Peugeot 508 RXH Revealed with Hybrid4 Power And All-wheel-drive

PEUGEOT 508 RXH

Peugeot has added a new high-riding and hybrid-powered variant to its new European 508 line-up, the 2012 508 RXH.

The RXH is the first model in the 508 line-up to benefit from Peugeot's Hybri4 technology, which pairs a 120kW 2.0 litre HDi FAP diesel engine with a 28kW electric motor. Combined, the system produces 450Nm of torque.

With the diesel engine powering the front wheels and the electric motor sending power to the rear, the RXH is also the first model in the 508 range with an all-wheel-drive layout.

Thanks to its hybrid powertrain, the 508 RXH lists combined-cycle fuel consumption figures of 4.2 l/100km - bettering the 5.7 l/100km offered by the diesel engine in its regular non-hybrid guise.

On the styling front, the RXH gets a unique colour-coded version of Peugeot's new dual-port grille design, along with a revised front bumper with three columns of LED lights at each end.

To reflect its softroader off-road intent, the 508 RXH also gets wheelarch extensions and skirting in a gunmetal finish, and chrome roof rails.

The 508 RXH is set to hit European showrooms early next year, with an official unveiling due for September's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Australia

European pricing has yet to be revealed, although Australian models would likely be priced between the Subaru Outback ($38,490-$55,990) and the Audi A6 Allroad ($103,714).

Speaking with TMR today, Peugeot Australia's Kirin Tipping said that the 508 RXH is "definitely of interest to us," but that it is too early to confirm Australian availability or timing.

"Naturally we also need to thoroughly investigate the business case for bringing the car here, and right now our immediate focus is on launching the 508 sedan and wagon in non-hybrid formats," Ms Tipping said.

Ms Tipping confirmed that while the 'regular' 508 line-up in Australia includes a range of petrol and diesel engines, the RXH will only be offered internationally with the Hybrid4 diesel-electric drivetrain.