Green car technologiesDiesel hybrid cars

Peugeot's diesel hybrid is due in 2010

The benefit of hybrids over petrol cars is not as great in Europe as it is in Japan and the US. That’s because we have embraced diesel cars, which are up to a third more efficient than petrol models anyway. 

This puts them on a par with current hybrids for overall economy – and they’re often more efficient at motorway speeds, not to mention much cheaper to buy.

Diesel hybrid Peugeot

The obvious next step is a diesel hybrid, and Peugeot aims to sell the first, in 2010. It will be a 308 family hatchback, which will return 83mpg and emit 90g/km CO2, while remaining a full five-seater. 

Its Nickel hydride batteries have been packaged into the spare wheel well, so there is no loss of boot space (a common problem with hybrid cars), while the electric motor has been incorporated in the engine bay. 

The emphasis has been on simplicity, to keep production costs down. The key gain is in town, where the ability to drive on battery power alone reduces fuel consumption by 58%. 

This also removes one concern over diesel cars – namely, their higher emissions of certain pollutants in city centres – as, naturally, emissions when running on electric power only are zero. 

Lower consumption

For urban driving, Peugeot claims 94mpg and CO2 emissions of 80g/km. Overall fuel consumption is reduced by 38%.

The diesel engine is Peugeot’s excellent 110bhp 1.6-litre unit, coupled to a 22bhp electric motor. 

It complies to the new Euro V emissions standards, and the hybrid model is said to be faster during in-gear acceleration than the standard diesel-powered car, as the electric motor boosts power by 31bhp. 

Prices for the car are yet to be announced, but the company admits the hybrid system will be fitted to pricier, higher-spec 308s to ensure good returns.