Peugeot 307 Hybrid HDi – hybrid cars

In some respects, the Peugeot 307 shouldn’t be with us any more – its replacement, the Peugeot 308, was launched in September 2007. However, the model has proven so popular that production continued long beyond the emergence of its successor, and the format was also used for Peugeot to further its hybrid concepts. The result was the Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi, sometimes referred to as the Peugeot Diesel-Hybrid.

Quick links:

• History of the Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi
• Environmental credentials of the Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi
• Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi statistics
• Future of the Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi

History of the Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi

The Peugeot 307 was the French manufacturer’s contribution to the family car sector when it was launched in 2001. It reworked the Peugeot 306 platform but was larger than the 306 in every direction. Indeed it proved to be an instant hit and was awarded the European Car of the Year title in 2002.

In 2005, the model was revised in an effort to keep up with an onslaught of rivals that had entered the market since its inception. It did so with a new bonnet and the removal of the trademark Peugeot grille between the headlights. It also incorporated a new front bumper and a new grille that soon became synonymous with the manufacturer.

In September 2007, the Peugeot 307 looked set to be replaced as the Peugeot 308 was unveiled but midway through 2008 it remained in production. Indeed Peugeot are even working on a new Peugeot 307 concept known as the Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi which was officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show in February, 2008.

Environmental credentials of the Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi

As part of its commitment to reducing fuel consumption and lowering CO2 emissions, Peugeot extended its diesel hybrid technology with the Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi. It combines a 1.6l HDi engine with a diesel particle filter system and an electric power train.

When in use, the Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi makes the most of fuel by combining the excellent efficiency of the 1.6l HDi engine with an electric motor. This is mainly used in town when drivers are stuck in traffic or driving slowly. Thanks to regenerative braking, the energy from deceleration is captured and reused by the vehicle.

According to early statistics, the Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi is said to improve fuel consumption by around 30 per cent compared to a standard HDi model. Thanks to the use of diesel it is considered to be around 25 per cent more efficient than a petrol engine with an electric motor.

As a boost for the future, the Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi should also be able to run totally independent of oil and purely with biodiesel.

Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi statistics

As the Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi is still in the concept stage, most of its statistics are still unknown. However, it is expected that it could achieve as much as 70mpg.

Future of the Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi

Currently the Peugeot 307 Hybride is in the concept stages but is expected to be released during 2010. We’ll have more details in the future here at TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk.