As technology advances, the automobile industry has constantly sought ways to improve the driving experience. One of the areas that had remained stagnant for decades was the driving position until Peugeot introduced its revolutionary i-Cockpit more than ten years ago. Since the first generation of the Peugeot 208, the i-Cockpit has proven to be an unmistakable feature of Peugeot vehicles, with almost 10 million units produced.
The Peugeot i-Cockpit is a concept built on three fundamental elements that have remained unchanged since its inception. These include a compact steering wheel, a raised display, and a large central touchscreen. The compact steering wheel provides optimal handling and a better driving experience. At the same time, the raised display ensures that the driver's eyes remain on the road, and a large central touchscreen allows drivers to control the vehicle's most important functions.
The concept of the Peugeot i-Cockpit was born in 2010 with the presentation of the Peugeot SR1 concept car at the Geneva Motor Show. It showcased a revolutionary riding position that changed the traditional codes of design and ergonomics. A small design and engineering team got to work, and the proposal for a smaller steering wheel quickly emerged. This new system with a screen later became known as the head-up display, coupled with a touchscreen that simplified all controls and increased connectivity.
Jérôme Micheron, Peugeot Product Director, said, "There was a lot at stake for the brand. We took a calculated risk by embarking on such an innovative and novel concept. Above all, we had to ensure our customers would like the concept." They organized tests on a race track with French and German customers to ensure this. The feedback was excellent and very qualitative, and everyone embraced the small steering wheel with great ease.
In 2012, the Peugeot 208 introduced the i-Cockpit, quickly establishing itself as an innovation that changed the driving experience. The compact steering wheel made the vehicle adapt even better to the driver's movements, the instruments were directly in front of the driver's eyes, and the central touchscreen allowed for the intuitive operation of the vehicle's key functions. This optimized safety and reduced fatigue, enhancing the driving experience.
Since its launch, the Peugeot i-Cockpit has undergone constant evolution and modernization. In 2016, the second generation of the Peugeot 3008 and Peugeot 5008 presented a version with a 12.3-inch (31.2 cm) digital display that could be fully customized and personalized. In 2019, the second generation of the Peugeot 208 was equipped with a 3D digital instrument cluster.
The latest generation of the Peugeot i-Cockpit on the new Peugeot 308 (2021) and Peugeot 408 (2022) includes the new i-Connect infotainment system. This new compact steering wheel allows the driver's hands to be present during operation, which recognizes driving aids and touch-sensitive i-toggles. The latter can be configured to set the air conditioning, phone contacts, radio station, and start.
Bertrand Rapatel, Peugeot Interior Design Director, says, "The i-Cockpit must remain intuitive, dynamic, and distinctive: this is one of our goals. Peugeot has been at the forefront in this field, and it's up to us to continue to innovate and exceed customer expectations." The history of the Peugeot i-Cockpit is still in its infancy, and it is evident that there is more to come from this innovative concept.
One area that Peugeot is currently exploring is the integration of augmented reality technology into the i-Cockpit. This technology has the potential to display information about the vehicle and its surroundings more interactively and engagingly, making it easier for drivers to stay informed and aware of their surroundings while on the road.
In addition to this, Peugeot is also exploring the potential of integrating voice control technology into the i-Cockpit. This would allow drivers to control various vehicle functions using simple voice commands, making operating easier and safer while driving.
As we can see, the Peugeot i-Cockpit has been a game-changer in automotive design and innovation. Its unique and innovative design, unparalleled and intuitive driving experience, and revolutionary ergonomics set a new standard for what a modern car should be. And with constant evolution and modernization, it continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, making driving safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable for everyone.
The Peugeot i-Cockpit is a true success story of a bold invention that has revolutionized the driving experience. It is a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of taking risks to achieve something truly great.
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