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Later this year Peugeot will reveal an all-new 3008 model, which is set to take on a more SUV-like appearance, and inside is set to wow thanks to an all-new design approach for its i-Cockpit.
CompleteCar.ie was given a unique opportunity to see the dashboard and try out its functions at a special preview.
The new i-Cockpit design retains many of its key features, including that controversial smaller steering wheel, except this time it offers an even better user experience. The size of the wheel is much the same but it now has a flattened top, which enables for a clear view of the instrument display, which itself has been slightly raised. Now that this display has been given a few more millimetres of height, Peugeot won't offer a head-up display but judging by our view from the mock up, sitting in the driver's seat gives a very clean view.
In a bold move, confirmed by Jérôme Micheron, Head of Brand Strategy and Experience for Peugeot, the manufacturer will ditch conventional dashboard dials in favour of a high-resolution 12.3-inch digital display. Although Peugeot declined to comment on who it has partnered with to produce the display, it is technically very similar to the 12.3-inch display currently featured in a number of Audi and Volkswagen models.
More importantly, Micheron also confirmed that this display will feature in all specification grades in the new 3008 and is likely to become the brand's standard for all future models. This display does show digitised versions of the traditional speedometer and tachometer but it will also offer the driver a number of different styles of displays, some of which are extremely futuristic looking.
The rest of the dashboard and centre console is very driver orientated, with a panel that is angled toward the driver and swoops around the gear selector. Those who remember the whacky Peugeot Fractal Concept from the Paris Motor Show will see where some of the inspiration for this came from.
Up top, there is a secondary free-standing eight-inch touchscreen tablet display, which will feature infotainment, satellite navigation and other systems. The operating system has also been given a total revamp and thanks to more powerful processors seems to react every bit as quickly as a smartphone. It will also include shortcuts and maps, which can be viewed and moved through pinch to zoom and swipe gestures just like you would find on a smartphone or tablet device.
Below this is a simplified bank of main buttons that will each bring you directly to a different part of the infotainment system. These are easy to reach and find intuitively without looking, as well as being laid out in order of importance. Both the haptics, how they feel to use, as well as the look exude a high level of quality that we aren't accustomed to seeing from Peugeot.
Speaking of smartphones, the new i-Cockpit will feature a full suite of connectivity for devices thanks to a Mirror Screen function. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as MirrorLink will all be supported in the new system.
Peugeot has also developed a new design for the front seats that not only looks sharp thanks to some new fabrics but feel very supportive with some models featuring massage functions.
Overall there is a noticeable move up in quality with regard to the materials and finish. During the presentation it was confirmed that all of the materials were as they will be in production, which is a further positive sign that Peugeot appears to be very serious about upping its game.