Peugeot has revealed what it claims is the industry's first full hybrid with diesel power, the 3008 HYbrid4 crossover. It boasts official fuel consumption of 3.8 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.
The drive system uses Peugeot's 165hp, 2.0-litre HDi turbodiesel engine, which drives through a six-speed automated manual gearbox to power the front wheels. Drive to the rear wheels comes from a 38hp electric motor.
The hybrid transmission has four modes of operation, controlled by a selector on the centre console. Auto mode is designed to allow the drive system to operate for 'optimal fuel consumption'; ZEV is the zero-emissions mode, which means the 3008 runs on battery power unless strong acceleration is required; Four-wheel drive uses both diesel and electric motors together for improved low-speed traction on difficult surfaces; and Sport is performance oriented with faster gear changes.
A 'second generation' Stop & Start system is fitted to help manage the transition between diesel and electric operation. The two systems can operate individually, drawing on battery power for low-speed driving and decelerating (to recover energy); and using HDi power for longer journeys. For overtaking and other occasions where rapid acceleration is required both units work together.
The electric motor draws power from nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries located under the boot floor. As a result there is a reduction in boot capacity. Compared with the conventional 3008, 92 litres have been lost, leaving 420 litres of carrying capacity.
The Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 is due to go on sale early in 2011. Prices and final specifications will be announced closer to the on-sale date.