Peugeot’s petrol-electric hybrid HR1 urban concept car, which targets active young city dwellers by blending together city runabout coupé and SUV properties, is definitely worth a trip to the Peugeot stand at the Johannesburg International Motor Show.
The HR1 concept car has an overall length of 3.67 metres – shorter than a Peugeot 207 – with small front and rear overhangs. Entry into the HR1 is facilitated by two electric ‘scissor’ doors, while the raised driving position and increased ride height gives the driver a better view than a sedan.
The concept car’s exterior presence is strengthened by flowing wheel arches, large wheels and raised sections above the rear windscreen, reminiscent of the ‘double bubble’ roof design of the Peugeot RCZ Coupé. At the rear, roof bars double-up as a clever hinge for the one-piece, dark tinted glass tailgate, while the headlamps and LED rear lights, and give the car a modern appearance.
Inside, the information system uses the latest technology, with an intuitive control interface that recognises hand gestures, for example, rotating ones hand allows you to scroll through menus. Functions controlled by this system include the audio, satellite navigation and air conditioning. The driver’s instrumentation display is also customisable, with a choice of rev counter, water and oil temperature during dynamic driving, or tourist information when cruising. The front passenger, meanwhile, benefits from a mobile PC tablet, which allows data to be shared and exchanged with the driver’s display.
Apart from featuring the latest tech, the HR1 concept is also practical – thanks to a spacious luggage compartment, 734-litres, with a flat loading area. In addition, the passenger compartment can be configured to accommodate either three or four full-size seats, thanks to the clever stowaway system. Even when both rear seats are raised, the boot capacity still offers a useful 180-litres of space.
With a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.2 litre petrol engine, developing 82 kW, driving the front wheels and a 27 kW electric motor powering the rear wheels, the HR1 can be driven in zero emission mode at low speed or with both power sources working together to provide the benefit of four-wheel drive. Combined fuel consumption of 3.48 L/100km and CO2 emissions of 80 g/km are noteworthy eco-credentials.
An electronically-controlled 6-speed manual gearbox (with shift paddles on the steering wheel and a centrally mounted gear lever) allows the driver to opt between two modes of operation: sequential or automatic.
Let’s hope we see Peugeot develop this concept further. It would make a great, and prettier, competitor for the soon to be released Nissan Juke.
The Joburg Motor Show ends this Sunday, so if you haven’t been to take a look at the latest concept cars and new models, we suggest you make an effort to attend what is truely a world-class motoring event. You can find more details about gate times and tickets here.
