2011 Peugeot HX1 Concept Shows Sumptuous Detailing and Scale, But Front-Drive Proportions

A low, long and and wide super-wagon! YES!

Is there anything not to like?

Very little, in the case of the gorgeous HX1 concept from Frankfurt 2011. The car is part of a numerous series of concepts exploring and fleshing out the latest Peugeot design themes – ideas that are in a final point of production-readiness via the latest 508 RXC and 508 Estate.

But while the exterior panels of the crash-safety-obsessed French car brands can easily be re-stamped in sexier shapes, the underlying platforms will require a much bigger overhaul.

Therefore, even the fantasy HX1 rides with a far too front-drive proportion to be convincing as a real premium car. Things like the cab-forward base of the windshield hitting the hood in front of the axle-line are well-known indicators of a front-drive, transverse-engine layout. That is not sexy or cool.

Here we compare the 508 with the 2014 EXALT concept’s proportions.

So, the shortie nose and long overhang of the 2011 Peugeot HX1 Concept are not exceptional. But almost everything else about the HX1 is dripping in high-gloss glamour.

2011 Peugeot HX1 Concept

 

 

 

Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.

He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.

Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.

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