Peugeot Australia has confirmed a 2012 debut for the diesel-electric hybrid version of its just-launched 3008 SUV.

Ken Thomas, Peugeot’s Australian boss, saw the hybrid version of the nicely-styled 3008 during a recent visit to Paris. He told Car Showroom the new version will be launched locally in January 2012 with a likely recommended retail price only $6,000 more than the current 3008 models. 

The 3008 Hybrid 4 - as it will be called - delivers 147kW of power and 500Nm of torque while returning fuel consumption figures as low as 4.1l/100kms and C02 emissions of only 99g/km or 109g/km (depending on the model).

Cleverly, Peugeot uses the 1.6-litre HDi turbo-diesel to drive the front wheels while the rear wheels are each powered by an electric motor.

Mr Thomas said the 3008 Hybrid 4 features extra luxury trim and is slightly wider in the rear end to accommodate the batteries.

The 3008 Hybrid 4 and Peugeot’s new 508 sedan will debut later this year at the Paris Motor Show.