Peugeot's groundbreaking diesel hybrid set for 2011 release

Peugeot's revolutionary 3008 Hybrid 4 will go on sale in Spring 2011, making it the world's first production vehicle with diesel hybrid technology.

Until now, hybrid cars produced by rivals such as Honda and Toyota have combined electric motors with petrol engines. The 3008 Hybrid 4, however, boasts a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine and a 37bhp electric motor.

What Car? report that the 3008 Hybrid4 can achieve 74.4mpg, emitting a mere 99g/km of carbon dioxide. This will set the crossover car apart as the most fuel efficient four-wheel drive vehicle available.

According to Autocar, the 3008 Hybrid4 has a range of different drive modes including Auto, Sport, four-wheel drive and an all-electric 'ZEV' mode. Auto mode optimised fuel consumption and Sport enables faster gear changes, while ZEV uses the diesel engine purely in short bursts.

Peugeot have yet to release pricing details for the new diesel hybrid. However, Car Magazine suspect that those selling a car  to fund the purchase of a 3008 Hybrid4 will have to set aside around £25,000.

By adding the 3008 Hybrid4 to its fleet, Peugeot hope to bring about a new era of eco-friendly motoring. "By launching the world's first diesel full hybrid - the 3008 Hybrid4 - Peugeot will be writing a new chapter in motoring history," the French manufacturer said in a press release.

"The Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 is designed to appeal to demanding, technophile customers who are in search of a rewarding and original vehicle," the statement continued.

 

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