Paris 2010: Peugeot HR1 Is A Hybrid... Something

Our coverage of the Paris show is slowly drawing to a close today, but there are a few things we've skidded by. With a show so heavy on debuts and news, there are a few things that are bound to slip through the cracks.  Sorry, Peugeot.  We didn't mean to ignore your concept car!

Peugeot has always had a penchant for odd or extreme concepts (hello there, Peugeot Oxia!), and they always seem to fit with the times.  So it was little surprise that Peugeot had a hybrid at the Paris show.  Being French, there are a few unusual things about this hybrid, though.

The HR1 uses a 1.2L turbocharged 3 cylinder to drive the front wheels, and an electric motor to drive the rear wheels.  And no, they're not connected in any way.  No parallel hybrid, no range-extended electric vehicle... just, an electric motor out back.  Because they can.  Total output is said to be 147 horsepower, 110 through the engine and 37 through the electric motor.  The gas engine transmits power through a six-speed automatic.  The company claims the HR1 will consume just 3.5L/100km of fuel, which is 67mpg on the US scale, which seems optimistic, but what do I know?

Now, all that's great, but here's a more important question:  What is the HR1 supposed to be?  Why do we need a French version of the first two-door Rav4 with Koenigsegg "Dyhedral Synchro-Helix" doors and a melting A-pillar?  Is it an SUV, a city car, a shopping trolley, a backpack, or a badger?  I'm not really sure.  It's not unattractive - it just doesn't make much sense.  Business as usual for French concept cars, then.  Peugeot says they have no plans to produce the HR1, which should surprise no one at all - but they say it might preview some styling cues on future cars.  We'll see.