French automaker Peugeot is all set to stun the auto world with something that goes against all common sense when it comes to designing cars. This enigmatic “Polygon” concept will go a long way in revolutionizing our thinking when it comes to the steering wheel and cabin designs of our vehicles. This innovative showcase will take place in a week.
Revolutionary Hypersquare steering wheel challenges traditional auto designs
In encouraging innovation in steering technology, the Polygon concept incorporates innovative designs such as the super steering system introduced in Peugeot’s Inception concept back in 2023, together with its innovative steering wheel known as Hypersquare. This steering wheel is rectangular and is said to be a radical innovation after a full century of steering wheels in a circular form.
“It’s all about agility,” commented Favey, explaining that this innovation will offer “a driving experience unique to Peugeot cars in terms of its agility.”
This is because it is based upon “steer by wire technology,” making it the first Stellantis model to use this “innovative steering system.” This system is revolutionary in that it does not use a mechanical link between the steering column and wheels.
This means that steer-by-wire technology enables engineers to have variable steering ratios and responses, which could make it possible to do away with more than half a turn of the wheel in most driving scenarios while at the same time improving safety through advanced systems.
The Polygon concept prefigures radical design changes for the third-generation 208
The “Feline futuristic design” of the Polygon is a representation of a monolithic shape that is defined by unique aerodynamic surface modeling and will clearly impact the 208 production version. This radical concept will definitely be moderated in a produced version, though its drastic proportions and innovative design trends will allegedly form a new era of Peugeot’s designs in the coming decade.
Key Design Features:
- Pixelated LED lighting elements
- Monolithic exterior silhouette
- Aerodynamically optimized
- Futuristic interior design
“Floating” interior designs include a huge 21-inch screen, probably related to the present 3008 models’ curved infotainment systems, which means that the cabin in this concept will come close to its production form. This near-production cabin is a reflection of Peugeot’s commitment to a fast turnaround of innovative designs without compromising costs.
Production timeline targets late 2026 launch on new platform architecture
Its successor, 208, is slated to make an appearance at the end of next year, becoming the first vehicle based on Stellantis’ new STLASmall architecture, followed by a related version of its sibling, Corsa, for the European market. This new model will also continue manufacturing at Stellantis’ existing plant in Zaragoza, Spain.
STLA Small platform offers a dual powertrain option for market adaptability
This new 208 is based on Stellantis’ STLASmall platform that is compatible with electric and full hybrid versions. In contrast to its subsidiary’s commitment to a purely electric new Corsa line-up, the CEO of Peugeot, Favey, holds an open stance, saying, “Peugeot is committed to BEVs but needs to offer its customers a choice of powertrains as well.”
This strategy suggests that because of its current use of CMP technology in ICE 208, it is likely that it will continue to be produced alongside its new electric version, just as it has done for its previous versions. This is because STLA’s Small platform is flexible enough to adapt to market trends while ensuring continued efficient production at its Spanish plant.
Polygon is a concept that is a statement of intent for Peugeot’s vision of affordable mobility solutions, as it showcases its innovative steering technology together with its unique designs and flexible powertrains. Through such innovative approaches that also include its radical designs, Peugeot is positioning itself as a trendsetter in its supermini market while getting ready for a tough automotive market ahead.