- Peugeot is due to a preview of the upcoming 208, called polygon
- The model is reported to debut on the brand’s Hypersquare Rat
- Steer-by-Wire Tech means the wheel can be square
Peugeot is tilted to reveal a new concept car in November that will view the third generation 208-Marques best-selling hatchback.
According to Autocar, the Polygon concept, as it is known, will debut Marques Futuristic Hypersquare steering wheel, which is also intended to play in any production model that the concept will spawn.
Thanks to Steer-by-Wire technology that removes a physical connection between the steering wheel column and the front wheels, the French mark can essentially introduce a wheel in the style that is similar to those seen first on the Tesla Model S and Model X.
The French mark says the hypersquare steering wheel will form part of “The next step in the saga of i-cockpit”, which is the name given for Peugeot’s wrapped infotainment array.
Peugeot CEO Alain Favey told Autocar that the Polygon concept car will contain a 21-inch ‘floating’ screen and that the smaller wheel would give future Peugeots a unique driving style.
There is not much known about the Hypersquare wheel, only that Peugeot claims it will be driven by “new movements” and that it will be “reminiscent of some of a video game controller”.
An article released by the company in June 2024, shortly after the unique steering wheel, debuted on the start of the starting concept in 2023, says the wheel will be equipped for a production vehicle as early as 2026, which will be well to November’s big announcement.
Analysis: An innovation too far?
Peugeot’s polygon concept is rumored to preview a sporty hot hatch that will be the first to use Stellantis Stla Small Platform, which is very likely to be offered in both fully electric and hybrid settings when it eventually goes on sale.
Peugeot’s long-standing but forward-thinking i-cockpit looks amazing, but sometimes not the most intuitive to use.
After spending time with E-5008, which sees double screens in front of the driver and haptic touch surfaces to control much of the infotainment, I can certify how Fiddly operates some of these features may be.
In addition, Peugeot is looking to introduce his Hypersquare Ratt at a time when there has been a general setback against Wilder Automotive Innovations, especially those who only serve to distract the driver.
For example, Teslas Åg retired in base models of S and X, because many owners hated the way it felt, with some even stating that it was dangerous to use.
Peugeot’s execution could be better, but it also threatens gesture controls and intuitive new ways of interacting with the square wheel. More often, these cannot cause more problems than they solve.
