Peugeot has revealed this, the Polygon concept car, as both a preview of how its next generation of models will look, and of its wild new 'Hypersquare' steering wheel concept.
OK, let's start with the steering wheel...
Yes, the Hypersquare wheel isn't quite new - Peugeot first showed it off as part of the Inception concept car back in 2023.
Basically, it's an oblong-shaped 'wheel' with four inner rotating rings, one at each corner. The idea being that you hold the Hypersquare wheel and turn it without moving your hands around it's designed to work with active steer-by-wire systems, and it's pencilled in to debut on the next-generation 208.
Does the Polygon give us some clues as to the look of that 208?
Probably, but not all that much. For a start, given the huge success of the current 208 - in both its petrol and electric E-208 forms it has often topped the European sales charts - Peugeot likely isn't going to dramatically change the styling of the car.
However, the 'feline futuristic design' of the Polygon will definitely influence the next 208, as well as all future Peugeot models. The chunky silhouette and the clean surfacing are quite different to existing Peugeots, which tend to be quite complex in their exterior styling, so expect to see some crisp lines for the new 208.
Equally there's a strong focus on aero efficiency for the Polygon, which will be crucial for the electric versions of the new 208 to maximise range.
Will that new 208 be electric only?
That seems doubtful - Stellantis Group, of which Peugeot is part, is actually ramping up its hybrid and plug-in hybrid model lines to keep in step with European buyers' tastes, so expect to see hybrid-engined versions of the new 208.
Anything else we can expect?
Yes - lots of space. The whole idea behind the Hypersquare wheel is that it allows an evolution of Peugeot's 'i-Cockpit' layout that liberates even more room inside and we've been promised more interior space for the new model, and for the related 2008.
Where can I see more of the Polygon concept?
Peugeot will reveal more of the Polygon next week, on the November 12, and it's working with video games creator Gamesloft to build an online playable world, designed around the tenets of the Hypersquare wheel, to allow you to more fully explore the Polygon within the hugely popular Fortnite online game, with gaming sessions starting on the November 10.