Road Test: Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4

Peugeot's 3008HYbrid4 crossover may look like an ordinary car, writes Trish Whelan. It's not. This is a very special car as it is the world's first diesel hybrid, and so a new type of vehicle.

Unlike previous hybrid vehicles which have used a less fuel efficient petrol engine, this environmentally friendly car allows a combination of diesel and electric power.

A 2.0, 163bhp diesel engine drives the front wheels and a 37bhp electric motor drives the rear ones. The two motors can work separately, or together.

Two versions are offered, both in Band A for annual road tax of €160.

The 3008 HYbrid4, 2.0 HDi 200bhp version retails from €36,995 plus dealer charges. Even this entry level version has, as standard, alarm and deadlocks, cruise control/speed limiter, climate control bi-zone air con, 16-inch alloys, automatic headlights and wipers, all electric windows, electric child locks, rear parking sensors, bluetooth and USB connectivity.

The second version—the review car—costs from €38,695 and gains side rear sunblinds, a perspex see-through Head Up Display with Distance Alert, 17-inch alloys, sat nav, carpet mats, driver seat lumbar adjustment, electric folding mirrors and a folding front passenger seat. The test car also had leather upholstery and a huge panoramic roof.

This car comes with a 6-speed Ecomatique gearbox and the latest Stop & Start technology. However, the gears aren't the usual type for automatic cars here as Peugeot keep to their own French R.N.A.M. instead of the usual P.R.N.D. The A is for Advance or Go, and M is Manual—you can use the F1 type paddles behind the steering wheel to go up or down the gears manually.

To start the engine, select the N position, with your foot on the brake pedal, and turn on the ignition to start up the hybrid system. The electric mode now starts and lights show up on the dash. Move the shifter into the A position and just drive away as normal. For Reverse, shove the lever forwards.

I especially loved the Head Up Display screen which pops up on the driver's dash, at eye level, so you see your current speed without having to look down at the speedometer. A great safety feature.

A three-icon screen between the two dials is interesting as it shows the energy flows between the battery, the two motors and the wheels, and when you are driving in Zero Emissions. On the power meter screen, when the needle is in ECO, the car is making the best use of the power available.

A control selector allows you choose between four drive modes; Auto, Zero Emissions, 4WD or Sports mode. ZEV is when the electric motor takes over when you need less power, like driving in city traffic. You can drive in EV mode only for 4kms in city traffic, or up to 280 km with a full tank of diesel on a 900km journey in Auto mode (you can get up to 74mpg).

The high-voltage batteries require no maintenance and have a service life equivalent to that of the vehicle. Batteries are guaranteed for five years, as is the hybrid power train system, so maintenance of the 3008 HYbrid4 is not any more expensive than that of a conventional 3008 car.

In looks, the front is dominated by the big grille, expressive headlamps and row of LEDs which provide day time running lights. The car also has privacy glass.

This is a quite a high vehicle, which means good visibility, and the large size of the doors makes it easy to get in and out.

There's lots of room for five adults and they sit in comfort with good head and leg room. My car had an enormous panoramic sunroof, with tinted glass, to increase light and visibility. It opened and closed by pressing a button.

The rear features a two-tone glass effect with a high gloss black section which shows this car is different from other models in the range.

When you lift the boot floor, there's a storage well below but because the battery compartment is in the boot, there's no room for a spare tyre, just a sealant puncture repair kit.

A really neat 'hobby type' lower tailgate opens out to provide a picnic table or you can use it to sit on. It's also a big help when you are lifting large or heavier items in and out of the boot. Rear seats can be operated from buttons on the rear back sides.

On safety, occupants are protected by six airbags.

An electric parking brake is standard; it automatically releases when you go to drive off. This car drives just like an ordinary car would, and there's no need for 'range anxiety'. It is produced in Sochaux, France, and the production target for this year is 15,000 units.

Peugeot has long paved the way in developing diesel engines and plan to deploy this HYbrid4 technology across their other model ranges in the future. Following the 3008Hybrid4 launch, Peugeot will introduce the 508 RXH and 508 saloon diesel electric hybrid in 2012, aiming to sell 35,000 diesel hybrids across the three models per year.

Strong demand for the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 is expected in Ireland and sales are expected to reach up to 100 units this year.