Following on from the release of the Renault EOLAB and Citroen C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L, Peugeot has released details of its Quartz concept SUV ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut.
PEUGEOT WILL SHOW its QUARTZ concept at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, offering a “new vision for the crossover segment … that blends dazzling design with innovative materials and a powerful HYbrid drivetrain”or so it says in its statement.
Peugeot says its QUARTZ concept combines the body of an SUV with the cabin of a sedan, but we’re not entirely sure what that means. The QUARTZ concept is characterised by short front and rear overhangs, giving it a wheel-at-each-corner look – it sits on 23-inch alloys and is just 4.5 metres long and 2.06 metres wide.
Like both the Renault EOLAB and Citroen C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L concepts, the Peugeot QUARTZ has had particular attention paid to its wheels. Indeed, the wheel spokes have been kept to a minimum and they’re covered with composite flaps. These optimise aerodynamic flow over the wheel and help cool the brakes to ensure improved heat resistance.
“The PEUGEOT QUARTZ concept is the marriage in a single form that embraces the lower aspects of an SUV with the upper features of a saloon. The styling reflects the function of each part. The QUARTZ’s sculpted body and innovative materials pack a punch while ensuring dynamic efficiency,”
said Matthias Hossann, PEUGEOT QUARTZ design manager.
The QUARTZ concept is based on the same EMP2 platform that sits under the new 308. The composite structure and bonded panels save weight but are incredibly strong (think of plywood). This enabled PEUGEOT’s engineers to remove the central B pillar and create scissor doors. The QUARTZ concept might not be as technically innovative as the other French fuel miser concepts, but it does pioneer the use of digitally woven textile, the material is made to fit and so there’s no waste; the textile is woven with polyester fibre from recycled plastic water bottles.
“The QUARTZ Concept has a contrasting interior and exterior. The cabin is designed to convey an enticing sense through its sophistication and refinement. Yet the overall feel is undeniably sporty, with an i-Cockpit dedicated to the driver’s every need,” said Sébastien Floutier, PEUGEOT QUARTZ Colour and Trim Designer.
So what’s an i-Cockpit when it’s at home? It’s a fancy word for a driver-oriented interior with a small steering wheel based on race cars allowing the driver to operate the indicators, shift gears and change driving modes without taking their hands off the steering wheel. A head-up display and a central 45-degree strip displays additional information like speed and navigation. There are four bucket seats inside the QUARTZ concept and all feature four-point retractable harnesses.
Like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the Peugeot QUARTZ concept uses a plug-in hybrid drive train which comprises of a petrol engine supplemented by two electric motors. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The front axle is also driven by an 85kW electric motor with direct drive. This charges the 400V battery during deceleration and assists the combustion engine with gear changes. The rear axle also features an 85kW electric motor for propulsion and battery charging.
There are three driving modes: ZEV can cover up to 49km on a single battery charge using the plug-in battery; Road mode uses the combustion engine and front electric motor to enhance driving pleasure and maximise battery charging during deceleration; Race mode harnesses the power of the engine and both electric motors to get the most out of the chassis with a limited-slip differential for increased driver engagement, or so the press statement says.
So, which would you choose: the EOLAB, C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L, or this Peugeot QUARTZ concept? See you in the comments.
