Peugeot's Upcoming 208 Aims to Redefine the Wheel | Carscoops

      The new Polygon Concept hints at a significant design transformation featuring electric vehicle technology, futuristic steering, and aesthetics that could change the next 208 model.

      Peugeot has released a teaser image of its upcoming "Polygon" concept in anticipation of next week’s official unveiling.

      This two-door hatchback exhibits a supercar-style slant and a uniquely shaped steering wheel.

      The steer-by-wire technology showcased in the Polygon will be integrated into future Peugeot vehicles.

      If you thought Peugeot was merely planning minor updates to its designs for the new era, think again. The French automaker has shared a teaser image of its "Polygon" concept, which offers a glimpse not only of the forthcoming generation of the popular 208 but also of an entire rethinking of its design identity.

      There’s no hesitation here. Peugeot’s current range of cars and SUVs already stands out, but the company’s designers are seemingly eager to adopt an even bolder futuristic theme.

      Hints of the Past, Vision of the Future

      However, you can still detect remnants of the iconic 205 in the triangular B-pillar and pill-shaped badges. Beyond that, the retro influences cease.

      The Polygon’s elongated, nearly horizontal windshield resembles what you would expect from a mid-engined exotic car, rather than a modest subcompact. The wheels are positioned remarkably far out, creating an impression of tension in the door skin, which is designed to enhance a lean, muscular appearance.

      The grille-less front indicates that this is an electric vehicle and suggests that it may transition to production largely unchanged, although the partially-glazed roof may not make the same leap.

      Steer-by-Wire Takes Center Stage

      One feature that will certainly be included is the steer-by-wire system, which Peugeot claims is “central to the driving enjoyment of future Peugeot models and the Polygon concept itself.”

      This advanced steering technology – similar to that used by Lexus in the RZ – will be complemented by an appropriately futuristic new steering wheel, which is not fully visible in this teaser image but was previously revealed with another Peugeot concept in 2023.

      Dubbed Hypersquare (despite being rectangular), the steering wheel design features four openings, a motif mirrored in the four wheels of the car.

      Shared DNA Across Stellantis Brands

      Like its Stellantis counterpart, the upcoming Vauxhall/Opel Corsa, which was previewed in August with the 789 hp (800 PS / 588 kW) GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept, the production 208 is anticipated to be built on the new STLA Small platform when it debuts in late 2026.

      We'll need to wait for the complete Polygon reveal next week to learn more about the technical specifications, but it wouldn’t be surprising if it includes the same 82 kWh battery that the GSE hinted at, representing a substantial upgrade over the 52 kWh battery found in the current e-208.

      Peugeot’s 2023 Inception concept also previewed the Hypersquare steering wheel.