Sneak Peek: Peugeot HX1 Concept

The HX1 Concept Car gives Peugeot the opportunity to once again illustrate the marque's ability to reflect on new ideas, learn how to evolve and to continually reinvent itself.

The brief for this concept was to produce a vehicle for up to six people, offering strong styling, that is sporty and efficient and at the same time giving a unique driving sensation.

To achieve this, the HX1 transcends the notions of adaptability in all areas, with its extreme aerodynamics (‘flaps’ are deployed to optimise aero efficiency according to vehicle speed), its tapered, low MPV architecture and its HYbrid4 power plant integrating ‘plug-in’ technology.

The HX1 is a prospective concept designed to help envisage future solutions in numerous fields: architecture, aerodynamics, modularity, equipment, interior materials and the environment, not forgetting, of course, powerplants. These considerations have led to very strong bias that breaks from the norm and guided by a theme: ‘Metamorphosis’, to give the vehicle the capability to adapt itself to its environment, to life’s conditions, driving conditions, etc. and at any time.

To meet specifications, the HX1 has been designed with an MPV architecture with unique dimensions: low (1.373 m) and wide (1.990 m overall) and with a length of 4.954 m.

This allows for a volume suited to pure, elegant and sleek lines that delivers a low Cd figure for maximum overall efficiency.

Four reverse-opening ‘half-scissor’ doors can be opened wide for ease of access to the HX1 passenger compartment. These kinematics have also been researched in terms of practicality and to allow accessibility under all circumstances.

The passenger compartment is structured so as to offer maximum comfort for the two passengers in the rear row and maximum sensation for the occupants of the first row. If required, two retractable seats can be configured in a centre row due to a clever system of “pull-out seats”, based on the same principle used on the HR1 Concept Car (First shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show); these additional seats are integrated behind the front seats.

The HX1 integrates HYbrid4 technology, an innovative modular architecture that figures in the Peugeot range on the 3008 HYbrid4, the first diesel hybrid in the world; technology which will also be present on the 508 RXH in 2012.

The principle behind HYbrid4 is clever, yet simple: With an internal combustion diesel engine at the front (powering the front wheels) and an electric motor to the rear (powering the rear wheels), this technology enables all four wheels to be driven when the engine and motor work together, for increased safety and traction in extreme conditions. It also enables the vehicle to be driven at low speeds powered just by the electric motor in ‘Zero Emissions Vehicle’ mode.

Under the bonnet of the HX1 the engine is a 204 bhp, 2.2 litre HDi diesel, linked to an automatic

6-speed gearbox; the same powertrain as that used on the 508’s range-topping GT version. Coupled with a 70 kW (95 bhp) electric motor, the combined output can develop a potential 220 kW (299 bhp).

However, one of Peugeot’s priorities is to maintain its position as environmental leader in the years to come. The HX1 therefore takes us one step further. It is equipped with ‘plug-in’ functionality: the lithium-ion batteries can be recharged by ‘plugging in’ the vehicle to a standard 240V mains electric socket. This means that it can have a longer ‘ZEV’ range, i.e.: it can cover up to 18.6 miles in all-electric drive mode. The HX1 thus obtains a combined fuel consumption of 88.2mpg (37 kpl) with CO2 emissions of 83 g/km.

Credits: wilswong