What do you think of Peugeot’s Quartz Concept?
Peugeot has been building on its lead in the Crossover market since 2009 and with the Quartz Concept, it has unveiled a new vision for the segment.
The Quartz has a strong, powerful and sporty style to it and its shapely design combines the body of an SUV with the cabin of a saloon. According to Peugeot there is an original athletic air about both the exterior and the cabin, both of which boast an outstanding design and use of innovative materials, featuring basalt, digitally woven fabric and chiné leather. The Quartz Concept is the first-ever vehicle to feature digitally woven textile. This innovative process can create large and complex components that can be used as soon as they come off the machine. No cutting is required, meaning there is also no waste.
The Quartz concept is based on an EMP2 platform vehicle with a composite structure and bonded panels. In addition to weight savings, this solution offers body stiffness, which makes it possible to remove the structural support normally provided by the central pillar.
Inside, each of the four passengers has a bucket seat providing optimal interior space. The seat structure is left exposed and features a four-point retractable harness, with floating cushions and backrests trimmed in tawny leather to ensure excellent comfort.
The bonnet houses the 1.6-litre power plant developed by Peugeot Sport, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the four-cylinder engine delivers torque of 330N.m.
There are three driving modes: ZEV can cover up to 50km on a single battery charge using the plug-in battery; in Road mode, the combustion engine and front electric motor work together to enhance driving pleasure and maximise battery charging during deceleration; Race mode harnesses the power of the engine and both electric motors to get the most out of the chassis and running gear equipped with limited-slip differentials. This makes it possible to divide torque between the wheels based on the individual grip of each.