HDi – Automobiles Review

Peugeot 508 HYbrid4 RXH and Saloon

To have Peugeot‘s latest hybrid modular technology it takes a 2.0-litre HDi engine and a 37 bhp electric motor put on a single frame. The diesel engine deals with the front axle while the electric motor operates the rear. Such a setup was fist used in the 3008 HYbrid4. Now the Peugeot 508 RXH and 508 Saloon also join the company’s hybrid fleet by succumbing to the HYbrid4 badge.

By adding such frugal technology to otherwise resourceful saloons and all-roaders (such as the RXH and Saloon), Peugeot hope to optimize the driving performance and economy and increase the model’s versatility. Lower taxation is expected too.

Both of these AWD cars will carry the same HYbrid4 gear thus delivering identical figures of power – 163 bhp from the 2.0 HDi unit plus 37 bhp from the motor at the back. That’s 200 bhp in overall power. Their combined drive cycle economy is a charm, yet the RHX is the thirstier from the two with 68.9 mpg – the Saloon can go for almost 10 more miles on a gallon. Also the Saloon has a sub-hundred figure on CO2 emissions standing at 95 g/km. The RHX manages 107 g/km. The top speed for both is around 130 mph and zero to sixty takes 9.0 seconds (9.5 for the heavier RHX).

In terms of equipment, the Saloon HYbrid4 is pretty similar to the 508 Allure – Keyless entry, an ignition button, cruise control with a speed limiter, automatic parking brake with Hill Assist, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, electric folding door mirrors, Peugeot Connect Navigation (RT6) with Bluetooth, Peugeot Connect SOS and Assistance, automatic headlamps and wipers, 18” alloy wheels and half leather seats are all included. All of that for $49,788.

The Saloon however, is trumped by the $53,343 RXH which has an even vaster array of luxuries. On it, you will find 18” Attila alloy wheels, parking aid, a panoramic glass roof, an additional Colour Head Up display, an USB point and acoustic laminated side windows. It also has a higher stance that gives it an overall crossover look.

Both models are available for ordering while shipping will start in May for the RXH and in July for the Saloon.

Source: Peugeot

March 18, 2012

Peugeot 4008 4×4

Responding to customer interest, Peugeot have came up with this – The 4008 4×4 SUV. A world debut is set for the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and then in April, it will be launched outside of Europe as a C segment all-terrain vehicle to meed the needs of many who are looking for just that (for the last four years, C and D segment SUV demand has doubled in Russia and tripled in Europe).

The 4008 has been designed by Peugeot in collaboration with Mitsubishi and looking at that distinctive front face and specifically the headlights, one can tell. Other eye-catching features include the LED daytime running lights that sit just under the hood and the three red claw sculptured lamps. The platform of the 4008 is partly a derivative of the 4007 one but the former stands 30 cm shorter in length because of compromised overhangs. Otherwise the wheelbase is exactly the same length, preserving the 4008 accommodating and practical – 4.34 m long, 1.80 m wide with a height of 1.63 m Off-roadishness is emphasized by the body sill protectors and the flaring wheel arch protective trimmings. There’s a stylish slash on the sides that goes across both doors and reaches out for the rear wing. It would not be of much use in a marsh pit but it does look stunning as a styling feature.

Whiled chromed body parts here and there account for that extra touch of luxury, inside things get even more premium – a fine choice of materials can be seen at the soft texture fascia, the instrument panel visor and the lacquered black decoration of the centre console. There’s a panoramic roof providing adequate sunlight for the occupants and an overall roomy feel. The steering wheel is padded with leather and is festooned with multimedia controls for the sake of accessibility. That said, there is an instrument panel, back-lit day and night. The knobs are round and chunky so that they can be operated even with a glove on. A 7-inch touchscreen satellite navigation is available as an option which has 30 gigabytes of memory and can be used as an overall infotainment system rendering graphs of average speed, fuel consumption and vehicle condition.

Engine choice is relatively wide with two petrol and two diesels in stock

Petrol:

– 1.6 l 86 kW (115 hp) 152 Nm, 5-speed manual;

– 2.0 l 113 kW (150 hp) 198 Nm, 5-speed manual or CVT.

