The evolution of the Peugeot i-Cockpit: A decade of innovative driving experience

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.