In 2010, Peugeot launched the first-ever diesel-electric hybrid in the form of the 3008 Hybrid4.

The crossover was fitted with a 163HP 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel powering the front wheels and an electric motor with a 27HP continuous and 37HP maximum output driving the rear axle.

The system produced a combined output of 200HP and peak torque of 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, returning an average fuel consumption of 3.8 lt/100 km (61.9 mpg US) and emitted 99g of CO2 per km.

From September 2012, the 3008 Hybrid4 has become even more eco-friendly. Thanks to the introduction of new management software for both the diesel engine and electric motor, together with a raft of improvements that optimize energy recovery and battery management, and the addition of new, very low rolling resistance Energy Saving 16’’ tires, the crossover’s consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced to 3.5 lt/100 km (80.7mpg UK or 67.2 mpg US) and 91 g/km respectively.

Peugeot notes that improvements in fuel consumption are most notable in city driving, while models featuring other tire and rim combinations, such as 16-inch Mud and Snow, 17- or 18-inch wheels, benefit from the same changes. As a result, in these models, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced to 99g/km and 3.5 lt/100 (61.9 mpg US).

By Andrew Tsaousis

PHOTO GALLERY