Mating two carbon-curbing methods for the first time, French automaker Peugeot recently announced it will launch its diesel-electric hybrid, the 3008 HYbrid 4, in Europe next spring.  The small-scale crossover marks the world’s first diesel (versus gasoline) hybrid, and while it won’t be available in the states quite yet, it’s a grand step forward in the greening of the automotive sphere.  Here in the US, diesel still hasn’t caught on for the majority of passenger-car driving folks, but in Europe, a far larger percentage of commuters are behind the wheel of diesel-engine cars, approximately 20 – 40% more efficient than their petroleum counterparts.

According to GreenCarReports, the hybrid will garner a hefty 68 mpg.  It also features a ZEV (zero emission vehicle) mode that kicks in to haul heavier loads, complemented by Auto, Sport, and Four-Wheel-Drive modes.  And even better, the crossover’s smooth looks don’t disappoint, based on our initial glance.  It offers the clean lines expected from a European ride, as well as the compact design that so easily takes those countryside curves.

If Peugeot were to offer up the diesel hybrid in the U.S., would you take it on a test drive?