Peugeot 3008 diesel hybrid announced
Tuesday 24 August 2010
First details of the efficient Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 4 have been announced.
It will be the world’s first hybrid using a diesel motor – which means it can be driven on electric power alone, and one of the first hybrid MPVs on sale in the UK.
Emitting just 99g/km of CO2, it will also be the first MPV to be exempt from road and showroom tax.
It combines Peugeot’s efficient 2-litre, 163bhp HDi diesel engine with a 37bhp electric motor and a battery pack under the boot floor. Peugeot says this hybrid technology could also be transferred to other Peugeot models in the near future.
A combined power output of 200bhp and a total 369lb/ft of pulling power – more than a V8-engined BMW M3 – will give the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 4 range-topping performance.
It comes with four driving modes:
• ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle): just electric
• Auto: adjusts power from both engines and battery charging depending on driving style
• Four-wheel drive: the electric motor powers the rear wheels to offer maximum grip, while the diesel motor powers the front wheels
• Sport: faster gear changes and maximum engine response
To make it even more efficient, the 3008 Hybrid 4 is also fitted with stop and start and a dashboard-mounted screen illustrating how power is being distributed between wheels, motors and batteries to help the driver maximise economy.
Practicality is slightly reduced by the batteries, with 420 litres of boot space available under the parcel shelf (92 litres less than the standard car), 66 litres under the boot floor and a maximum of 1,501 litres on offer with the “Multiflex” rear seats folded down (103 litres less than standard).
Subtle exterior changes include LED daytime running lights below the headlamps, new badges and a two-tone rear spoiler.
The Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 4 will be on sale in Europe during Spring 2011 and prices have yet to be announced.
Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 4 gallery:
By Andy Goodwin, senior web journalist