Unveiled in Spain, the Peugeot INSTINCT Concept is powered by a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain offering 300 PS.
The Shooting Brake concept features both ‘Drive’ and ‘Autonomous’ modes, affording those behind the wheel the choice between an engaging drive and the convenience of a fully autonomous vehicle. Available with four driving settings - in Drive mode there is the choice of ‘Drive Boost’ or ‘Drive Relax’ option while in Autonomous mode there is the option of ‘Autonomous Soft’ or ‘Autonomous Sharp’ - balancing comfort and optimised journey times.
On board technology includes Peugeot’s ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) platform - a Samsung-based Artik Cloud, which syncs with the user’s devices. This enables the car to learn its user’s lifestyle and preconfigure the settings – for example, driving mode, seat and interface settings, ambient lighting and audio can all be adapted seamlessly to the user’s routines. It can read data from a smartwatch and configure its settings to ‘Autonomous Soft’ mode to give the driver a relaxing ride home after a trip to the gym. Or, through the synchronisation of the driver’s diary and the vehicle navigation system, the driver is prompted to set off for an appointment 15 minutes earlier, to allow for the traffic and weather conditions at that time of day.
Externally, an aerodynamic, sculpted body is designed for maximum fuel efficiency but also to catch the eye, says Peugeot. Cameras are located in each LED headlamp which enable the car to scan the road ahead and communicate with the driving assistance systems.
On the inside, the concept is an evolution of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit - with a 'highly tactile', adaptable cabin, which switches from being a focused driving environment to a comfortable lounge space. When in Autonomous mode, the Peugeot compact steering wheel and toggle switch panel fold into the dashboard and the accelerator pedal folds back into the pedal unit to maximise space.
In both driving modes, control is retained over the vehicle via the i-Device, which sits next to the 9.7” screen in the centre console. The i-Device enables the driver to switch between modes so they can take action, like overtaking the car in front.
The seat base, seat back and headrest are all treated individually, allowing the occupant to select the position most suited to them - horizontal if they want to rest, upright to drive, or in-between to watch a film or work. Passengers can also all communicate with the vehicle via a chatbot, a speech-driven personal assistant offering a vast array of services, including booking cinema tickets or buying online.
Materials in the cabin have been selected for high levels of tactility; a unique floor gives the concept a 'luxurious, smooth' feel to the touch but also offer a contemporary feel.
The Peugeot INSTINCT Concept will be on display at the Mobile World Congress Barcelona.