The Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4, the first production hybrid from Peugeot, which is also the world’s first diesel-electric hybrid, has just been launched in France. With a its crossover practicality, use of a diesel engine mated with an electric motor and a four-wheel-drive system, Peugeot hopes to change the way that people look at hybrid vehicles.
Peugeot has opted to team a frugal 2,0-litre diesel unit with an electric motor, instead of going the conventional hybrid route by making use of a less frugal petrol engine. The diesel engine develops 120 kW, while the electric motor, drawing power from a nickel-metal hydride battery system, adds 27 kW. The diesel unit is mounted at the front and sends its power to the front wheels, while the electric motor sits on the rear axle and drives the rear wheels.
Having spent close to 90 kms behind the wheel of this hybrid car, I have to say that my first impression of it is a good one. For starters, while there is a slight drivetrain vibration, the engine is smooth and quiet. The vehicle has a soft ride quality and is actually very comfortable and pleasant to drive, very much like a normal 3008, then.
There are four driving modes, each which offers various degrees of fuel efficiency and performance. The default setting is “auto”. The other modes are ZEV (zero emissions vehicle) for exclusive use of the electric motor up to certain speeds, granted that the batteries are charged to at least 50 per cent of their capacity. The 4WD mode is there for improved traction over rough-road surfaces. The two power units work in conjunction with one another to ensure better traction. Sport mode is for those who wish to have a more dynamic drive and quicker gear changes.
On the topic of gear changes, the operation of the gear lever for the six-speed automatic transmission is rather odd. You have to “man” handle the lever into the position that you want it in with quite a bit of eagerness. It takes some getting used to.
As is the case with most hybrids that can drive on electricity alone, it is fairly difficult to keep the vehicle in ZEV mode for long durations. It can only be kept in this mode until the speed of the car exceeds 60 km/h. After that there’s a surge of torque as the diesel motor kicks in and the driving mode switches back to auto. Overtaking is easy – you put foot and forget about your consumption levels for a while.
Peugeot claims a fuel consumption figure of just over 3,1-litres/100 km. Achieving that figure will demand real econo-driving. My driving partner and I ended the launch route with an average consumption of about 5,7-litres/100 km. The claimed emissions figure is 99 g/km.
Nothing on the style front has really changed except for there being less space in the boot, due to the fitment of the electric bits and pieces in the back. The 3008 is still quite an awkward-looking vehicle with its large front bumper and nose, but at least it’s not boring.
If you keep your expectations of its fuel economy reasonable, the 3008 hybrid4 really is an impressive vehicle. It’s understated as far as hybrids go and there’s nothing too confusing or futuristic about it. Good average economy is easy to achieve, and downright startling economy is possible if you really try. And as we know (we’ve got a 3008 long-termer on test), it certainly is a spacious, comfortable family vehicle.
The Peugeot Hybrid4 will be available in Europe from toward the end of this year. There’s no decision yet on whether it will be introduced in South Africa, but other markets outside of Europe are under consideration.