Peugeot 3008  - Who said cars had to fall into only one category? Nissan bucked the trend first with its quirky Qashqai hatchback-SUV crossover, and now Peugeot are taking mixed DNA a step further with the 3008 – using elements from an SUV, hatchback and MPV. And Auto Express has the first official pictures of the French Frankenstein.

Formerly known as the T84 and previewed by the Prologue Concept at Paris last year, the 3008 is unmistakeably Peugeot. Its grille is stretched vertically to match the car’s tall but chunky stance, and gives the imposing look of an SUV. Large window areas in profile, as well as an optional glass roof, help to flood the cabin with light, while the over size LED rear lights and split tailgate demonstrate the 3008’s fusion of fashion and practicality.

On the inside Peugeot’s innovative Multiflex interior means that folding the rear and front passenger seats leaves a perfectly flat loading area, capable of swallowing 1,604-litres of luggage. Plus there’s a raft of new hi-tech kit - things such as a fighter-jet-style head-up display and a radar-controlled distance alert to help the driver maintain a safe distance to the car ahead.

To ensure it drives more like a hatchback and less like an MPV, Peugeot has introduced Dynamic Roll Control to the rear suspension, which keeps unwanted body-roll in check.

Engine choices include three diesels – the most frugal of which, the 1.6 HDi 110, emits just 130g/km of CO2 and returns 58mpg at the pumps. Petrol options consist of a 1.6-litre unit in naturally aspirated or turbocharged form.

More importantly however, from 2011 the 3008 will become the first hybrid Peugeot ever, using the same technology previewed on the Prologue concept. The diesel-electric powertrain will use the oil-burner to power the front wheels and an electric motor to turn the rears, resulting in a 35 per cent increase in fuel economy.

Prices for the 3008 range are set carry a premium of about £1,000 over the equivalent 308 hatchback models when it hits UK showrooms this summer. However, that’s not all Peugeot has in store. Our sources say the company is also readying an all-new seven-seat MPV, based on the same platform. This is due to appear in 2010.