Peugeot HX1 Concept – a low-riding MPV – to debut at Frankfurt 2011

Peugeot HX1 Concept – a low-slung MPV

Don’t look at the Peugeot HX1 Concept and think you’ll be walking in to your local Peugeot showroom next year and driving off in one, because you won’t.

The HX1 is a showcase for where Peugeot sees the brand going in terms of “…architecture, aerodynamics, modularity, equipment, interior materials, the environment and powerplants.”

Just like so many concepts from Peugeot of late – the funky HR1 Concept and the almost Aston Martin-esque SR1 spring to mind – the HRX1 is a crackingly good-looking car. A bit like a Mercedes R-Class with a proper injection of Gallic style and flair.

And the HRX is R-Class in size too – bigger than the current Peugeot MPV, the very good 5008 – even if it sits a much more sporting 300mm lower.

But despite that low-slung ride height, the HX1 packs in six seats and – as this is a concept – you even get a mini bar and a coffee maker in between the reclining rear seats – atop a marble-trimmed plinth, would you believe? But that’s Peugeot’s objective with the HX1 – to provide maximum comfort for rear passengers.

And turning the HX1 in to a six-seater doesn’t mean an extra set of seats behind the back ones, instead the extra seats pull up out of the floor between front and rear seats, demonstrating, if nothing else, how much room rear passengers have without the extra seats in place.

Outside the HR1 is just as concept-y, with active aerodynamics which include alloys which change shape as the speed increases and a spoiler and two side skirts at the top of the tailgate which get deployed over 100kph to make the HX1 slippier. Oh, and the almost obligatory fancy doors – in this case four half-scissor doors.

Under the skin the HX1 also looks to the future with a 4WD plug-in diesel hybrid. The 2.2 litre, 204bhp HDI lump powers the front wheels whilst a 95bhp electric motor works the back.

That diesel hybrid setup ‘games’ the completely barking official tests by returning meaningless figures of 88.2mpg and 83g/km. It can also, after a bit of charging, do up to 18.6 miles. But make sure it’s in traffic – you’ll only have 95bhp and the HX1 is the size of a small bus.

But moans about daft official tests for emissions and economy apart – which isn’t Peugeot’s fault – the HX1 is a really convincing concept, and one we really hope see the light of day – eventually.

Which is just what we thought about the HR1 and SR1.

(22 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)

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The HX1 Concept Car gives Peugeot the opportunity to once again illustrate the marque’s ability to reflect on new ideas, learn how to evolve and to continually reinvent itself.

The brief for this concept was to produce a vehicle for up to six people, offering strong styling, that is sporty and efficient and at the same time giving a unique driving sensation.

To achieve this, the HX1 transcends the notions of adaptability in all areas, with its extreme aerodynamics (‘flaps’ are deployed to optimise aero efficiency according to vehicle speed), its tapered, low MPV architecture and its HYbrid4 power plant integrating ‘plug-in’ technology.

A unique and transformable concept, aiming for maximum efficiency

Adaptive The HX1 is a prospective concept designed to help envisage future solutions in numerous fields: architecture, aerodynamics, modularity, equipment, interior materials and the environment, not forgetting, of course, powerplants. These considerations have led to very strong bias that breaks from the norm and guided by a theme: ‘Metamorphosis’, to give the vehicle the capability to adapt itself to its environment, to life’s conditions, driving conditions, etc. and at any time.

Architecture To meet specifications, the HX1 has been designed with an MPV architecture with unique dimensions: low (1.373 m) and wide (1.990 m overall) and with a length of 4.954 m.

This allows for a volume suited to pure, elegant and sleek lines that delivers a low Cd figure for maximum overall efficiency.

Four reverse-opening ‘half-scissor’ doors can be opened wide for ease of access to the HX1 passenger compartment. These kinematics have also been researched in terms of practicality and to allow accessibility under all circumstances.

The passenger compartment is structured so as to offer maximum comfort for the two passengers in the rear row and maximum sensation for the occupants of the first row. If required, two retractable seats can be configured in a centre row due to a clever system of “pull-out seats”, based on the same principle used on the HR1 Concept Car (First shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show); these additional seats are integrated behind the front seats.

Aerodynamics Designers have taken aerodynamics to the extreme with HX1. When stationary and at low speeds the HX1’s styling makes it appear sculpted from a solid form as the moving parts have been adapted to optimise air flow and to enhance the car’s environmental performance. The seven ‘spokes’ in each wheel rim spike, fashioned like a turbine blade, open to create a flat disc surface. At the same time, a spoiler and two side skirts located at the top of the tailgate are deployed above 62.1mph.  When moving, the HX1 therefore adapts itself ‘physically’ to its environment.

The vehicle has a Cd of 0.28; an outstanding value for a vehicle with an MPV silhouette.

All of these aerodynamic devices have evolved thanks to the free rein given to the immense creativity of Stylists.

