The concept has been developed by Peugeot alongside its oil giant partner Total and is based on a production 208 hatchback featuring a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain but without the use of a plug-in energy source.

First shown at the Geneva Motor Show 2013, the 208 HYbrid FE has been conceived to halve the CO2 emissions of the cleanest 208, equipped with a 1.0-litre VTi 68bhp but also provide the acceleration of a performance hatchback, similar to the 208 GTi. 

The concept is equipped with a three-cylinder 1.0-litre VTi 68bhp with a battery and an electric motor taken from Peugeot’s Sport’s Endurance programme, which has undergone several modifications: optimisation of the engine operational cycle, reduction of friction losses and thermo-management. The result is a 10% improvement in efficiency but with power maintained at 68bhp.

In addition, weight has been reduced by 20% while hybridisation sees recovery of 25% of the energy over one drive cycle.

‘The 208 HYbrid FE project is essential as it explores solutions for reaching the bar of 141mpg. It also showcases our R&D work with our historic partner Total. Together, we are developing more economical vehicles, we are winning victories all over the world. Together, we are making good progress,’ said Maxime Picat, director general, automobiles Peugeot.

The car is only a concept, but the carmaker says it’s been built not only to show what’s possible, but also to explore what technologies are ready for production.

‘The challenge of this project consisted of combining engine optimisations (reciprocating gears, cylinder head, etc.) and optimising the flow of energy between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. All of the solutions can potentially be carried over to production, said Julien Lidsky, manager, 208 HYbrid FE Powertrain, Peugeot Sport.