Peugeot's Quartz Concept is a 500bhp Hybrid SUV

Peugeot has unveiled the Quartz hybrid crossover concept ahead of a public exhibition set for early next month at the Paris Motor Show. The Quartz concept gives us a peek into the future SUVs that will make its way out of the Peugeot stable.

The exterior sees dramatic styling including sharp lines and short overhangs. The SUV rides on massive 23-inch wheels and benefits from a composite structure and bonded body panels which helps it reduce weight. There's no B-pillar and Peugeot has decided to go for scissor doors while the tail-lamps are LEDs.

Under the hood of the Quartz concept is the 500 HP HYbrid drivetrain, which is a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder THP turbocharged gasoline engine delivering 270bhp and 330 Nm. The front axle is also powered by a 115bhp delivering electric motor which charges the 400V battery during deceleration and also provides assistance to the conventional engine during gear changes. At the back there's another 85 kW electric motor for propulsion and battery charging.

The ZEV mode offers an all-electric range of 50Km, while in Road mode the Quartz uses the combustion engine and the front axle-mounted electric motor. Switching to Race mode will allow the concept to use the combined output of the THP engine and the two electric motors.

There are a lot of details inside the car and there's an i-Cockpit design featuring a compact steering wheel with built-in controls for shifting gears, changing drive modes and using the indicators. The cabin also boasts a configurable head-up display with a central 45-degree polycarbonate strip providing extra info, along with four bucket seats that have an exposed seat structure and come with a four-point retractable harness.