The Monaco grand prix circuit is a heck of a spot to decide on on your first drive of an unfamiliar prototype that introduces a revolutionary by-wire steering system and an oblong steering ‘wheel’.
Peugeot’s model new Hypersquare steering system was previewed by the unconventional new Polygon idea that was revealed final week. The system, prone to be provided as an possibility on most fashions of the forthcoming new 208 for 2027, is the following step past the i-Cockpit design the agency launched 13 years in the past. That consisted of a then-rare small-diameter steering wheel, set low in a new-design fascia so the devices had been seen over the wheel moderately than by means of it.
Firm bosses declare large success for the i-Cockpit, having offered 13 million so-equipped automobiles because it first appeared within the 208. Additionally they level to the truth that the 308, one other standard i-Cockpit automobile, presently attracts 73% repeat enterprise.
Driving with Hypersquare is an enchanting expertise, standard and revolutionary by turns. Your fingers curl comfortably round an odd-looking, pretty thick, unusually formed ‘wheel’ with 4 fist-sized holes set into it, every containing regular fascia switchgear labored by contact. The speculation is that you would be able to work almost the entire automobile’s main capabilities while not having to take away your palms from the controls, System 1-style.
In essence, the steering presents a ratio that varies extensively between a reasonably typical 16:1 at speeds above 50mph however quickens as a lot as 5 occasions at low speeds so as to add exceptional agility when manoeuvring. Effort is just a little heavier than within the present i-Cockpit to make the enterprise of including lock a bit extra deliberate; this might, nonetheless, be modified earlier than manufacturing.
My prototype drive proved, inside a mile or two, that the majority drivers will acclimatise fairly rapidly to Hypersquare’s USP of providing far more turning response than they’re used to at decrease speeds and in sharper corners. When you’re acclimatised, all of the wheel-winding of a traditional automobile feels a bit… foolish.
After a number of miles in a Hypersquare-equipped 2008 prototype, I was left with the sensation of much-enhanced sportiness. Peugeot tech knowledgeable Arthur Megy, who has labored on this for seven years, reckons it’s “the way forward for driving pleasure”.
It is wonderful for reverse parking, too. You may steer the automobile into a decent area with not more than 1 / 4 flip of lock in every route.
Two extra issues stand out. First, it takes some time to get used to the entire absence of street vibration, one thing you barely discover till it’s not there. Peugeot insists the system nonetheless has ample “street really feel”, however we might want to drive extra to show it fully. Second is the change within the system’s gearing from crawl to above 50mph. The speed of change remains to be being tuned, Peugeot engineers say, however to me it felt fairly pure, even when others demurred. On the finish of a 20-minute drive, I felt I had settled into the automobile fairly properly and was already placing a excessive worth on the low-speed agility.
