The latest in Peugeot’s line of concept cars is the Quartz, a crossover study that previews a next generation SUV from the French carmaker, possibly a 3008 replacement.

Scheduled to debut at the Paris Auto Show next month alongside a revised version of the Exalt study, the Quartz is a sporty crossover that combines the body of an SUV with the cabin of a saloon, according to Peugeot. The short overhangs and the massive 23-inch wheels convey an athletic stance to the crossover, which is actually based on the the same EMP2 platform that underpins the new 308.

The Quartz is 4.5m (177.1in) long and 2.06m (81.1in) wide and is built on a composite structure with bonded panels that save weight while also increasing stiffness. This allowed Peugeot engineers to remove the central B-pillar and create scissor doors. Access to the cabin is facilitated by a retractable step.

The headlights and taillights are LED, while the glass roof sweeps towards the rear wings and incorporates two spoilers. As with the Exalt study, the bodywork of the Quartz features two constrasting colors: mineral grey at the front and matt black for the rear wings, offset by splashes of red.

Inside, the Peugeot Quartz features a center console made from basalt, a strong but light material formed when magma is quickly cooled once it comes in contact with the elements. The study is also the first-ever vehicle to employ digitally woven textile. The textile is woven with polyester fibre from recycled plastic water bottles.

The driver gets a special treatment with the i-Cockpit, which keeps all controls at the driver’s fingertips on the compact steering wheel inspired by competition models.

The Peugeot Quartz features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain combining a petrol engine with two electric motors. Conventional power comes from a 1.6-liter THP 270 engine developed by Peugeot Sport, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The front axle is also driven by an 85kW (114hp) electric motor, with another 85kW motor driving the rear wheels. Combined system output is 500PS (493hp).

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