybrid combination achieves a maximum power output of 200bhp, with a generous 500Nm of torque also being produced. The combined fuel economy is 74.4mpg and carbon dioxide is reduced to a tax-free 99g/km.
Even though Peugeot are offering four-wheel drive, there’s no mechanical link between the diesel engine and the electric motor.
The diesel engine features Peugeot’s latest stop-start system and is connected to a six-speed automated manual gearbox from which the driver can select from four operating modes.
The first being Auto which selects the best combination of diesel or electric propulsion, the second ZEV, which activates all-electric mode, four-wheel drive mode, which activates both power plants and Sport mode which speeds up the gearshift at higher engine speeds.
Peugeot have chosen nickel metal hydride batteries which are less expensive than lithium ion cells and are mounted beneath the boot floor, along with the electric motor.
The 3008 HYbrid4 will have daytime running lights, a small rear spoiler and a seven inch dashboard display showing readouts of the engines performance.
The vehicle will be produced in France in Sochaux and Mulhouse for release in 2011 as top of the crosser range with sat-navigation, parking assist and distance alert and a built-in hard drive for storing music, at around £24,000.
The 3008 is one of a raft of new hybrids that Peugeot will produce. The hybrid unit has been designed to go into many of Peugeot’s other vehicles including the 508 and RCZ.
Further details can be found at Car Pages and for leasing visit Peugeot contract hire