10 essential Peugeot innovations to add to your next car

Choosing your next Peugeot is already an exciting time but many of us forget all of the clever features and functions that can be included with your vehicle. Here are 10 useful innovations you should buy with your next Peugeot.

i-Cockpit with touchscreen technology.

The i-Cockpit started life in the Peugeot 308 hatchback and due to its popularity has spread into the rest of the range. Designed to keep clutter to a minimum, it allows the drivers to keep all of their focus, on the road ahead.

Individual buttons have been kept to a minimum as the spacious touchscreen interface has most of the features and functions you would need. Only a few core buttons remain on the dashboard (an EU stipulation).

The i-Cockpit also features a small steering wheel to help drivers have a more precise feel of the road and the instrument binnacle to be placed in such a way that instead of looking through the wheel when driving (like most vehicles), you are looking above the steering wheel. This “eyes-up” design brings the driver’s attention to the road ahead.

The latest incarnation of i-Cockpit can be found in the New Peugeot 3008 SUV and our customers agree, that it is one of the best driving experiences available. Peugeot i-Cockpit is a combination of function, minimalist style with elegant, focused-driving in mind. It is an essential part of your next Peugeot.

CarPlay & Android Auto

Going hand-in-hand with touchscreen technology come two powerhouses in the mobile software industry: Android and Apple. With Peugeot’s eyes-up focus, the introduction of CarPlay and Android Auto into their vehicles was an easy decision.

Both CarPlay and Android Auto offer a simple way of mirroring your core apps onto the multimedia touchscreen via a simple cable. Once connected, your most popular, compatible apps are displayed on screen and ready to use such as:

• Apple Maps
• Apple Music
• Siri.

With Siri integration, you have your very own virtual concierge at the touch of a button. Just ask: “Siri: what good restaurants in the area?” and you will be advised and directed to your destination. Apply CarPlay brings next generation driving to Peugeot.

Android Auto offers an almost identical service with the exception of Google Maps and Google Assistant being used as your “car concierge” and satellite navigation. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto you can take the core features of your favourite phone and mirror it to your Peugeot and thanks to ever-updating firmware on your phone, you’ll always have the latest data and traffic routes.

Head-Up display

The Peugeot head-up display is yet another great feature to ensure you’re focused on the road ahead. It displays all of the important information including your current speed as well as a distance alert; showing how far you are away from the car in front. This leads us nicely on to the next important innovation.

Active Safety Brake

It only takes a momentary loss of attention to have a low-speed collision. In fact, the majority of daily road accidents involving shunting vehicles, fences or posts whilst parking. These inconveniences are no longer a worry thanks to Active City Brake. Low speed driving or manoeuvring is monitored constantly by the Peugeot system (thanks to it’s Distance Alert sensors) and if it believes that a crash or shunt is imminent then it will brake for you. This relatively low-cost features makes a useful addition to a Peugeot driver and if it is available on the model you are interest in, then we urge you to take it.

Speed sign detection and recommendation

How often are you driving along the road and you can’t tell the speed limit? You’d be surprised at how often this happens to many of us.

Your next Peugeot can monitor the speed limit signs along your journey and offer a speed-limiter suggestion for you to accept or reject at will. No longer will you be caught short, speeding again.

Driver Alert Warning Function

If you drive many motorway miles then you’ll understand the dangers of driving whilst tired. Simply put, if you are driving whilst sleepy, you are a danger to yourself and others on the road. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy way to recognise sleepy behaviour (as motorway driving can be a bit monotonous at the best of times). With the Driver Alert warning function you are constantly monitored and if the system believes you are losing focus on the road then it will give a clear warning – indicating it’s time to pull of the road and get some rest.

Mobile Wireless Charging

This may be a simple function but for many of us, Mobile WiFi charging is essential (as long as you don’t own an iPhone – as wireless charging isn’t available on Apple phones currently).

With a compatible phone though, you simply place your mobile into the designated area and it will charge automatically. Thanks to Android Auto, your phone is more useful than ever on the road and thanks to Wireless Charging, you won’t worry about running out of battery.

PureTech Engine Technology

Not long ago, we were advised that the only way to drive around the country with respect for the environment was in a diesel vehicle. Thanks to its higher fuel economy, lower fuel costs and lower emissions (considering engine size), diesels were understandably popular choices amongst Surrey & Hampshire drivers.

Since that time, the cost of diesel fuel has raised and whilst these units still provide excellent economy (thanks to our BlueHDi range), the new era of petrol Peugeots have come on leaps and bounds.

Introducing the 2015 and 2016 International engine of the year award winner: the PureTech from Peugeot. PureTech engines provide big power in comparatively tiny engines (which are actually only 3 cylinders). This smaller engine equates to better acceleration, increased fuel economy and lower carbon emissions. PureTech engines are lower in weight which helps with fuel usage and if you’re looking for a more powerful edition, the PureTech can come with a turbo fitted on some models.

So next time you go looking through the prices and specifications brochure of your favourite model, be sure to compare the diesel and PureTech economy figures. You’ll be surprised at how close they are.

Hands-free opening tailgate

Your hands are full of shopping and you keys are nowhere to be found in your handbag. Surely there is a way to make this picture easier, right?  Peugeots fitted with a hands-free opening tailgate means drivers can simply wave their foot under the back bumper and as long as their keys are on their person, the tailgate will automatically open allowing for easy access at all times… without the need to drop the shopping.

FOCAL® Audio system

The masters of French automotive design has come together with the masters of French Audio: FOCAL. Delivering the first manufacturer to produce their cars optionally fitted with a premium FOCAL Audio System.

FOCAL brings ten speakers to the i-Cockpit which delivery pure, clear sound throughout your vehicle. These combination of speakers and distinctive placement brings:

• “A stable and precise soundstage regardless of the music you to”
• High-fidelity woofer and midrange.
• TNF aluminium inverted dome tweeters bringing optimal sound dispersion and extremely detailed  treble
• A dynamic and precise low end
• Active 12-way 515 Watt amplifier for rich and smooth high end powerful bass.

Naturally to most of us, this level of audio specification is a little overwhelming but if you get a chance to hear the FOCAL system in action, you will absolutely understand why it is an essential upgrade.

So there you have it: 10 essential Peugeot innovations to add to your next car. The great news is each of these features (and more) are available in our newly design Peugeot 3008 SUV. It is a bold step forward in design and technology with a plethora of safety features with an economical and powerful engine.

Whilst we’ve only mentioned a selection of the latest Peugeot innovations, you’ll be surprised to hear that there’s so much more to a brand new Peugeot. Discover a new level of driving one with Charters.