Gasoline-electric hybrids? Pah, any good diesel can beat them on fuel economy and performance—or so say Europeans, including a certain loudmouthed British car writer. Now they can have the best of both worlds: Peugeot has launched the world’s first diesel “full hybrid” production car, the 3008 HYbrid4 crossover. The shift-key-challenging name is a reference to its drivetrain and four-wheel drive layout.
The 3008 HYbrid is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine good for 163 bhp, paired with a 37 bhp electric motor, for an even 200 bhp of combined power. The internal-combustion unit drives the front wheels, while the electric motor propels the rear wheels. Torque is a massive 500Nm, 300Nm at the front and 200Nm at the rear. The system is mated to a six-speed sequential manual transmission.
The combination of diesel power and an electric motor seems ideal, as diesels are most economical during long, steady-state cruising, and electrics best suited to heavy urban start-stop driving. Indeed, the 3008’s mileage is a promised 31.6 km/liter, beating the Prius’ quoted (and entirely realistic) 21.6 km/liter. CO2 emissions are also a smidgen better than the Prius’, 99g/km vs 104 g/km.
The 3008 HYbrid drivetrain includes a Start-Stop system and regenerative braking. The “full hybrid” moniker refers to its capability to run in full electric mode, just like a Prius. The propulsion mode is driver selectable among Auto, Zero-emission mode, 4WD, and Sport. In Zero-emission mode, the car runs on the electric motor as long as possible, when battery charge allows. 4WD engages both drivetrains as much as possible, perfect for climbing up to your Swiss ski chalet. Sport moves the shift points of the engine higher.
The Ni-MH batteries, supplied by Sanyo, are mounted below the trunk floor. The unique rear mounting of the electric motor system will supposedly allow Peugeot to deploy the system in other models without significant redesign of engine compartments. The two systems are independently mounted and are “fly-by-wire”, reducing intrusion into the cabin.
A full boatload of electronic features is onboard, including parallel-park assist, ABS, traction control and stability control. The 3008 HYbrid4 makes its debut in Europe in 2011.
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