13 September 2011 by Parkers Team

  • New version of 508 SW has four-wheel drive and hybrid tech
  • Claimed CO2 emissions of 109g/km - great for company car tax
  • HX1 concept car reveals Peugeot's future design direction

Peugeot displayed a new version of its 508 estate - a high-riding, four-wheel drive diesel hybrid called the RXH.

The French firm has seen fit to equip a beefed-up 508 SW with the same 200bhp set-up as found on the 3008 HYbrid4 - a 163bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine powering the front wheels, mated to an electric motor making 37bhp and powering the rear wheels. This is enough to generate up to 450Nm of pulling power.

Although equipped with a diesel engine, the car can run on 100% electric power through town to reduce emissions and improve MPG. Peugeot states the official fuel consumption figure is 67.2mpg - which if accurate is an impressive claim for such a large vehicle.

Emissions are reported to be 109g/km CO2. This means that it's in the 13% bracket for benefit-in-kind taxation for company car drivers. Peugeot is already claiming the 508RXH will not only beat cars such as Audi's A4 All-road 2.0TDI in terms of company car tax, by a long way, but will also be considerably cheaper than its more traditional rivals such as the Ford Mondeo. The company, however, has not released final prices yet. 

Peugeot is promising a high quality interior for the new car - keyless entry, electric front seats, head-up display, 18-inch wheels, panoramic glass roof and a high tech sat nav system will all be standard equipment. The car will also benefit from some unique features such as bespoke colours, materials and finishes inside the car as the French company positions the 508RXH at the top of its model ranges.

The RXH only comes in one trim and with one engine/hybrid set-up, and it is both 2.5mm longer and 49mm higher than the standard estate.

The car is expected to go on sale in spring 2012 with prices expected to be announced shortly.

Also on the Peugeot stand was a concept car known as HX1. Although unlikely to go into production, this car shows the French firm's design direction moving forwards. Based on the HYbrid4 powertrain, the car is a six seat MPV that boasts active aerodynamics, four scissor doors and rear seats that can be retracted to maximise space in the rear. Peugeot also teamed up with a shoe designer who created footwear to go with the concept car.

No word yet whether there will be any available from your local high street store but don't hold your breath.

To read about all the new cars, concepts and news from the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, click here.