Peugeot’s Next Car Has a Square Steering Wheel Like a Game Controller
▼ Summary
– Peugeot will unveil the Polygon concept car in November to preview the third-generation 208 hatchback.
– The concept will debut the Hypersquare steering wheel, a futuristic square yoke enabled by steer-by-wire technology.
– Peugeot’s Hypersquare wheel will be operated with “new gestures” and is compared to a video game controller.
– The steering wheel is planned for production vehicles starting in 2026 as part of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit evolution.
– The Polygon concept is expected to use the Stellantis STLA Small Platform with potential electric and hybrid options.
Peugeot is preparing to give drivers a glimpse of its next-generation 208 hatchback with the upcoming Polygon concept, a vehicle that introduces a radical new steering design. The Hypersquare steering wheel, shaped like a square and reminiscent of a video game controller, marks a bold step in the brand’s interior innovation. This unconventional approach is made possible by steer-by-wire technology, which removes the traditional mechanical link between the wheel and the front wheels.
According to reports, the Polygon concept will debut in November and preview the third iteration of Peugeot’s popular 208 model. The Hypersquare wheel is expected to carry over into the eventual production version, forming what the company describes as the next evolution of its i-Cockpit interior layout. Peugeot CEO Alain Favey has indicated the concept will also include a 21-inch floating display, with the compact, square wheel intended to deliver a distinctive driving experience.
Little specific detail has been released about how the Hypersquare will function, though Peugeot states it will be operated using “new gestures.” The automaker has confirmed that this steering system, first shown on the 2023 Inception concept, is scheduled to appear in a production vehicle by 2026. This timeline aligns with the official unveiling of the Polygon concept later this year.
Rumors suggest the production model previewed by the Polygon will be a sporty hot hatch, and it is expected to be the first vehicle built on the Stellantis STLA Small platform. This architecture will likely support both fully electric and hybrid powertrain options. Peugeot’s push for the Hypersquare underscores its ambition to stand out as an innovator within the Stellantis brand family.
However, the brand’s track record with high-tech interiors invites some skepticism. The current i-Cockpit, while visually striking, has been criticized for a lack of intuitive operation. In models like the e-5008, the reliance on haptic surfaces and multiple screens can make simple tasks needlessly complicated. Introducing a square steering wheel alongside gesture controls risks adding further complexity at a time when many drivers are pushing back against distracting automotive gimmicks.
The reception to Tesla’s yoke-style steering wheel serves as a cautionary tale. Many owners complained about its awkward feel and potential safety issues, leading to its removal from base versions of the Model S and Model X. While Peugeot may execute the Hypersquare more effectively, any system that replaces familiar, tactile controls with abstract gestures could create more problems than it solves. The success of this daring design will ultimately depend on whether it enhances the drive or simply becomes another high-tech hindrance.
(Source: techradar)
