Peugeot's futuristic minivan concept to debut

At the Frankfurt auto show, Peugeot will unveil the futuristic HX1 concept for a diesel hybrid minivan. The concept has a low aerodynamic stance to help reduce fuel use.

The concept's plug-in hybrid drivetrain is a first for a Peugeot vehicle. The model also shows styling cues that may feature in the next generation of the brand's 5008 large minivan.

The HX1 has a very low stance at 1373mm, but is wide at 1990mm and long at 4954mm. The concept seats two people up front and two in the rear, but it also has two pull-out seats integrated behind the front seats, similar to the layout on the HR1 concept shown at the 2010 Paris auto show.

The car is powered by a 204-hp 2.2-liter diesel coupled with a 70 kW (95-hp) electric motor, giving the HX1 a potential combined output of 299 hp.

The drivetrain is derived from system used in the the 3008 HYbrid4, but, unlike the 3008 hybrid, the concept's lithium ion battery pack can be recharged from a domestic power socket, giving it a range of up to 18.6 miles in all-electric drive mode. The combined fuel economy is said to be 73.4 mpg.

The latest Peugeot concept provides seating for six, arranged in a two-plus-two-plus-two layout. The center seats can be folded into the backs of the front seats to provide for a four-seat layout with limousinelike levels of rear-seat legroom. Rear passengers are treated to a minibar and a coffee machine mounted in a marble-trimmed center console.

"The brief for this concept was to produce a vehicle for up to six people, offering strong styling, that is sporty and efficient and at the same time giving a unique driving sensation," Peugeot said in a statement on Monday.