French manufacturer Peugeot has unveiled what it is calling the crossover SUV concept car of the future at a motor show in its native Paris, with the company declaring that the new vehicle design represents its vision for the high-end market moving forward.
The Peugeot Quartz Concept represents a new idea for the crossover segment and it was launched at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. This next generation SUV blends dazzling design with innovative materials and a powerful hybrid drivetrain to create the ultimate premium family car experience.
Maxime Picat, Peugeot brand chief executive officer, said of the new car: “With the Exalt and Quartz Concepts, the Brand is showcasing its vision of the high-end automotive market. Peugeot is committed to developing exclusive concepts for its customers through outstanding design, innovative materials and unparalleled sensations.”
The Peugeot Quartz combines the strong, powerful and sporty style of an SUV with the cabin of a saloon, with sleek lines that convey a dynamic feel that’s further accentuated by short over-hangs and the dramatic 23-inch wheels sitting inside generously rounded wheel arches. The company said that the ‘athletic stance’ of the car with its long bonnet louvres help to aid airflow to the engine to improve performance.
The aerodynamic design is also aided by glass roof which flows towards the rear wings and incorporates two spoilers.
Design manager for the vehicle, Matthias Hossan, said the Quartz “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”.
Under the bonnet, the Quartz is packing a plug-in hybrid drive train comprising a petrol engine supplemented by two electric motors which help give it one of the highest performing engines in the world. The 1.6-litre THP 270 is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, and the four-cylinder engine delivers torque of 330Nm, with a specific output of nearly 170hp per litre.
The car covers up to 31 miles on one battery charge using the plug in battery, while it will work in two distinct modes. Road mode uses the combustion engine and front electric motor to enhance driving pleasure and maximise battery charging during deceleration, while racing mode really lets the car open up, with the power of the engine and both electric motors bringing the very best out of the chassis.
This is the second time in the space of less than a week that we’ve seen a car manufacturer launch a new SUV crossover vehicle, with the four-wheel drive Lexus NX 300h being revealed on Monday (September 15th).
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