200bhp With 62 Mpg Anyone?
Once upon a time, the Maximum one declared that bringing diesels to the United States would only be possible by the use of urea. You know, the stuff that is is the main nitrogen-containing substance in the urine of mammals. Which can also reduce the NOx from diesel exhaust. Using urea would allow diesels to meet Tier II Bin 5 standards. The Maximum one further decreed that the extra cost of this after treatment system would make diesels prohibitively expensive. (Unless the driver uses man-made urea, but let’s not even go there.) Then, he mentioned the California standards which were way tougher than Tier II Bin 5. This would effectively kill diesels in the US as they wouldn’t be 50 state compliant. Then Volkswagen introduced the TDI Jetta which was 50 state compliant. What made this extra special was that Volkswagen did it without using any urea after treatment. Something which Bob Lutz said wasn’t possible. There was a diesel hurdle that was gone. Who else could be bringing diesels to the United States?
Would you have guessed the French? Auto Trader reports that Peugeot has released details of their new Diesel Hybrid Crossover, the Peugeot 3008. It will emit just 99g/km of “nasty” CO2, which is the same as a first generation Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion. A car several size classes below the 3008. Because of this low CO2 output, the 3008 diesel hybrid will be exempt from UK car tax. A very good selling point. The powertrain will generate 200bhp (163 coming from the diesel engine and 37 from the electric motor) and 369lb/ft of torque. This amount of pulling power is more than a BMW M3 and an Audi RS5. It’ll also come with an electric only mode, four wheel drive and a sport function for faster gear changes. As for the fuel economy figures, you’ll get, according to Peugeot, 62 miles per US gallon. Not bad for a 5 seater CUV.
Now I doubt Peugeot Citroen will set up shop in North America just to sell this car. But what’s to stop Mitsubishi re-badging them and selling them there? They could do with some extra sales…
More by Cammy Corrigan
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It boggles the mind that VWoA won't allow the TDI Tiguan over here. I know that they are a BoFI but really, how often do you have to be hit over the head to push one of the few advantages that you company seems to hold over anyone else in this market? Very weird. I'd look at that Peugeot in a minute if they ever came to Canada. Won't hold my breath though.
There must be a way to get around the oppressive US regulations. I’d like to have a car that does both well AND gets 62 mph. I have no doubt whatsoever that the lower power version will be there soon. online car insurance quotes