Styling not restricted by norms

Futuristic exterior styling, sculpted through aerodynamics The HX1 is a vehicle that is pure in style; sculptured, upmarket and exuding dynamism and exclusivity. Aerodynamic, its sleek, elegant and fluid lines seem to have been tailored by the wind itself. They subtly underline the athletic, even muscular, character of the vehicle. Each surface is sculpted with precision, each detail is crafted intricately: mirrors with integral rear view cameras, brushed aluminium window surrounds, millimetre-perfect panel gaps and flush fittings, etc.

At the front, the HX1 enhances Peugeot’s latest design identity. The theme of a unique ‘floating’ front grille, which appears ‘detached’ from the bodywork has been designed to harmonise with the car’s tapered lines. The precisely-carved feline head lamps give it an appearance that is evocative of the Marque’s badge and history: the lion, proudly displayed on the front of the bonnet. This look is refined by an LED lighting signature, easily recognisable in the daytime or at night. This visual signature is also found in the rear lights, the boomerang shape of which follows the lines of the rear design.

A high-tech and range-topping interior that refines the ‘Motion & Emotion’ brand signature The pure and futuristic design of the dashboard and seats, the materials used (floor and fittings in natural oak with inlaid fibre optics, brushed metal, leather, etc.), existing equipment (digital displays, touch-sensitive screens, etc.), designed lighting (LED spotlights, strips backlit by the natural lighting on the headlining, etc.); all of these contribute to create an environment where modernity meets refinement, natural materials meet technology, and so on. This all symbolises the Marque’s vision of an upmarket, range-topping interior.

The passenger compartment reflects the Peugeot signature:

‘Emotion’ The front has been designed to provide the driver with maximum sensation. The environment is very sensory and high-tech, with its use of brushed metal and digital components. Here again, the vehicle will adapt itselfin the real life situation of the driver. Indeed, the steering column can be moved backwards and forwards electrically in line with the seat adjustment for complete ease of access. The steering wheel movement loads up automatically when the car is put into ‘cruising’ mode for enhanced driver stability and comfort. Finally, the central multifunctional display can be adjusted, leaving only the essential information visible on its edge.

The instrument panel is designed to create the experience of having complete control over the vehicle, like the ‘head-up display’ which presents all of the information to the driver without them having to take their eyes off the road ahead.

“Motion” At the rear, maximum attention is dedicated to ‘added value’ of features and passenger comfort. The environment and the materials used are bright and natural, a mixture of folded and stitched leather. The two sculpted rear seats recline, a set of controls are grouped in the centre armrest. The centre console includes a minibar and a coffee machine, a discreet acknowledgement to the extensive history of Peugeot products. This console is adorned with white Carrare marble, specially milled ‘by hand’, which contributes to the exclusive and modern environment.

HYbrid4 ‘plug-in’ power plant: even better suited to its surroundings

The HX1 integrates HYbrid4 technology, an innovative modular architecture that figures in the Peugeot range on the 3008 HYbrid4, the first diesel hybrid in the world; technology which will also be present on the 508 RXH in 2012.

The principle behind HYbrid4 is clever, yet simple: With an internal combustion diesel engine at the front (powering the front wheels) and an electric motor to the rear (powering the rear wheels), this technology enables all four wheels to be driven when the engine and motor work together, for increased safety and traction in extreme conditions. It also enables the vehicle to be driven at low speeds powered just by the electric motor in ‘Zero Emissions Vehicle’ mode.

Under the bonnet of the HX1 the engine is a 204 bhp, 2.2 litre HDi diesel, linked to an automatic

6-speed gearbox; the same powertrain as that used on the 508’s range-topping GT version. Coupled with a 70 kW (95 bhp) electric motor, the combined output can develop a potential 220 kW (299 bhp).

However, one of Peugeot’s priorities is to maintain its position as environmental leader in the years to come.The HX1 therefore takes us one step further. It is equipped with ‘plug-in’ functionality: the lithium-ion batteries can be recharged by ‘plugging in’ the vehicle to a standard 240V mains electric socket. This means that it can have a longer ‘ZEV’ range, i.e.: it can cover up to 18.6 miles in all-electric drive mode.  The HX1 thus obtains a combined fuel consumption of 88.2mpg with CO2 emissions of 83 g/km.

Concept Shoe  Peugeot, when creating its concept car HX1, teamed up with Pierre Hardy, creator of luxury shoes to design an exclusive ‘concept-shoe’ which would be aligned with appeal, modernity and a unique capacity for transformation.

In collaboration with Stylists from Peugeot, Pierre Hardy created a shoe using materials, technology and quality of manufacture which echoed the interior of the vehicle.  In the image of this Concept Car, the shoes adapt themselves to the life of their wearer : a slipper ideal for driving slides into a ‘high-heel’ structure to become an elegant shoe for a more glamourous occasion.

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By Cars UK