Peugeot has released further details of the 3008 'HYbrid 4', the world's first diesel hybrid.
The new model comes with a 163bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine and a 37bhp electric motor, to improve economy and emissions.
This combination gives it the potential for 74.4mpg on the combined cycle while maintaining low emissions of 99g/km of CO2, meaning it qualifies for the lowest BIK tax band of 13%.
Until there's an official price for this car it's impossible to say how much you'll pay in company car tax, but based on a price of £25,000 you'll pay £54.17 per month on the 20% tax rate and £108.33 on the higher 40% rate. Company car tax is explained here.
As well as being able to run in full electric mode, the 3008 can also run in four-wheel drive mode, with the diesel powering the front wheels and the electric motor driving the back. Changeovers between the diesel and electric motor occur automatically and the two engines can also work together, to improve performance or traction.
Drivers can also choose between four different driving modes. Auto mode means the system works automatically, in 'ZEV' more emphasis is placed on the electric motor, in four-wheel drive both the diesel engine and electric motor work in unison for added power and in Sport mode both are again used but in order to improve performance.
To improve emissions and fuel economy further, it also comes with the French manufacturers' stop/start system that cuts the engine when the car is stationary and starts it again when needed.
The car comes packed with equipment, including a heads-up display, a multi-media hard disc and DVD entertainment pack, parallel park assist, an electronic handbrake with hill assist and a sat-nav system. The 3008 also has distance alert, which keeps the driver aware of the gap from the vehicle in front, based on the current speed.
The 3008 HYbrid 4 will be positioned as a premiun model and go on sale in spring 2011 and Parker's predicts this model will start from about £25,000.