We have always been cautioned against reinventing the wheel, but fortunately for us, the French apparently cannot read because Peugeot has just proudly claimed to have done so, with the Hypersquare rectangular steering wheel making its debut in the Polygon concept.
The Polygon concept itself is said to preview “future models”, and taking into account the diminutive dimensions, that should begin with the compact 208, which could feature a more user-friendly version of the Hypersquare steering.
The Hypersquare system turns the front wheels via electronic input. By utilising steer-by-wire, designers were able to simultaneously reinvent the dashboard as well, by placing the steering square higher. They could then project the instrumentation onto the windscreen in an area measuring 24 cm tall and 74 cm wide, or about a 31-inch television screen.
Furthermore, the use of steer-by-wire allows for a speed-dependent steering ratio. For low speeds and parking, the ratio will be high for quicker turns with less effort – Peugeot claims only 170 degrees maximum in each direction.
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At high speeds, such as during highway use, the ratio will be slowed for more precise input and “a unique sense of hyper-agility,” according to the French.
On the inside, Peugeot has introduced a new design for the seat, with a 3D-printed shell fitted with a single piece of moulded foam for support. This new take on seats opens the door to radical new designs that integrate geometric themes, something traditional multipiece foam and fabric covers would not allow.
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Additionally, this would allow owners to replace the foam in a matter of minutes for different colours or designs. In fact, the Hypersquare steering, dashboard elements and wheel covers can be quickly replaced as well to suit the theme of the week.
The wheel covers themselves are 3D-printed in a single piece and made from recycled plastic, and here on this concept, it’s inspired by the four-circle design of the Hypersquare.
Being a hatchback, the Polygon appears to be a natural nod as the 208’s successor but do not expect the gigantic gullwing doors to make it into production. Peugeot says it makes ingress and egress much easier, aside from using fewer components, but that still does not mean the next 208 will be gullwing doors. Nonetheless, larger MPV such as the next generation 3008 or 5008 could benefit from that.
The Polygon concept introduces technologies and innovations that will be introduced in new Peugeot models from 2027 onwards. And guess who is sitting atop that list? That’s right, the 208.
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It will be the first to sit on the new Stellantis STLA Small architecture and since that platform does not support internal combustion engines, the next 208 will likely be all electric. Further hinting at this would be the charging bar indicator on the rear glass of the concept, in case you missed it.
