IAA 2011: Peugeot 508 RXH is an Environmentally-Conscious Crossover

The crossover recipe introduced by Audi’s Allroad for those who fancy a bit of off-roading but find SUVs too flashy is quite simple: take a station-wagon model, and then add plastic body cladding and underside protection, rise the suspension height to increase road clearance and voilà: your new crossover model is ready.

The same recipe has been followed by many manufacturers, the most recent being Peugeot with its brand-new 508 RXH that was launched at the 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt.

As the name implies, the 508 RXH is based on the estate version of Peugeot's D-segment model.

Peugeot’s crossover formula adds a different ingredient to the mix: a new, hybrid four-wheel drive system in which a 2.0-liter HDi turbo diesel drives the front wheels and an electric motor located at the back turns the rear axle.

The hybrid system, which was launched on the 3008, has four modes: Automatic, Sport, 4WD or Zero Emissions when the car is driven by the electric engine alone.

Peugeot says the system's combined output is 200-horses and the setup offers the bonus of an extremely low fuel consumption of just 4.0 lt/100km (58.8mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km.

Peugeot’s new crossover will be available in Europe from next spring.

 

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All-New Mazda CX-5 Crossover Makes its World Premiere in Frankfurt

The main attraction at Mazda's stand at the in Frankfurt is the brand-new CX-5 compact crossover that will spearhead the automakers efforts against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Mazda says that the CX-5 is the first of a new generation of models that will adopt the new KODO design philosophy and the full suite of its SKYACTIV technologies.

Despite its compact dimensions at 4,540mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,670 mm tall, the CX-5 promises to offer ample space in the front and class leading (997 mm) rear legroom thanks to its 2,700 mm long wheelbase. Practicality is enhanced by the 40/20/40 split independent rear seats.

Mazda’s engineers claim to have paid special attention to aerodynamics (Cd: 0.33) and weight in order to reduce fuel consumption.

The CX-5 will be available in Europe in two- and four-wheel drive versions and a choice of two SKYACTIV engines, a 2.0-liter gasoline unit delivering 165HP and 210 Nm (154.9 lb-ft) and a 2.2-liter diesel with a two-stage turbocharger in two flavors, with 150 HP and 380 Nm (280.2 lb-ft) or 175 HP and 420 Nm (309.7 lb-ft).

European sales will start early next year.

We will probably see the North American version debuting later this year and reaching dealerships in the beginning of 2012. According to Mazda officials, the CX-5 will launch on this side of the Atlantic with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit, but there are also plans to offer a diesel engine starting from 2013.

 

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