HDi Diesel:

– 1.6 l HDi PEF 84 kW (115 hp) 270/280 Nm with Overboost, 6-speed manual;

– 1.8 l HDi PEF 110 kW (150 hp) 300 Nm, 6-speed manual.

The two HDi drive trains, as well as the 1.6 petrol will be available with Stop & Start systems in the name of frugality. With the manual gearbox we also get a shift indicator so that we know when is the best time to change gear. In return, the 4008 1.6 HDi for example spews out only 119 g/km of CO2 in 4×2 mode and ten more grams in 4×4. Fuel economy figures start from 4.6 l/100 km on the Euro cycle.

Power goes trough a clever yet simple 4×4 system that has 3 modes – 2WD, 4WD and Lock. When in 2WD, the drivetrain sets in motion the front wheels, while in 4WD a computer decides where you need most toque and runs all four wheels. Lock sends power to all four wheels with the back wheels being significantly prioritized, to get out of muddy situations.

To sum up, it’s good looking, its practical, it’s functional and efficient – quite a rival for the rest of the C segment competitors. Check out the gallery. It is a real treat.

Source: Peugeot

February 20, 2012

2012 Peugeot Expert

Peugeot has announced the new 2012 Expert. It boasts new style codes, new equipment and a Euro 5 engine range which makes it a front-runner on its segment (PC and LUV) when it comes to CO2 emissions.

It is available in two different models – a compact LUV van and a PC combi (Tepee). Other highlights include a restyled new front, original high-tech equipment for the segment, a 6-speed automatic transmission on the 2.0 litre HDi 163PS engine and particularly well equipped ‘Shuttle’ versions.

The engine range includes a 1.6 liter HDi FAP with 90PS (66 kW) and a 2.0 liter HDi with 98PS/128PS and 163PS.

The production has already started in France and the first vehicles will hit the European market in spring 2012.

Source: Peugeot

February 2, 2012

Citroen Berlingo Airdream e-HDI

Citroen will fit the Berlingo model with e-HDi micro-hybrid Stop & Start technology. It will enable drivers to automatically comply with Transport for London’s (TfL’s) latest advice to improve air quality in the Capital.

The drivetrain includes a turbo-diesel engine with 90PS (66 kW) and 215Nm (159 lb-ft). The fuel consumption is just at 4.7 liters per 100 km (50 mpg) on combined cycle with emissions of 123 g/km of CO2. This is an improvement up to 19% in fuel efficiency.

“Citroën has a track record of producing low emitting LCVs and we are now offering van buyers even lower emission alternatives, while minimising or eliminating altogether the cost penalty usually associated with new clean fuel-efficient technology. With lower emissions and lower running costs too, it’s a win-win deal for van owners and the environment.”, said Scott Michael, Citroën’s Commercial Vehicle Operations Manager.

In addition, all Berlingo vans are specified with Citroën’s unique Trafficmaster telematics package. This further reduces urban fuel consumption and emissions by offering the fastest congestion avoidance routing direct to the driver.

Source: Citroen

January 17, 2012

Peugeot 208: Thiner and Less Thirstier

The new Peugeot 208 is set to hit the UK markets somewhere in June this year and it will be very green. The range of engines included have the sole purpose of saving the planet. Weight and dimensions have shrunken and “up to 25%” of the polymers used are from recycled products. A variety of 208 choices will meet the needs of picky – the vehicle comes as a 3 or 5-door hatchback, petrol or diesel with automatic transmissions, 5 or 6 speed manuals, stop and start systems for diesels and for an extra 500 quid, one gets a touch screen navigation.

First thing we notice are the looks – it’s a recognizable figure that has taken on modernity and sharpness. The boomerang-style tail lights are bulkier and more amorphous, the grille incorporates a funkier pattern while curves on the side dauntingly suggest – “I am French and don’t let them tell you otherwise”

Top of the range 1.6l THP petrol engine will be available this summer, developing 156 bhp and 240 Nm of torque while returning perfectly respectable 48.7 mpg. For ultimate economy though, the new 3-cylinder 1.0 or 1.2 VTi petrol bees are up for the job with 65.7 and 62.8 mpg respectively. Yet, the 1.4l e-HDI diesel trumps all the others with its economy of 83.1 mpg and 87g/km of carbon dioxide emissions. These minuscule figures are courtesy to Peugeot’s clever micro-hybrid Stop & Start System that comes with almost all diesels and the Electronic Gearbox Control (EGC).

