July, 2026

3 minutes read

What if the way we drive was about to change?

With the POLYGON Concept, PEUGEOT offers a glimpse into the future of the driving experience through a major innovation: Steer-by-Wire technology, combined with an entirely new steering interface known as Hypersquare®.

From the film studios of Bry-sur-Marne to the UTAC proving ground at Mortefontaine, north of Paris, we took the wheel - or rather, the Hypersquare® - to experience this groundbreaking technology firsthand. First at low speed to assess its manoeuvrability, then at speeds approaching 60 mph to discover its agility in dynamic driving conditions.

More than simply a design exercise, the POLYGON Concept serves as a preview of the Peugeot's of tomorrow, rethinking our relationship with driving itself. Its minimalist, compact cabin is built around the Hypersquare®, a radically new steering interface unlike anything seen before.

Our journey begins at the famous Bry-sur-Marne film studios, where the first driving session takes place. Limited to speeds between 20 and 30 km/h, it provides the ideal environment to become familiar with this completely new driving experience.

Unlike a conventional steering system, Steer-by-Wire eliminates the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Every driver input is interpreted, translated and controlled electronically.

Following our first drive in the POLYGON Concept, a PEUGEOT engineer invites us to continue the experience in a one-of-a-kind development vehicle—a specially modified PEUGEOT 2008 prototype equipped with Steer-by-Wire technology and the Hypersquare®.

Within the confined space of the studio complex, U-turns become almost effortless. Hands remain in place, movements are reduced to the essentials and, even though speeds never exceed 30 km/h, the new sensations are immediately apparent.

Tight corners no longer require crossing your arms. Just a few degrees of steering input are enough. Within minutes, your body adapts and new driving reflexes begin to emerge.

Parallel parking provides perhaps the most striking demonstration. Guided by the engineer sitting beside us, we manoeuvre into a parking space between two vehicles. Just a single 170-degree turn of the Hypersquare®—compared with roughly three full rotations of a conventional steering wheel—and the manoeuvre is complete.

A few days later, the setting changes completely.

This time, we head to the UTAC test centre at Mortefontaine, where the objective is no longer low-speed manoeuvring but evaluating the technology in realistic driving conditions—once again onboard the specially developed PEUGEOT 2008 prototype.

Accompanied by a professional test instructor, we quickly reach significantly higher speeds. On the straights, we even exceed 60 mph.

At this pace, Steer-by-Wire demonstrates its full maturity. Steering remains precise, stable and confidence-inspiring, with no excessive filtering or loss of feedback. Driving becomes smoother and noticeably less demanding, thanks to fewer unnecessary steering movements, a more relaxed driving position and an overall feeling of enhanced control.

We then leave the smooth asphalt for a section of uneven cobblestones designed to challenge the steering system.

Here, Steer-by-Wire truly comes into its own. Because the Hypersquare® is completely disconnected from the wheels mechanically, none of the road's harsh vibrations or kickback are transmitted to the driver's hands. It feels unusual at first—but surprisingly natural after only a few minutes behind the controls.

Beyond the technological achievement, Hypersquare® represents a genuine shift in automotive design. More compact than a traditional steering wheel, it frees up cabin space, improves visibility and opens the door to entirely new driving experiences, particularly as autonomous driving technologies continue to evolve.

PEUGEOT's ambition is clear: this technology is not intended to remain a concept. Both Hypersquare® and Steer-by-Wire are expected to progressively make their way into production vehicles, beginning with the next generation of the PEUGEOT 208 from 2027.