Peugeot primed for 2010

PEUGEOT has revealed it will produce both hybrid and plug-in versions of the 3008 crossover that will represent the French brand’s first new model salvo in Australia in 2010.

As we reported in July, Peugeot Automobiles Australia is scheduled to release diesel and petrol versions of the bespoke new 3008 wagon in March and May next year respectively.

Now, however, Peugeot has revealed it will produce not only a fuel-sipping hybrid version of the 3008 in 2011, but an even more frugal plug-in iteration in 2012.

“In 2011, the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 will be launched and will be the first application of this promising technology that combines both driving enjoyment and environmental protection, with a 35 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions,” said Peugeot in a press conference heralding its green credentials during last week’s global warming summit in Copenhagen.

“In the future, other vehicles in the Peugeot range will also benefit from this technology. In 2012, Peugeot will also be launching the 3008 plug in Hybrid4, which will initially be available to fleet customers only, as this is where this technology will bring the biggest benefits.”

While next year’s 3008, which features a unique cockpit-style interior and a horizontally split tailgate like Holden’s original panel van, will be front-wheel drive like the small 308 sedan/wagon on which it is based, the 3008 ‘Hybrid4’ and its plug-in stablemate will be all-wheel drive.

The 3008 Hybrid4 is due to emerge in Europe in late 2010 before arriving here in 2011. It adds an electric motor, situated under the load floor adjacent to the rear suspension, to drive the rear wheels. Total system outputs are 147kW and 300Nm.

Peugeot says it will be one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles on the road with average fuel consumption of less than 4.0L/100km and CO2 emissions of 99g/km.

Top: 3008 Hybrid4 concept and (below) 3008 crossover.

In its Copenhagen announcement, Citroen said that 50 per cent of its vehicles sold in Europe in the first nine months of 2009 emitted less than 130g/km and that 47.5 per cent of its vehicles sold globally emit less than 140g/km, making it “one of the world leaders in the automobile sector, for controlling the environmental footprint of its products”.

It says that unlike other manufacturers its fuel-saving technologies are fitted across the range, including HDi common-rail turbo-diesel engines with particulate filters, naturally aspirated petrol engines with variable valve timing (VVT) and turbocharged direct injection petrol (THP) engines.

According to Peugeot, the 207 emits an average of 99g/km, the 107 emits 106g/km, the 308 emits 120g/km, the 407 emits 129g/km, the 3008 emits 130g/km and the Europe-only 5008 emits 135g/km.

In addition, Peugeot says it will fit its Stop & Start idle-stop function into a range of models between now and 2011.

“These will not be special vehicles and, therefore, this technology will become common place and available to a wide customer base at a competitive price, enabling fuel consumption and emissions to be reduced by eight to 15 per cent in normal use, depending on traffic conditions.”

Peugeot’s first electric vehicle will be the Mitsubishi i-MiEV-based i0n, which will be launched in Europe in late 2010, when the French maker says it will return to an EV market in which it claims it remains the world leader in terms of the number of vehicles produced.

The 3008 will be the second Peugeot crossover to arrive in Australia in just three months, following the 4007, which is also based on a Mitsubishi design – this time the mid-size Outlander SUV.

Officially certified for local roads in December, the 3008 first appeared as the Prologue concept and has been a sell-out success in Europe. It will arrive here in two specifications, priced from around $40,000.

Both 3008 variants will come with a five-mode electronic stability control system, six airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, an electric parking brake and underfloor compartment, with premium versions adding extras like a panoramic glass sunroof and pop-up head-up display.

The initial 120kW 2.0-litre HDi diesel model will be joined within months by an 112kW 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine shared with BMW and also seen in the 207, 308 and Mini Cooper – both with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

In Europe, 112kW 2.0-litre and 80kW 1.6-litre diesels will be offered, along with a naturally aspirated 90kW 1.6-litre petrol engine.

Measuring 4365mm long, 1837mm wide and 1639mm high, the five-seater 3008 employs the same front MacPherson strut and torsion beam rear suspension as the 308 range.

The flip-down tailgate is claimed to take loads of up to 200kg, while the 3008’s 512-litre rear cargo area expands to a sizeable 1604 litres with the rear seats folded.

Next year will also see PAA launch EU5 emissions-compliant petrol and diesel versions of the 308 (in the first half of 2010) and Peugeot’s sexy new Audi TT rival, the RCZ coupe (around July).