Peugeot unveils sporty MPV concept

Peugeot has unveiled a new concept for a six-seater vehicle that could shake up the MPV market.

The French automaker revealed its new HX1 August 29, releasing the first pictures of a low, sleek form which resembles a squashed MPV and suggests the potential of a whole new direction for minivans or people-carriers.

Set to go on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the HX1 has a height of just 1.3 meters, making up the space with extra length - a total of nearly 5 meters.

Peugeot says that the low form gives it exceptional aerodynamic qualities, despite the fact that it will comfortably sit six passengers, who enter using reverse-opening doors at the rear, although in a normal configuration it will seat four passengers with ample legroom.

Powered by a diesel hybrid engine, the HX1 also uses plug-in power to allow for up to 30km in electric drive before the engine kicks in, giving the HX1 a combined fuel consumption of 2.66l/100km and emissions of 83g/km.

Inside, passengers are treated to a minibar and coffee machine, along with a head-up display for the driver, marble surfaces and leather trim.

Like its competitor Renault, which teamed up with Lacrosse last year, Peugeot is also capitalizing on its French fashion heritage to design a 'concept shoe' to be displayed alongside the model, produced using the same materials and designed by shoe designer Pierre Hardy.

The model will be on show at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, which runs September 15-25 in Frankfurt, Germany.

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