Next-gen Peugeot i-Cockpit detailed

PEUGEOT'S take on next-generation dashboard design to rival the likes of Audi's high-tech Virtual Cockpit, has been revealed ahead of an appearance in a future production car.

The French car-maker’s next incarnation is expected to appear in a new production model before the end of the year, and while Peugeot is not talking specifics, there is an expectation the new dash layout will arrive in the updated 3008.

The next version of the quirky crossover is due for renewal and is a strong chance to be unveiled at the Paris motor show later this year.

Much of the updated interior unveiled by Peugeot is a more production-likely version of the cabin layout seen in the Fractal concept car at the Frankfurt motor show last year Peugeot claims the next-generation i-Cockpit cabin has been further developed and refined from its original version, based on feedback from more than two million owners.

This latest version of the French brand’s take on where the car cabin is heading has retained the compact steering wheel – although now it is even smaller and redesigned for better vision and more leg space beneath it – something Peugeot said offers “improved driving sensations” and takes driving back to being “an intuitive pleasure”.

The small helm sits below a larger head-up-style instrument panel, a 12.3-inch high-resolution digital screen that looks to be sitting a little higher than the displays from current Peugeots fitted with the first incarnation of the dashboard layout, including the 208, 308 and 2008.

Peugeot Australia PR and communications manager Tyson Bowen said the company’s aim was to refine the layout as the generations progressed.

“If you look at the images, the speedo is higher in the field of vision, a lot of the critical information is higher and to the sides, with a bit more real estate over the top of the wheel,” he said.

“They’ve also changed the positioning of the binnacle, moving it a touch higher in relation to the steering wheel.”The instrument panel appears to follow a similar path to the new Audi set-up first seen in the new TT, offering myriad layouts of the information that can be tailored to the suit driver, but with obvious French flair in the 3D graphics and screen transitions.

The centre display can also leave the secondary systems – including climate control and infotainment – to be displayed on the 8.0-inch tablet-style centre screen.

Voice control for the 3D navigation, drivetrain systems and hands-free voice command control of devices, including with text message management and connectivity by way of Apple CarPlay, Mirrorlink and Android Auto platforms, are on the radar for Australia.

“Obviously this is the first digital display dash that we’ve seen in i-Cockpit.

There’s a lot of information up there. In the current generation you get directions and guidance, but you don’t get the graphics … it’s about making sure you can get the information where you want it, rather than being limited one way or the other,” Mr Bowen said.

The remaining functions not within the touchscreen’s purview are controlled by a set of metallic-chromed toggle switches, a theme continued with the ‘modern and ergonomic’ gear selector and satin chrome trim highlights.

Peugeot’ also claims the i-Cockpit will push the boundaries of occupants’ senses, using ambient cabin lighting, music and sound settings, seat massage functions and fragrance diffusers, something both brands in the PSA stable have dabbled with previously two customisable ’atmospheres’ are offered as standard, Boost for dynamic driving and Relax for a calmer driving experience.

The car-maker says that, since 2012, surveys have shown more than 2.2 million customers have enjoyed the Peugeot i-Cockpit layout and described driving a Peugeot i-Cockpit-equipped vehicle as a “rewarding and stimulating experience”.