Peugeot to reveal Quartz Concept SUV at Paris Motor Show

Peugeot is unveiling a new vision for the crossover segment at the upcoming 2014 Paris Motor Show. This next-generation SUV blends dazzling design with innovative materials and a powerful hybrid drivetrain.

The strong, powerful and sporty style combines the body of an SUV with the cabin of a saloon. Sleek lines convey a dynamic feel that’s further accentuated by short over- hangs and the dramatic 23-inch wheels sitting inside generously rounded wheel arches. At 4.5m long and 2.06m wide, the Quartz has an athletic stance on the road that’s further emphasised by its long bonnet and louvres that help improve airflow to the engine.

The Quartz is based on the same EMP2 platform that underpins the new 308. The composite structure and bonded panels save weight but bring exceptional stiffness. This enabled engineers to remove the central B pillar and create scissor doors. A retractable step further eases access.

Basalt features strongly in the centre console. This strong but light material is formed when magma is quickly cooled once it comes in contact with the elements. It has the same properties the world over, making sourcing much easier.

The Quartz Concept is the first-ever vehicle to employ digitally woven textile. This innovative process can create large and complex components that can be used as soon as they come off the machine. No cutting is required meaning no waste. The textile is woven with polyester fibre from recycled plastic water bottles.

To create a sportier feel, the floor pan, sides and roof are trimmed in black leather, with contact points such as seat cushions and backs in tawny leather. To complete the look, the door frames are milled from a block of composite material. A red hue is used to fill the grooves left by the machine.

Driver-dedicated i-Cockpit

The i-Cockpit keeps everything at the driver's fingertips. The compact steering wheel is inspired by competition models with controls embedded in it. This allows the driver to use the indicators, change driving modes and shift gears without taking their hands off the wheel. The head-up display provides a large, configurable screen with a central 45-degree polycarbonate strip to show additional information. The instrument panel is on both sides of the small steering wheel and the head-up display is angled towards the driver to ensure easy access to the toggle switches.

Each of the four passengers has a bucket seat to optimise interior space. The seat structure is left exposed and features a four-point retractable harness, with floating cushions and backrests trimmed in tawny leather to ensure excellent comfort. The driver's seat has a solid wraparound fit to complement the car's high performance.

High-performance drive train

The Quartz uses a plug-in hybrid drive train comprising a petrol engine supplemented by two electric motors. The 1.6-litre THP 270 power plant developed by Peugeot Sport is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and four-cylinder engine delivers torque of 330Nm, with a specific output of nearly 170hp per litre.

The front axle is also driven by an 85kW electric motor with direct drive. This charges the 400V battery during deceleration and assists the combustion engine with gear changes. The rear axle also features an 85kW electric motor for propulsion and battery charging.

There are three driving modes: ZEV can cover up to 31 miles on a single battery charge using the plug-in battery; Road mode uses the combustion engine and front electric motor to enhance driving pleasure and maximise battery charging during deceleration; Race mode harnesses the power of the engine and both electric motors to get the most out of the chassis with a limited-slip differential for increased driver engagement.

The front axle of the Quartz employs bespoke MacPherson struts. On the rear there’s a multi-arm suspension arrangement including the on-board electric motor. The pneumatic suspension automatically adjusts ground clearance between 300 and 350mm. This is controlled by an optical system that uses cameras linked to the satellite navigation to read the road and anticipate changes in its surface.