P e u g e o t H X 1

The Peugeot HX1 concept is a prototype vehicle which has been designed with the idea of adaptation and transformation at its heart. The concept is based on an MPV architecture, but instead of displaying a boxy profile, the concept has a low, tapered roofline which is much more sporty in character.

The design brief for the Peugeot HX1 called for a boldly styled vehicle capable of carrying up to six people. It also had to be fuel efficient – and that’s where Peugeot’s latest HYbrid4 drivetrain with plug-in rechargeable capability comes in.

The HYbrid4 system, a modular drivetrain that is featured on the production 3008 HYbrid4, is a diesel hybrid setup. With an internal combustion diesel engine at the front (powering the front wheels) and an electric motor at the rear (powering the rear wheels), this system enables all four wheels to be driven when the engine and electric motor work together. It also enables the vehicle to be driven at low speeds powered just by the electric motor in ‘Zero Emissions Vehicle’ mode. In electric-only mode the HX1 can cover 18.6 miles.

In the Peugeot HX1 Concept the internal combustion engine is a 204 horsepower 2.2 litre HDi diesel which is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The electric motor is a 95 hp unit, meaning the HX1 has a maximum of 299 horsepower available. Not bad for an MPV which also offers a combined fuel consumption of 88.2 MPG!

When designing the Peugeot HX1, the designers paid particular attention to the aerodynamics. The moving parts have been adapted to optimise air flow and to enhance the car’s efficiency. The seven ‘spokes’ in each wheel rim spike, fashioned like a turbine blade, open to create a flat disc surface to reduce turbulent airflow. At the same time, a spoiler and two side skirts located at the top of the tailgate are deployed at 62 mph (100 km/h). The HX1 has a drag Cd of 0.28 – very impressive for a vehicle which is essentially an MPV.

The interior of the Peugeot HX1 is extremely high tech. Not only in the number of gadgets which have been equipped, but also in the way it has been designed. There are natural oak trim panels with inlaid fiber optic lighting, brushed metal highlights, digital displays with touch-sensitive screens and swathes of neutral-gray leather.

The steering column can be moved backwards and forwards electrically in line with the seat adjustment to ease entry and exit for the driver. The steering wheel movement becomes heavier automatically when the car is put into ‘cruising’ mode for enhanced driver stability and comfort. The instrument panel is designed to provide all of the necessary information to the driver without them having to take their eyes off the road ahead – like a heads-up-display in a combat aircraft. Finally, the central multifunctional display can be adjusted, leaving only the most essential information visible on its edge – so the driver can focus on getting from A to B without being fed a stream of irrelevant information.

The Peugeot HX1′s rear-seat passengers are treated to a level of luxury and amenities usually found in Rolls-Royces or limousines. The sculpted rear seats recline, and a set of controls are located in the centre armrest. The centre console also houses a minibar and a coffee machine! This console is topped off with hand-milled white Carrare marble to help provide a feeling of total luxury.

According to a recent report, the Peugeot HX1 concept is going into production as the 608.
Set to be launched in 2014, the model will reportedly be a shooting brake which is slightly larger than the Mercedes R-Class.
Engine options are a source of speculation, but a variety of diesels are expected with outputs ranging from 163-275 PS (119-202 kW / 161-271 hp). For eco-minded shoppers, there will reportedly be a hybrid variant which has a 204 PS (150 kW / 201 hp) diesel engine and a 95 PS (70 kW / 95 hp) electric motor.