Talking About Green

Peugeot have released their latest product… the 3008 Crossover, with Hybrid4 technology, the first diesel ‘full hybrid’ production car in the world, putting them firmly in the history books. The 3008 is powered by both a 2.0 litre HDi diesel engine and 37bhp electric motor, this being the optimal combination for a hybrid vehicle. Unlike previous hybrid vehicles, which have chosen a less fuel efficient petrol engine, the Peugeot’s diesel engine provides superior combined drive cycle fuel consumption of 74.4 mpg and CO₂ emissions of only 99 g/km.

Managing the hybrid system is pretty simple to… Peugeot has given the driver 4 different modes that they can drive the new hybrid in: “Auto” mode, which will see the entire system automatically controlled, including operation of the HDi diesel engine and electric motor; ZEV Mode (Zero Emission Vehicle), this provides access to an extensive all-electric mode. Activation of this is programmed to happen together with the more prolonged phases of acceleration; Four wheel drive mode (4WD), the rear wheels are driven by the electric motor and the front wheels driven by the diesel engine, and Sports Mode which favours the quicker gear changes at higher engine speeds than normal mode.

The new 3008 is also fitted with an electronically-controlled 6-speed manual gearbox, which the engine is joined to. This basically means that in the automatic mode its electronic control helps provide considerable savings in fuel consumption, compared to traditional automatic gearboxes or even a traditional manual gearbox.

The interior of Peugeot’s newest edition is very spacious with plenty of ‘gadgets’ to keep you safe on the road. An expansive fascia panel, controls within easy reach and an ergonomic centre console. It has a transparent panel which comes out of the instrument panel to project driving information should you need to take your eyes off the road for any reason. This panel can be adjusted using toggle switches that are located above the centre console. These switches add a further touch of class and style to the new hybrid. Not only that, they control the ‘Distance Alert’ system, which does what it says, it lets the driver know how far away they are from the car in front to prevent them getting too close.

Another item of equipment that has been added to this car is the Parallel Park Assist (or PPA). This feature determines the size of a parking space during a parallel park manoeuvre and works out the likelihood of parking in it, a genius piece of technology if you ask me.

The car also has the hill assist function, which helps drivers who aren’t comfortable taking off on hills move off easily.

The new Peugeot 3008 Crossover is set to be manufactured in France and will be marketed in the spring of 2011. Prices are not yet available and are expected nearer to the time of marketing.

About the Author:

Ant Bradshaw works for Saveonnewcars.co.uk who work alongside the UK’s leading Peugeot dealerships to provide cheap deals on all New Peugeot models