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Peugeot
- Posted at 2:56 am
Peugeot has released details of its new 3008 Hybrid4, the world's first hybrid production car with a diesel engine under the bonnet. So far all car makers dabbling in hybrid technology have plumped for petrol engines, primarily on the grounds of cost and the fact that countries such as the US, Japan and many emerging markets still prefer unleaded to derv.
This car is unique for its clever configuration. The front wheels are driven exclusively by the HDi engine, while the rear axle is turned by a small electric motor sitting where the spare wheel would normally be.
As a result, the model is economical – and four-wheel drive. As with Toyota’s Prius, the newcomer can operate in three ways: electric-only, diesel only or a combination of both.
With 200bhp and 500Nm of torque available from low revs, the Hybrid4 is no slouch, either – 0-60mph takes a most unhybrid-like 8.8 seconds.
The 3008 is already a very good crossover - possibly the best in its sector. It’s very good to Read the rest of this entry »