Vive Renault!
Of all European carmakers, the French (and Italians) are the only ones who have not latched on to the sport utility vehicle bandwagon. Though this may not stand true for much longer, with PSA Peugeot Citroen and their announced partnership with Mitsubishi to build an Outlander-based clone, the third mass-production French carmaker, Renault, has yet to deliver. Renault is not completely oblivious to popular tastes; there has
been some inclination to produce off-road capable vehicles. The Scenic RX-4 and the Kangoo Trekka mini-MPVs are two examples of vehicles retrofitted with butch plastic cladding and off-roading gear, but neither of the vehicles feature a sport utility body shape. Renault will change lanes though, as demonstrated through the Renault Egeus Concept, debuting at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.
The Egeus is the third installment in a series of concept cars which share a similar styling theme. This emotion-based theme, created by head designer Patrick le Quement was introduced during the spring of last year with the sporty Wind two-seat roadster concept, followed shortly thereafter by a sleeker, sexier large 2+2 coupe called the Fluence. The Egeus' design replicates the two other concepts by taking main elements of style and applying them to a sport utility-type vehicle. Renault hopes to
entice SUV buyers with the Egeus, by showing them that an SUV can embody the seductive elegance of a coupe, the practicality of a station wagon and the comfort and performance of a luxury sedan without the inherent boxiness.
In a word, the Egeus is streamlined. Like the two Renault concepts before it, it uses clean forms such as a sweeping hood and grille-less nose to convey harmony and unity. The only aggressive styling traits are the adaptive LED head and tail lamps, which jut back and forth in wild angles. Wide fenders are seamlessly molded into the curvy panels, while the pinched tail styling culminates the four-door SUV in a manner that recollects the ill-fated Avantime two-door luxury sports coupe. The Egeus has a few neat tricks up its sleeve: its rear doors are rear-hinged, with a built-in 'B' pillar providing a wide open space for easy entry and exit. The door handles are flush mounted, as to not disturb the smooth bodywork; they extend outwards when sensors detect a passenger's hand. Aluminum trim work, oversized 22-inch wheels, and powerful fog lamps help to give the Egeus a more versatile, all-terrain vehicle look.
Of all European carmakers, the French (and Italians) are the only ones who have not latched on to the sport utility vehicle bandwagon. Though this may not stand true for much longer, with PSA Peugeot Citroen and their announced partnership with Mitsubishi to build an Outlander-based clone, the third mass-production French carmaker, Renault, has yet to deliver. Renault is not completely oblivious to popular tastes; there has
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| The Renault Egeus Concept, debuting at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. (Photo: Renault) |
The Egeus is the third installment in a series of concept cars which share a similar styling theme. This emotion-based theme, created by head designer Patrick le Quement was introduced during the spring of last year with the sporty Wind two-seat roadster concept, followed shortly thereafter by a sleeker, sexier large 2+2 coupe called the Fluence. The Egeus' design replicates the two other concepts by taking main elements of style and applying them to a sport utility-type vehicle. Renault hopes to
 |
| Like the two Renault concepts before it, the Egeus uses clean forms such as a sweeping hood and grille-less nose to convey harmony and unity. (Photo: Renault) |
In a word, the Egeus is streamlined. Like the two Renault concepts before it, it uses clean forms such as a sweeping hood and grille-less nose to convey harmony and unity. The only aggressive styling traits are the adaptive LED head and tail lamps, which jut back and forth in wild angles. Wide fenders are seamlessly molded into the curvy panels, while the pinched tail styling culminates the four-door SUV in a manner that recollects the ill-fated Avantime two-door luxury sports coupe. The Egeus has a few neat tricks up its sleeve: its rear doors are rear-hinged, with a built-in 'B' pillar providing a wide open space for easy entry and exit. The door handles are flush mounted, as to not disturb the smooth bodywork; they extend outwards when sensors detect a passenger's hand. Aluminum trim work, oversized 22-inch wheels, and powerful fog lamps help to give the Egeus a more versatile, all-terrain vehicle look.