Thursday 18th September 2014

Peugeot Quartz concept for Paris

Just another Peugeot SUV concept right? Well this one does have 500hp...

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Now we all know Peugeot has almost unmatched form for rolling out motor show concepts that will never, ever see the showroom floor. See 907, Onyx, SR-1 and so on. Therefore don't expect the Quartz to be offered with Just Add Fuel at your local Peugeot dealer anytime soon.

Having said that, it does preview some interesting tech and design that most likely will make production at some point. That it's based on the same EMP2 platform as the current 308 shows it's not entirely a flight of fancy. It just has 23-inch wheels, scissor doors and a basalt centre console...

No missing it on the show stand!

Seriously?
Right, actual production technology. The Quartz is powered by a hybridized version of the RCZ R's 1.6-litre 270hp turbo. Two 115hp electric motors (one for each axle) take total power to 500hp. Again, not likely to be seen in a roadgoing Peugeot too soon but it shows potential for a performance four-wheel drive model on the same platform. An EV mode has a 31-mile range and 'Race' brings all the power sources together.

In terms of dimensions it's most similar to the 3008. They would both be classed as SUVs in the same way Tom Hardy and Mo Farah are adult males, yes, but it aims to preview a more dynamic future for that class of crossover. The front grille is familiar from other Peugeots and expect the LED light designs to feature across the range soon.

Well at least you can see the dials now

Look, no buttons!
Peugeot's 'i-cockpit' has proved fairly divisive since its introduction but Peugeot is persisting and evolved it something more 'driver-dedicated'. There are now driving mode buttons and indicators on the dinky wheel, with the dials moved either side of it. It will be a while before we see road-going Peugeots with 'digitally woven textile' and tawny leather inside, though.

OK, it's easy to be cynical about the Quartz's far-fetched nature. Let's celebrate the fact Peugeot appears to have some real design mojo back, plus some dynamic flair too. Don't forget also Paris will see the debut of the 208 GTI 30th Anniversary edition and potentially some more info on the 308 R. Exciting times ahead.

[soad]

Looks quite fancy, will they make it?

[GTEYE]

Yikes, that's hideous. What are they on?

[budgie smuggler]

Was the idea behind this - 'draw a squashed Evoque using only straight lines' ?

Horrid visibility from the tiny windows and fat a-pillar plus 500BHP should make a brilliant combination for the school run though.

[keiran]

I don't think it looks too bad, but It reminds me of a more extreme lamborghini 4x4 concept thingy from a few years ago.

Edited by keiran on Thursday 18th September 15:25

[soad]

keiran said:

I don't think it looks too bad, but It reminds me of a more extreme lamborghini 4x4 concept thingy from a few years ago.

This one?

[k-ink]

I expect this 500bhp space age origami weapon will shortly turn into a regular dull diesel jelly mould Pug.

[filski666]

just can't bring myself to get interested in something which is just so much a "concept" car and detached from a feasible road vehicle, it is just pie in the sky stuff, might as well make it out of lego.

[renaultgeek]

why do car manufacturers insist on touch screens? You need something tactile so you don't have to take your eyes off the road.

[Europa1]

renaultgeek said:

why do car manufacturers insist on touch screens? You need something tactile so you don't have to take your eyes off the road.

This. You aim for the "button" on the touch screen to adjust the aircon, hit a bump and suddenly you've actually hit the button that changes the radio station, activates the passenger ejector seat etc