Renault’s budget brand Dacia lobbied for a wild-looking concept car called the Manifesto, its vision of an “essential, cool, powerful, affordable and efficient vehicle. effect on the environment”.
The concept is billed as a “statement of the brand’s goal to side with customers as they become increasingly interested in outdoor activities” and is in no way previewing a particular model in the future. future.
It will be the star of the Dacia stand at the Paris motor show from October 18.
Dacia talks about all-wheel drive, generous ride height, thick wheels and a “body built to withstand the harshest of terrains”, although this is just a show car.
Dacia says the lack of doors, windows and windshields means “there is no filter between the passenger and the environment.
The single headlight can be disassembled to use as a torch and the roof rails can be changed into a variety of configurations.
Theoretically, this airless tire should be as puncture resistant and last as long as the vehicle.
The plastic body parts of the Manifesto concept model contain partially recycled materials made from treated polypropylene, with an airy effect.
Dacia says the concept’s removable battery is designed to provide power through a household outlet, or in other words, the vehicle’s load capacity.
The interior is also equipped with natural materials such as cork that covers the dashboard. And, as in the latest Dacia models, the decorative chrome finish is gone.
Internally, Dacia’s ‘Bring your own device’ approach allows you to integrate your smartphone into the console and the on-board computer.
The company also says the interior can be blown with a water jet, and has made the seat covers removable and can be turned into a sleeping bag.
“At Dacia, we wanted to keep it real. As we were developing and exploring new ideas, we felt the need to push them through 3D simulation and see what they would look like in real life,” said Dacia design director David Durand.
“As well as being a designer object, the Manifesto concept encapsulates our vision and incorporates a range of innovations – some involving harsh implementations, but still affordable. for customers. We will be using a few of them on future Dacia models. “
Dacia’s product performance manager Lionel Jaillet called the concept a “laboratory to try and mimic new ideas”.
“The version you can see today will continue to evolve as we continue to explore! So don’t miss out on the next models: they’re getting smarter, better suited to the outdoors and Dacia than ever before! ” he added.
As we reported earlier this year, expect the next generation Dacias to be revamped at Renault Australia around 2025, with cheaper prices and design that are definitely differentiators.
Renault Australia still plans to sell products from the low-cost Dacia brand here, including the popular Duster SUV in Europe – albeit in next-generation form.
First time ordering Dacia products on the local agenda in June 2021Ateco, the licensed Australian distributor of Renault, said the case was quietly underway to bring to market around mid-decade (based on product cycles).
If all goes to plan, expect to see one or more Dacia products at the showrooms here, but wearing the same Renault badge as in markets like South Africa.
Putting Renault badges on the Dacia fare saves the company from having to build awareness and support around a brand that is barely known in the country.
-
Older Dacia Bigster concept
“Certainly this product we will consider a success in Australia and will also support us on that level of product,” Ateco brand manager for Renault Australia Glen Sealey, told CarExpert.
“It will certainly move forward, for Duster we see a good opportunity for Australia, but it will not be with the current Duster, it will be with the all-new Duster. We see a great future for that. “