Weight is down by around 110kg compared to the previous 207 and it is also a bit shorter with 7cm. Obviously the 208 has gone on a diet so that its occupants can let loose a bit as there is more back seat legroom and a significantly larger boot space – “optimized architecture”, say Peugeot. Moving on to the driver’s seat we are overjoyed with pure simplicity – we have a strangely elevated dashboard which houses a rev. counter, a speedometer, a temperature gauge and a fuel gage – classic Peugeot. The central console is tidy enough and the small steering wheel looks like a steering wheel and not like a Playstation controller. It is really as simple as today’s standards allow it to be, which is good for there’s nothing to distract the driver from the act of driving a perfect, nimble and sleek super-mini. The only traces of sophistication can be found on the 7-inch touch screen which controls all the USB/Bluetooth, multimedia bits and pieces.

All there is left to verify now is the handling performance which has the tough job to honour the 208’s predecessors. This Spring someone in mainland Europe will be lucky enough to test it out while in the UK, people will have to wait until June.

Source: Peugeot

January 10, 2012

2012 Citroen C3 Picasso Code

Citroen have decided to add a little “funk” to the functional Picasso C3 so welcome to the Picasso C3 Code special edition. Underneath it is basically a HDi 90 manual VTR+ trim with added spice.

Besides air conditioning, curtain airbags and cruise control which naturally accompany the VTR+, the Code has some visual touches such as :

Chrome lower bumper inserts
Black painted door handles with chrome inserts
Obsidian Black painted front & rear bumpers
Obsidian Black door mirrors
Longitudinal roof bars
Shiny black vent surrounds

Most distinguishing however are the 17 inch “Clover” alloy wheels which come in Polar White or Cherry Red, depending on the overall colour scheme of the C3. The body colours are Polar White, Thorium Grey, Cherry Red and Belle Ile Blue. The Polar White wheels are available with the latter two while the Cherry Red wheels come with the former two body colours.

The engine is as efficient as ever with 61.4mpg combined and with its sub-120g/km CO2 emissions is eligible for free VED in the first year of usage.

The overall coast of the Code stands at £15,695 which is just £300 more than the VTR+ trimline.

Source: Citroen

January 4, 2012

Citroen C3 e-HDI 70 Airdream EGS VTR+

Citroen has announced the new C3 e-HDi 70 Airdream EGS VTR+ emitting just 87g/km of CO2. This is the lowest CO2 emitting diesel model to date, so the manufacturer should be extremely proud with this achievement.

Furthermore, the small city car returns whopping 83.1 mpg on combined cycle, which now Citroen’s most fuel and CO₂ efficient diesel powered car, ranking it amongst the very best in its class.

These results are thanks to an innovative e-HDi micro-hybrid Stop & Start technology, combined with a refined and efficient 68HP HDi diesel engine.

The model was introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September and now it is available to order with a price of just £15 290 OTR with the C3’s renowned panoramic Zenith windscreen.

“Citroën is committed to driving down the cost of motoring and this new model is a perfect example of that. With impressive fuel economy, low CO₂ emissions, a BIK rate at just 13%, free VED and the benefit of no London Congestion Charge, this stylish model is a financially and environmentally attractive addition to the Citroën range.”, said Jules Tilstone, Citroën UK’s Marketing Director.

“Underlining the brand’s firm environmental commitment, a full 50% of Citroën cars sold this year emit under 130g/km of CO₂ and there has been a five-gram decrease in average CO₂ emissions for the European range as a whole.”, Mr. Tilstone finished.

Source: Citroen

November 7, 2011

2012 Peugeot 208

Peugeot will launch all-new 208 model in two distinct body styles; 3- and 5-door. It is set to arrive in mainland Europe in the spring and for the UK in the summer of 2012. Peugeot 206/207 are ones of the best-selling cars is in the ‘B’ (Supermini) segment, so the manufacturer expect huge success of the new 208.

2012 Peugeot 208 is completely different vehicle than the predecessor 207. It is lighter – 173kg with a range which starts at 975kg, more aerodynamic – Cd of 0.29, CdA of 0.61 and smaller – 70mm shorter and 10mm lower. These benefits are accentuated by noticeably increased occupant space, with more room in the rear seats (+5cm at the knees) and a more generous boot (+15 dm3 in volume), proof of optimised architectural performance.

