PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Peugeot Quartz concept

Is Peugeot planning a Porsche Macan rival? The Quartz concept is a hybrid SUV that promises to be mean and green, pumping out 370kW from three separate power sources.

Riding on 23-inch alloy wheels and commanding attention via its ultra-wide 2.06 metre width, the French scorcher makes use of an electric motor at each axle, which contribute 85kW apiece. Lump in a 200kW/330Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and you're looking at an all-wheel drive crossover that could preview a new high-performance crossover from Peugeot.

It will be shown alongside another concept car, the Exalt, and signals a shift towards high-end luxury market concepts, according to Maxime Picat, Peugeot Brand Chief Executive Officer.

"With the Exalt and Quartz concepts, the brand is showcasing its vision of the high-end automotive market. Peugeot is committed to developing exclusive concepts for its customers through outstanding design, innovative materials and unparalleled sensations."

Unusual materials such as basalt feature in the cars cabin and the Quartz concept "is the first-ever vehicle to employ digitally woven textile" says Peugeot. The textile used is a polyester fibre derived from recycled plastic water bottles.

And just to show off, the French car company makes use of black leather trim... on the roof!

Measuring 4.5 metres long the Quartz concept is slightly shorter than the 4.7 metre long Porsche Cayenne and unlike the Porker it features scissor doors.

Peugeot has opted for a sporty 2+2 interior layout, and all four
occupants get deep bucket seats with four-point harnesses to ensure
maximum snugness while tawny leather adds comfort. Other features of the concept crossover vehicle
include integrated gear shift control and a customisable head up
display.

The Quartz has three driving modes, ZEV, Road, and Race. The first mode runs on pure battery power and has a range of 50km and the Road setting uses both electric and petrol motors to "enhance driving pleasure" according to Peugeot. The Race setting is an all-out maximum attack mode that creates the most CO2 emissions by priming all three motors to deliver a full 370kW hit.

This mode also makes the most of the chassis, which features a limited-slip differential "for increased driver engagement" says Peugeot.
Ride and handling are aided by bespoke MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-arm rear suspension setup that incorporates the electric motor as a stressed member.

The entire suspension system is also pneumatic, and can adjust ride height between  300 and 350mm. Interestingly this is achieved without any intervention from the driver. Instead, optic sensors and satellite navigation combine to 'read' the road and adjust the suspension to suit the road (or lack thereof).

Based on the same EMP2 platform as the new Peugeot 308, the Quartz concept could be more than just a flight of fancy for the French fettler, previewing a new take on a small and sporty SUV model.