Peugeot has announced its full plans for next month's
Frankfurt Motor Show, which include the world debuts of the RCZ coupé and
5008 MPV, along with two diesel-hybrid concepts.
Unsurprisingly, the RCZ takes centre stage and accompanying today's (August 17) release was a set of exterior shots that confirm that it's as much of a looker as the concept precursor was - if not more so. No doubt the photographed model is the range-topping 200bhp model wearing the largest optional alloys, but who cares? It looks the business.
That 200bhp is produced by a version of the MINI Cooper S's twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, which is also available in 156bhp tune. Diesel power will be available from the off too, with a 163bhp 2.0-litre HDi unit resulting in 52.3mpg on the combined cycle and CO
2 emissions of 139g/km, yet with 251lb.ft of torque on tap - more than either of the petrol options.
Buyers would do well to take note of the RCZ HYbrid4 concept making its world debut in Frankfurt, as it's the shape of things to come from Peugeot. The name refers to the company's new diesel-hybrid technology and the '4' part indicates that it's four-wheel drive, thanks to the fitment of an electric motor to drive the rear wheels. So equipped, the RCZ HYbrid4 emits a theoretical 95g/km of CO
2, while boasting enhanced performance.
While Peugeot says that the RCZ version is just experimental, it has confirmed that the 3008 HYbrid4, utilising the same system to emit only 99g/km of CO
2, will go on sale early in 2011, though some of Peugeot's smaller cars, such as the
207 Economique, already achieve that figure - they'll all be on hand in Frankfurt.
Shane O' Donoghue - 17 Aug 2009