28 March 2014
The best of both worlds
Peugeot has set the benchmark for hybrids with the introduction of the world’s first ever diesel-electric models, and the bragging rights continue with Peugeot New Zealand leading the way as the first vehicle importer outside of Europe to sell diesel-hybrids with the launch of the 3008 HY4 and 508 RXH.
The 3008 HY4 Crossover and 508 RXH wagon have Euro-5 compliant 2.0L diesel engines producing 120kW of power and 300Nm of torque. The motors are coupled to six-speed automated transmissions that feature steering-wheel paddle shifters that allow drivers the option of manually shifting the gears. The diesel power is transferred to the front wheels but unlike conventional hybrids that comprise an electric motor sandwiched between the transmission and the engine to drive the same axle, the electric motors on the 3008 HY4 and 508 RXH are located solo at the rear axle.
The diesel powerplant and electrical motors combine to produce peak performance figures of 147kW of power and 500Nm of torque, and with stop/start technology in place it’s claimed to use 4.1L/100km of fuel for the 508 RXH and 3.8L/100km for the 3008 HY4 for combined drive cycles.
This uncomplicated arrangement of fitting the electric motor to the rear axle provides both vehicles with a selectable 4WD mode, without the need for a mechanical link between the two axles, and the only connection is a wiring harness so the interior floor space isn’t compromised by a large centre tunnel that’s normally found on 4WD vehicles.
All models feature a dial located near the gear lever that provides drivers the option to select from four drive modes. They are ‘automatic’, ‘zero emission’ (for a hushed drive using electrical propulsion), ‘Sport’(which raises the tempo of the gear changes and the electric motor boosts performance at times), and ‘Four-wheel drive’ (using both motors to drive all wheels, with up to 40% of the torque distributed to the rear axle during low speed driving).
The vehicle’s electrical systems come alive at the push of the start button and the speedometer head-up display screen rises from the top of the dashboard. When the designer gear lever is shifted into slot ‘A’ (Automatic) the car is ready to depart. The ‘zero emission’ mode gives approximately four kilometres of range at speeds less than 70km/h on a fully charged battery pack, and the electric motors deliver a useful 27kW/200Nm. When the system recognises that driver demand is for more power the diesel engine fires-up to provide the extra clout.
For an ideal driving experience with quicker acceleration and gear changes the ‘Sport’ mode is the preferred choice but for the sake of fuel efficiency the ‘Auto’ mode is recommended.
The electric motor doubles up as the battery charger for the high voltage Ni-MH (Nickel-Metal hydride) battery pack and charging takes place during deceleration and braking. This regenerative braking is noticeable when coasting, and it’s sometimes necessary to apply gentle acceleration to keep the momentum going.
The Hybrid technology provides frugal fuel economy for the school runs and the little 3008 Crossover has desirable distinctive European feel along with impressive handling for a vehicle of its proportions.
The 508 is an attractive wagon and the 508RXH model gains a higher ground clearance, stylish new LED daytime-running lights, black plastic wheel-arch and sill trims as well as a redesigned front grille for a premium look.
The 3008 HY4 is available in two specifications starting with the entry level model, priced at $59,990 and $64,990 for the high grade model. The 508 RXH is available in one high specification and stickered at $74,990.