Peugeot has revealed plans for its next concept car, which will feature a square steering wheel. The wheel is designed to function like a video game controller, offering a more interactive driving experience. This concept highlights Peugeot’s interest in combining automotive innovation with modern technology trends, including digital interfaces and new control methods.
The concept car is intended to showcase future possibilities for vehicle ergonomics. By rethinking the traditional round steering wheel, Peugeot aims to create a cockpit that is intuitive for both city and performance driving. The design also allows more space for driver displays and advanced controls, enhancing visibility of digital dashboards and heads-up information.
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Design and Functionality of the Steering Wheel
The square steering wheel integrates buttons, touch-sensitive areas, and haptic feedback. Drivers can control infotainment systems, navigation, and driving modes directly from the wheel. The layout is similar to modern game controllers, with ergonomics that suit quick inputs and precise handling.
Peugeot’s design reduces the need to remove hands from the wheel for adjustments. This approach prioritizes safety and convenience, especially during urban driving. The square shape also improves visibility of digital displays, as the driver’s hands are positioned away from the top of the wheel. Concept sketches show a minimalistic, high-tech design that blends with the futuristic interior of the vehicle.
Technology Integration
The wheel works with the car’s advanced digital interface. It connects with steering sensors, adaptive driving aids, and augmented reality displays. The haptic feedback provides real-time alerts for navigation and driver assistance, reducing reliance on visual cues alone.
Peugeot’s concept also demonstrates potential integration with semi-autonomous features. The wheel can detect grip, rotation, and hand presence, allowing the system to adjust driver support accordingly. Touch-sensitive controls replace traditional stalks for functions like wipers and lights, centralizing input for a cleaner cockpit layout.
How practical is the square design?
While innovative, the square steering wheel presents challenges for standard driving. Drivers may need time to adjust from round wheels. The design may be best suited for city and performance cars with digital dashboards rather than heavy-duty or utility vehicles.
Peugeot’s concept is a testbed for ergonomics and user experience. It allows designers to explore how shape and functionality affect driver comfort and response times. Feedback from concept testing will guide refinement and potential production applications, balancing novelty with safety and usability standards.
Obviously, this design decision will spur a wave of other brands observing the success or failure of this experiment, and if the feedback is good, we could see a slow transition from the circular design to the square one, atleast in some of the variants.
Would you be interested in driving with a square steering wheel?
