Peugeot has pulled the wraps off the 3008 Hybrid 4 at the Paris motor show, claiming is the first production diesel hybrid in the world.

The crossover is fitted with a 2.0-litre 163bhp diesel engine and a 37bhp electric motor which together produce 369lb ft of torque. More importantly Peugeot claims 99g/km CO2 emissions and fuel economy of 74.4mpg from the new model.



The engine powers the front wheels while the electric motor drives the rear, making the 3008 a full 4x4, and the most efficient available when it goes on sale next year.



This setup means the 3008 hybrid will be able to run on electric power alone, but Peugeot has not yet revealed how far it will be able to travel before the engine has to kick in.

There is a semi-automatic gearbox as standard, which helps keep fuel consumption down in auto mode, and has paddles for manual shifts in sport mode. Fuel efficiency is also aided by the stop-start system, brake energy recuperation and the on-board computer which tells the driver how efficiently they are driving.

With space needed for the extra battery systems, overall boot capacity is reduced slightly, from 510 litres to 486, while the maximum space has dropped from 1,604 litres to 1,501.

More details, such as pricing and performance figures, will emerge closer to the car's global launch in spring 2011.

It will arrive in the UK next summer.