More Paris news today as it is revealed that BMW is to take the covers off a new plug-in hybrid concept at the city’s forthcoming motor show.
Using the same technology as featured in the i8 sports car, which is planned for launch in 2014, the new Concept Active Tourer is a small MPV-type vehicle with space inside for five people.
Part of BMW’s plans to capture a growing market for smaller, compact cars and for more efficient models, the new Active Tourer also features another break-from-tradition for the brand-the engine drives the front wheels rather than the rear. But fear not, hardened BMW and rear-wheel drive fans, the electric motor drives the rear wheels, making the Active Tourer essentially four wheel drive.
The drivetrain consists of a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a 200Nm electric motor. The motor is capable of driving the car for 
almost 20 miles on battery power alone. Combined, the two power systems deliver more than 190hp to ensure the sporty performance, allowing the concept to accelerate from zero to 62mph in less than eight seconds and onto a top speed of 125mph.
The PHEV powertrain is so efficient it is expected offer combined fuel economy of 113mpg and CO2 emissions of less than 60g/km. The batteries can be recharged from any 220-volt domestic power socket, and can also recuperate energy from the electric motor during deceleration, while the petrol engine also incorporates a high-voltage generator to charge them on demand.
There is no news yet on when/if this concept will start in production, but more should be revealed at the Paris Motor Show.
Our team will be there on the press preview days (September 27-28) when we hope to bring you more details. Or you can check out the show for yourself which runs September 29-October 14, 2012.
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
Faye Sunderland
September 14, 2012
Filed under: BMW
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