Peugeot has revealed its 208 Hybrid 2L demonstrator ahead of its debut at the Paris motor show next month.
Based on the production version of the French car maker’s 208 1.2-litre puretech 82hp model, it is part of what the company calls its “proactive approach to lowering fuel consumption and emissions.”
A Peugeot spokesman could not confirm the CO2 figure for the demonstrator, but said to expect its emissions to be “around 50g/km CO2 mark.”
The spokesman could not confirm if it hints towards an ultra-efficient 208 model in the future, but told BusinessCar the hybrid model is a demonstration of PSA technology.
He also explained the company could have used the 108 platform, as it is shared with Toyota as part of its city car venture, but chose the 208 as the platform is unique to PSA.
It achieves 141mpg, or two litres per 100km – hence the 2L moniker – and uses a hybrid drive system instead of the standard power train. The hybrid system features a mix of petrol and compressed air and comprises the following:
- a compressed-air tank located below the boot
- a low-pressure tank near the rear axle acting as an expansion chamber
- a hydraulic system consisting of a motor and a pump in the engine bay
The compressed air tank is recharged when slowing down, or by part use of the energy developed by the three-cylinder petrol unit to compress the air. It takes 10 seconds to achieve maximum pressure.
