At the 2014 Paris Motor Show Peugeot will unveil a restyled, European version of the Exalt Concept, first introduced at the Beijing Show in April.

Evolving a design approach initiated by the Onyx Concept in 2012, the restyled Exalt Concept maintains the distinctive body finish of the original Exalt – a combination of bare metal and a shark skin-inspired texture – adopting a new grey shade for the textured rear section that provides a more homogeneous appearance.

The tailgate now features a new pantograph openinh mechanism, which allows maximum opening while needing less space externally. It provides easy access to the HYbrid-kick, an electric scooter stowed below the trunk floor.

The Exalt proportions are defined by a low stance, with wide tracks and powerfully rounded wheel arches. The surface treatment combines flat surfaces and straight-cut lines to balance aggressiveness and softness.

The powertrain is the same of the original Exalt Concept – a plug-in system combining a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric drive system, with seven driving modes and a total output of 340 hp.

Interior Design

The new interior features a ‘Newspaper Wood’ finish, which is made of paper recycled from the pages of major business dailies.

The cockpit features a small steering wheel trimmed in leather and chiné—a natural wool-based mixed fabric—and a digital instrument panel arranged in front of the driver to improve operation and visibility.

On the extended centre console, two folding touchscreens emerge from the dashboard. The upper screen gives access to the on-board computer and the Hi-Fi and navigation systems. The second screen presents a permanently visible control bar to provide access to the automatic air conditioning and the ‘Pure Blue’ system.

The dashboard features nine toggle switches, the design of which is borrowed from the world of music. They are arranged in two groups: two to the left of the small steering wheel; seven to the right. This layout was adopted because of the human brain’s ability to easily remember up to seven items, with regard to position and function. The driver is also free to assign functions to the switches, as desired: access to navigation with one switch, vehicle settings with another, etc.

Activation of the black light system can also be assigned to one of the toggle switches. Built into the headlamps, this system is particularly useful when driving at dawn or dusk: visibility issues are reduced and driving becomes more relaxed with black light improving the clarity of road markings.

The Exalt also feature an innovative air treatment system called ‘Pure Blue’. When the vehicle is stationary and unoccupied, Pure Blue emits bactericides and fungicides to purify the cabin surfaces. Once the vehicle is moving, an active filter treats the air before it enters the cabin, eliminating volatile organic compounds (VOC) and fine particles. As a result, driver and passengers can always travel in a purified environment.

Designers’ comments

Pierre Paul Mattei, Peugeot Exalt Styling Manager comments: “The Peugeot Exalt is athletic, powerful and sleek, sporting an array of original materials. Its cabin, trimmed in natural materials, is dedicated to comfort and instinctive driving. This innovative concept makes the saloon even more attractive and more versatile, in particular the tailgate, with its unique opening mechanism and large boot.”

Alessandro Riga, Peugeot Exalt Interior Stylist: “This project was inspired by the world of music, in which harmony is a fundamental notion. Notes come together to create a score that is profoundly moving. This is how technology and tradition merge together in EXALT. In the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit, the raised digital instrument panel combines with a number of toggle switches. The result is pure and timeless.”

Sophie Gazeau, Peugeot Exalt Colours and Materials Stylist: “The Peugeot Exalt features raw and natural elements paired with innovative and efficient materials. The idea was to finish the car with useful touches and to do so intelligently, with a view to constantly optimising processes to economise on the use of materials and reduce waste. This responsible approach is also applied in the local sourcing of materials, such as replacing the Asian ebony used in China with Newspaper Wood in Europe.”

Gilles Vidal, Peugeot Design Director: “With Exalt, Peugeot has unveiled its vision of the saloon, combining a sleek design with versatility. This radical approach and Exalt’s original qualities make it instantly desirable.”

(Source: Peugeot)