Described by its creators as "athletic, powerful and sleek", the Peugeot Exalt concept takes the basic fundamentals of the 2012 Onyx Concept and translates them into a five-door saloon format.
Stretching just 4.7 metres and perched on 20-inch wheels, the concept isn't any longer than an Audi A4, yet it has a particularly wide track and low roof. Its shapely body is hewn from hand-formed bare metal and an efficient textile called Shark Skin, while the body's mixture of flat surfaces and straight-cut lines is intended to convey a feeling of aggressiveness and softness at the same time.
The Exalt's cabin surfaces are a mixture of aged leather, ebony, bare steel and 'chiné' mixed fabric.
BREATH OF FRESH AIR
The Peugeot 'i-Cockpit' set-up promises an "intense driving experience" achieved through a small steering wheel, a digital instrument panel alongside toggle switches and an extended centre console with two folding touch screens. Occupants are literally treated to a breath of fresh air through the innovative Pure Blue air treatment system that spreads bactericides and fungicides while the car is stationary and uses an active filter to treat the air while the car is in motion.
The Exalt's all-wheel drive hybrid drivetrain is good for a total system output of 254kW. This is achieved by mating a 202kW version of Peugeot's 1.6-litre turbopetrol to an electric motor that's mounted on the rear axle.
This concept might well be a more radical indication of where Peugeot is going with its next mid-sized saloon.
If so, could Peugeot eventually end up on your luxury saloon shopping list?