Favey confi rmed last week that Peugeot will preview the next 208 with the Polygon concept in November. The drivable concept will put a focus on dynamics and roadholding. It will also showcase a radical cabin that is understood to be a huge leap forward in terms of design, giving a greater feeling of space and light.
The key change is the next evolution of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit design. Instead of a small round wheel, the new 208 will have the rectangular Hypersquare steering control previewed on the Inception concept in 2023. This will be connected to a steer-by-wire system, the first time the tech has featured in a Stellantis car.
The new set-up – which is expected to be adopted across the range after its introduction in the 208 – is “about agility” and will give future Peugeots a more distinctive driving signature, according to Favey.
The 208 will also get the same panoramic curved infotainment screen as in the 3008 – a 21in display atop the dashboard. Customisable shortcut buttons will feature, too.
Speaking previously to Autocar, former Peugeot boss Linda Jackson called the set-up “technically superior” and said the steer-by-wire “enhances something that is absolutely fundamental for Peugeot: the pleasure of driving”.
The new steering wheel and technology also liberate more cabin space and those who have seen it “were shocked by how much space you free up”, according to Jackson.
Favey said the Polygon concept will also reveal a “very creative” exterior. While the Polygon’s design is expected to be quite conceptual, the production 208 is likely to sport a similar look to the larger 308, 3008 and 5008, which all feature Peugeot’s new design language, especially at the front. The current 208 is one of the few models in the line-up not to feature it.
The new 208 is expected to be slightly bigger than today’s CMP-based car, mirroring a wheelbase expansion previewed by the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo. For reference, the concept is 130mm longer and 105mm wider than the standard Corsa.
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