Peugeot's Concept for the Urban Dwellers: the HR1

Targeting active young city dwellers, Peugeot presented a new concept car at the Paris Motor Show - the HR1. The car resembles an urban concept, combines however a wide range of elements borrowed from the SUV, Coupé and City Runabout segments.

The HR1 features HYbrid4 technology, with a new three cylinder 1.2 litre THP petrol engine at the front and a rear electric motor for reduced Co2 emissions (80 g/km or Zero in electric mode), a maximum power (147 bhp) and a fuel consumption of only 3.5 litres/100 km. The HR1 can be driven as often as possible in “zero emissions” mode in town at low speed, or with both engines together, offering four-wheel drive capability where challenging surfaces warrant it. A electronically-controlled 6-speed gearbox (with paddles on the steering wheel or gear lever) is coupled with this power train and offers sequential or automatic mode.

As the HR1 is designed specifically for the urban environment, its compact dimensions (length of 3.69 m, very short front and rear overhangs), but also an new system for getting into and out of the vehicle, are adapted to this condition. The HR1 has two electric gull-wing doors to facilitate access under all circumstances (restricted parking, small garage, etc). Also, its raised ground clearance provides an elevated driving position with benefits in terms of visibility and manoeuvrability.

On the exterior the HR1 carries the genes of the SR1 concept-car. It features the same headlamps as well as a single “floating” front grille seemingly detached from the rest of the body. The flanks are emphasizing the large wheels and displaying a double bubble on the rear windscreen reminiscent of the curves of the RCZ Coupé. At the rear, roof bars serve as a hinge for opening the one-piece, smoked-glass tailgate.

In keeping with the trends illustrated on Peugeot’s latest vehicles, the interior has a “high-tech coupé” driving position. The driver and passenger each have a space separated by a console. Natural light is transmitted through the two glazed sections of the roof, above to the right and left occupant respectively.

The car’s instrumentation features ergonomically placed controls, a small steering wheel, and a “Head Up Display” allowing information to be seen without the driver taking their eyes off the road. The concept-car’s “movement recognition” system allows the driver to scroll through functions and select available settings with a simple movement of the hand. The technology controlled by this method includes the audio, satellite navigation and air conditioning systems.
The front passenger meanwhile benefits from a mobile pC tablet which allows data to be shared and exchanged with the driver’s display.

The HR1’s boot offers a load space of 734 litres. The passenger compartment of the concept-car can also be configured to accommodate three or four full size seats as the rear seat frames fold behind the front seats quickly. The special shape of the rear windscreen with its double bubble allows the rear capacity to be enhanced. When both rear seats are present, the boot capacity is still 180 litres.