“The strength of the 208 lies in its style: it is a real ball of energy. It has the potential to please everyone, like a popular piece of music that touches the human soul regardless of culture.”, commented Gilles Vidal, Style Director, Automobiles Peugeot.

Its latest generation engine technology and the use of the e-HDi micro-hybrid system on virtually all versions add to the vehicle’s improvements in terms of weight reduction and aerodynamics.

The 208 introduces a new range of 3-cylinder petrol engines, 1.0- and 1.2-litre VTi, which are particularly efficient. They return up to 65.7mpg with emissions of just 99g/km of CO₂.

The 208 renews the driving experience, a key factor in the DNA of every Peugeot:

Due to the small steering wheel which provides new ergonomics, the driver experiences a completely new driving agility,
Due to a new level of engineering between comfort and road holding, the result of the historical expertise of the Marque in terms of suspension and the benefits from the compactness and reduced weight of the vehicle.

Source: Peugeot

November 2, 2011

Peugeot RCZ Asphalt HDi

Peugeot RCZ Asphalt Limited Edition will be also available with diesel powered engine. The petrol version with 1.6 liter turbocharged power unit was introduced an year ago and now it is turn to the more economical variant.

Peugeot RCZ Asphalt HDi is powered by a 2.0 liter diesel engine with 200PS (147 kw) and a lot of torque. The engine is well-known with its qualities and low fuel consumption.

The limited edition RCZ boasts matt black exterior, sleek 10-spoke 19-inch lightweight alloys wrapped in high-performance Continental tires, as well as special ‘Asphalt’ badging.

No further information is released, but the car will be introduced at the Frankfurt IAA in September.

Stay tuned!

Source: Peugeot

August 30, 2011

2012 Peugeot 508 RXH

Peugeot has announced the new 508 RXH, which boasts styling elegance, high-level build quality and attention to detail.

The exterior features LED lights, “floating” grille, interesting fog lights and aggressive front end. Finally, Peugeot let go the “big smile”, which looked ridiculous. Still, the 508 looks rather normal. It doesn’t have the spirit of the previous models.

Otherwise, the 508 RXH benefits from special features with distinctive colours and luxurious materials, like the premium quality interior and upholstery. The top-of-range model comes with Open & Go Keyless system, electric front seats, head up display, 18″ wheels, panoramic glass roof, dark-tinted acoustic laminated side windows, latest generation audio and satellite navigation unit as standard.

The 508 RXH is powered by a 2.0-litre HDi HYbrid4 drive train, which offers 200BHP and 450Nm. The power is put on the road through four-wheel drive. Furthermore, it opens up new perspectives in the segment, offering a 100% electric mode (Zero Emissions), ideal for driving in town and for reducing consumption in the Combined Cycle to 67.2 mpg, with emissions of 109 g/km of CO₂

The 508 RXH will be unveiled as a world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2011, and will be on sale in Spring 2012.

If we get used to the new vision of Peugeot, the 508 RXH will be rather good choice for everyday car with its nice qualities. Still, we have to wait and see the price, which according to us won’t be low at all.

Source: Peugeot

July 11, 2011

Citroen DS3 Serie Noire

Citroen will reveal DS3 and C5 Serie Noire at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

DS3 Serie Noire boasts a matte black exterior, a gloss black roof, chrome accents, and 17” alloy wheels.

The interior features Mistral and Lama leather upholstery, gloss black trim, a premium audio system, and GPS navigation.

The hot hatch is powered by THP 150 with 156PS (115 kW) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) or HDi 110 with 111PS (82 kW) and 270Nm (199 lb-ft). (more…)

February 23, 2011

Peugeot 508 1.6 VTi – £18 150

Peugeot announced the price list for 508 model in the UK. It will hit the market in April this year and will be available with a choice between two petrol engines and four diesel ones.

The petrol range includes 1.6 VTi 120 EGC with 120HP and 158Nm (117 lb-ft) of torque and a 1.6 liter THP with 156HP and 243Nm (180 lb-ft).

The diesel engines are – 1.6 liter HDi with 112HP and 243Nm (180 lb-ft) and a (more…)

January 10, 2011

Tag: HDi