Peugeot celebrates the 208th anniversary of the i-Cockpit, which it first put into mass production in the 10 model. The i-Cockpit, which has been applied to more than 10 million Peugeot models in a 10-year period, continues to be developed continuously, and continues to be one of the signature features of the brand, being brought to a new level with each new model.
The i-Cockpit concept remains true to three key elements that have remained unchanged since then. These; A compact steering wheel for improved driving feel and ease of use, an upgraded display that allows the driver to view driving information without taking their eyes off the road, and a large central touchscreen that is easily accessible and visible, allowing the driver to manage the car's key functions.
The first acquaintance with the i-Cockpit was with the Peugeot SR1
The story of the i-Cockpit actually began in 2010, when the elegant coupé-cabrio Peugeot SR1 concept car was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, revealing the brand's vision for the future. This included a revolutionary riding position that broke conventional design and ergonomics codes. Peugeot teams it zamMoments wanted to upgrade the driver's seat for more in-car feeling, more ergonomics and more safety.
A small team of designers and engineers got to work. Soon, a proposal for a smaller steering wheel emerged. HE zamUntil now, an automobile steering wheel was large and information on the screen could be read from inside the steering wheel. But this traditional positioning of the screen and steering wheel was a distraction.
The best position to read the information was at eye level. So the information had to be at eye level. This new position, combined with a smaller steering wheel, has created an entirely new system with a display known as the "Raised Display". A touch screen has also been added, which simplifies all controls and provides additional connectivity. This was the beginning of touchscreens for Peugeot.
“The stakes were high for the brand,” said Jérôme Micheron, Peugeot Product Manager. By committing to such an innovative and new concept; We were knowingly taking risks. Above all, we needed to make sure our customers liked the concept. We conducted tests on a track with our French and German customers. We had them drive a car with a normal steering wheel and dashboard. Then we asked them to sit on the prototype with the new steering wheel and this new upgraded instrument display. Feedback was great. Young people appreciated the sportiness of the new steering wheel, while older people thought it was agile, modern and represented change. Everyone accepted the small steering wheel with great ease. We were absolutely convinced we had a unique idea.”
The i-Cockpit on the Peugeot 208 was introduced in 2012
The first generation Peugeot 208 created a stir with the i-Cockpit offered as standard. It quickly established itself as an innovation that transforms the driver experience. Thanks to the compact steering wheel, the Peugeot 208 required less driver movement for the same maneuver and thus offered a more agile drive. Thanks to the fact that the indicators were at eye level, the eyes were less tired. The low steering wheel allowed the driver's arms to be positioned at more comfortable angles, and the central touchscreen allowed intuitive operation of the car's main functions.
The compact steering wheel accelerated reactions, the raised screen contributed more to the focus of the eyes on the road and made the warnings on the instrument panel more visible, reducing driver fatigue and increasing safety. It was also improving the technological driving experience with its unique design.
Continuously evolved to better adapt to user needs
Since its debut, the Peugeot i-Cockpit has continued to evolve and modernize. In 2016, with the second generation of the Peugeot 3008 and Peugeot 5008, it launched a version with a 12,3-inch digital display that can be fully customized and personalized. Shortcut toggle switches are placed below the central touchscreen to further facilitate access to key functions. In 2019, the 208D digital display was introduced with the second generation Peugeot 3.
Peugeot has gone one step further with the Peugeot i-Cockpit, which it offers in the new Peugeot 308 (2021) and 408 (2022); introduced the new i-Connect infotainment system. In addition to the new compact steering wheel that can detect the driver's hands when using driving aids; Configurable touchscreen i-toggle buttons for air conditioner, phone contacts, radio station and application launch settings also stand out as innovative solutions. Moreover, each of them can be adjusted according to user needs.
Peugeot i-Cockpit has not yet completed its development
The story of the Peugeot i-Cockpit is still in its infancy. Unveiled at CES in Las Vegas at the beginning of 2023, the Peugeot Inception showcases the possible evolution of the new Peugeot i-Cockpit. The future evolution of the i-Cockpit is revealed with a more intuitive cockpit architecture, revolutionary new steering wheel control Hypersquare with movements similar to next-generation tablets and smart devices.
Bertrand Rapatel, Peugeot Interior Design Manager; “The i-Cockpit zamThe moment will remain intuitive, dynamic and iconic. This is one of our aims. Peugeot is a pioneer in this field. Therefore, to stay one step ahead and continue to be iconic, zamWe will continue to be more innovative, creative and pioneering than ever before. We will continue to surprise and constantly innovate to stay on top. The i-Cockpit has a bright future,” he said.