Peugeot builds choice into new self-driving car

Peugeot has come up with a self-driving car concept that allows the person at the wheel a high degree of autonomy if they don’t want software to do the work. The French maker says the shooting brake Instinct Concept, revealed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, is proof that autonomous cars do not have […]

Peugeot has come up with a self-driving car concept that allows the person at the wheel a high degree of autonomy if they don’t want software to do the work.

The French maker says the shooting brake Instinct Concept, revealed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, is proof that autonomous cars do not have to be dull or boring to look at.

However apart from the signature clamshell doors and a sleek look, the low-riding Instinct Concept looks fairly conventional.

The two-box shape displays some aerodynamic tweaks but still bears a strong resemblance to the current 308 hatchback.

The cabin is much more innovative and shows off Peugeot’s i-Cockpit interior design,.

A holographic display behind the steering wheel shows vehicle speed and battery level. Power comes from a powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The driver controls the car using an "i-Device" next to the central console screen.

Most important for many potential owners, it allows the driver to switch from autonomous to hands-on mode, meaning the driver can take over if necessary.

The person behind the retractable steering wheel can choose from four settings. Two of them are active driving modes called Drive Boost or Drive Relax alongside two self-driving modes dubbed Autonomous Sharp or Autonomous Soft.

"The driver remains fully in control at all times and is able to determine whether they have a hands-on or autonomous drive," said Peugeot in Barcelona.

While several manufacturers are keen to enter the driverless car market, Peugeot joins a number of brands like US maker Dodge that are demonstrating to consumers that the pleasure of driving won’t be taken away from everyone just yet.

Peugeot’s concept car naturally connects to the internet and it works with Samsung’s Artik Cloud. (DPA)