Hybrid cars have been around for a while – the first model was created nearly 100 years ago, and the first mass-market hybrid, the Toyota Prius, was launched in 1997. Despite this long development period, hybrid vehicles have remained almost exclusively petrol-based. Recently, however, two car manufacturers have announced plans to release diesel hybrid cars – with the first to come to market being the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4.
With any new and exciting piece of technology, it is inevitable that competing manufacturers will get on board and develop their own take on the new tech – and this is certainly true of the Peugeot model, with Volvo developing its own diesel hybrid in the form of the V60 plug-in hybrid.
To help you get a handle on these top-of-the-range diesel hybrid vehicles, here is a short guide that details the features and functions of both Peugeot and Volvo’s hybrid vehicles:
Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 – Although it is the world’s first diesel hybrid, the 3008 HYbrid4 is not a spluttering false-start – it has already raced to pick up awards and accolades, ensuring it a place in the big league of hybrid cars. Peugeot has drawn on its experience of manufacturing excellent petrol hybrids to create an eco-friendly vehicle with all the benefits of diesel propulsion, such as improved fuel efficiency.
The 3008 HYbrid4 boasts four-wheel drive, making it ideal for off-road driving as well as short city hops. It can also operate in all-electric mode, giving maximum environmental efficiency – whilst operating in this mode, the 3008 HYbrid4 essentially becomes a zero-emission vehicle.
Providing the optimum balance of power and efficiency – the car can achieve 74 miles per gallon, and boasts a maximum power rating of 200bhp – the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4, despite being the first diesel hybrid available, stands strong amongst the many eco-friendly cars that use tried-and-tested petrol hybrid technology.
For drivers in London, the Hybrid4 is even more desirable, as it is exempt from the London congestion charge.
Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid – Volvo’s model is at a slight disadvantage because it will be launched later than Peugeot’s diesel hybrid, but it certainly has innovative features of its own that could help to redress the potential imbalance. Like the HYbrid4, it is extremely fuel-efficient – true of diesel vehicles in general – and emits only 49 grams per kilometre of CO2, making it one of the most environmentally-friendly hybrids around.
The V60 diesel hybrid also has the advantage of ‘plug-in’ capability. This means that it can be recharged at charging points and electric sockets. In general, hybrid cars will automatically recharge themselves as the petrol or diesel engine is used – but Volvo’s plug-in diesel hybrid can be recharged as and when required, so you can leave it recharging and be sure that you’ll have a fully-charged battery when you return.
If we assume that the V60 diesel hybrid will have similar dimensions to the original V60, then it appears that it will be longer than Peugeot’s model, but slightly less wide (from wing mirror to wing mirror). The 3008 HYbrid4 will be moderately taller.
Green Cars, Diesel Hybrids and electric cars are increasingly in the news, with ranges now suitable for City cars, Family Cars, MPVs or 7 seaters.
