Paris show: Peugeot unveils 369kW Quartz concept

PEUGEOT has unveiled its 369kW Quartz concept ahead of its Paris motor show debut, revealing the French car-marker’s vision of a high-performance SUV future.

Described by its designers as having “the body of an SUV with the cabin of a sedan” the four-seater, pillarless, hybrid-powered Quartz has scissor doors, 23-inch alloy wheel, and a leather and basalt-trimmed interior.

At 4500mm long, 2060mm wide and with short overhangs, the Quartz is based on the PSA EMP2 platform that underpins the Peugeot 308 and sister company Citroen's C4 Picasso.

The high-strength composite structure and bonded panels means a B-pillar isn’t required, creating a sleeker, sportier look.

The Quartz features LED headlights and tail-lights, bonnet louvre air-intakes, polycarbonate windows and two spoilers integrated into the glass roof.

The alloy wheels wear 305mm Continental tyres and are covered by composite flaps to aid aerodynamics and improve brake cooling.

Electronically retractable steps lead into a cabin with black leather floorpans and headlining, a centre console trimmed with raw basalt, and bucket seats wrapped in tawny leather from old furniture.

Peugeot said that for the first time in automotive history a digitally woven textile made from recycled plastic bottles is used for interior components, too.

The iCockpit, as Peugeot calls it, also has a head-up display and instrument panel either side of the steering wheel.

Powering the Quartz is a full plug-in hybrid drivetrain which combines Peugeot’s 199kW/330Nm 1.6-litre THP270 four-cylinder turbo petrol engine from the RCZ R coupe with two 85kW electric motors on each axle for a combined 369kW output.

The Quartz has Macpherson struts up front and a multi-link set up in the rear, while a camera is able to ‘read’ the road ahead and adjust the pneumatic suspension.

The Quartz is just one several vehicles Peugeot will debut at its home-turf motor show in October. Others include the hyper–efficient 208 Hybrid Air concept, the 308 GT warn hatch and the European version of the Exalt concept.