Peugeot is testing its revolutionary Hypersquare steering wheel, a square‑shaped, four‑button design paired with electronic steering on the upcoming 208. Discover the future of driving today!
Peugeot is moving from concept to reality with its bold new Hypersquare steering wheel. The square‑shaped wheel, dotted with four circular controls, is being trialled on a pre‑production version of the next‑generation 208, marking a major step toward the brand’s vision of a fully electronic driving interface.
What is the Hypersquare?
First hinted at in early 2023, the Hypersquare abandons the traditional round dial in favour of a geometric, four‑sided design. Each corner houses a tactile button, allowing drivers to access key functions without removing their hands from the wheel. The look recalls Tesla’s yoke concept, but Peugeot pushes the idea further by integrating it into a more conventional cockpit layout.
Electronic Steering Advantage
Unlike hydraulic systems that typically deliver a steering ratio of 12:1 to 20:1, Peugeot’s electronic steering can dynamically adjust the ratio based on speed. At low speeds—such as parking maneuvers—the ratio drops to around 5:1, giving the driver three‑times quicker wheel response. As speed increases, the system gradually returns to a more stable ratio, delivering a natural, intuitive feel.
Driver Feedback & Modes
Early testers reported a learning curve: the wheel is highly sensitive to even the slightest movement, which caused a brief lane‑touch during a short drive test. However, once the speed rose, the system settled and felt more predictable. Peugeot plans to include several drive‑mode presets for the upcoming 208, ranging from a “Beginner” setting that softens response for new users, to a sporty mode that sharpens feedback for high‑performance driving.
To preserve a physical connection with the road, internal sensors monitor the forces applied to the wheel’s mount and translate them into subtle haptic feedback. Drivers will feel vibrations that mimic the tactile cues of a traditional steering column, keeping the experience familiar while embracing new technology.
Industry Context
Square‑shaped wheels are not entirely new—Chevrolet’s Corvette C8 and Mercedes‑AMG ONE have experimented with similar geometries—but Peugeot is the first to pair the design with a fully electronic steering system for a mass‑market model. German daily newspaper Handelsblatt noted that the driver’s thumb “slides naturally into the grooves,” suggesting the ergonomics may be less challenging than skeptics anticipate.
As other manufacturers explore tablet‑style infotainment and yoke controls, Peugeot’s Hypersquare could become a defining element of future car interiors, especially for compact hatchbacks where space and driver engagement are at a premium.
Stay tuned as Peugeot continues testing the Hypersquare on the E‑2008 prototype and prepares to roll it out on the next‑gen 208. The era of the traditional round steering wheel may soon be behind us.