I had been wondering when someone would combine the fuel economy advantages of a hybrid with the fuel economy benefits of a diesel.

Well it’s Pugeout, whose 3008 Hybrid4 stakes out this ground.

In typical French fashion, their hybrid system is kind of offbeat, the 163 hp turbo-diesel engine drives the front wheels, with a 37 hp electric motor driving the rear wheels, with the road serving to keep the two drives in sync.

I’m not sure how it shapes up efficiency wise, it would appear that regenerative braking applies only to the rear wheels, but it does allow for the car to function in 4 wheel drive mode.