At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault revealed its new brand identity which puts people at the forefront of its concerns. The new and ambitious design strategy which resulted from this is founded on different stages of the human life cycle, with each phase taking the form of a specific concept car. The first, the two-seater DeZir coupé, expressed 'falling in love', the passion present at the beginning of any new adventure. Now Renault Captur Concept addresses the second phase of this cycle, that of two people exploring the world around them.

Just like its predecessor, Renault Captur defines the simple, sensuous and warm style that will be progressively extended to future Renault car designs. "Captur is a fun and sporty crossover, ideal for a young couple about to discover the world" explains director of design, Laurens Van den Acker. "It takes as its basis the fundamental design language introduced on the DeZir concept car but adds a more technical dimension - more functional but still highly sensuous," adds Axel Breun, director of concept cars.

A CROSSOVER THAT'S ALL MUSCLE IN MOTION

In its proportions and fluid curves, Renault Captur Concept evokes movement and lightness, yet at the same time displaying powerful and muscular all-terrain cues. Just as with DeZir, angles, corners and lines have given way to sensuous and natural forms. For the exterior designer, Julio Lozano, the main sources of inspiration were athletes and radical sports. "In designing Captur, I began with the image of a sprinter on the starting blocks, his muscles tensed, and the energy unleashed when the starting pistol is fired," he explains. The design also references equipment such as helmets, gloves and other protective gear used in radical sports, combining high technology with sophistication and lightness.

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Renault Captur adopts the new frontal identity first presented by DeZir. As with DeZir, this identity has as its centrepiece a large Renault logo, set vertically against a dark surface so as to stand out as clearly as possible. Substantial, matt-finished wings reinforce the design's visual strength. LEDs relay the direction indicator signal in a wave effect running the whole length of the vehicle.

Renault Captur does more than simply stir the emotions: it is also a practical and versatile vehicle. It is fitted with a hard convertible top which, once removed, reveals a carbon fibre framework. Captur Concept can thus transform itself from a coupé to a convertible, from an urban vehicle to an off-roader, while its overall sporty appeal is reinforced by its butterfly doors and big tyres fitted to 22-inch black and white rims. With its bodywork finished in a spicy shade of orange, Renault Captur takes its cue from the red championed by DeZir. This colour appears in a variety of different shades on materials both inside and outside the vehicle.

AN INTERIOR FULLY BATHED IN WARMTH AND LIGHTNESS

The orange theme has been carried over to the cabin which also features fluorescent highlights picked out by a constant stream of light. "My main sources of inspiration were the human body, outdoor sports and urban styling," explains the colour and trim designer, Kana Watanabe. "I wanted Captur to radiate warmth and dynamism."

The interior of Renault Captur is designed to be both welcoming and occupant-friendly. The impression of lightness expressed by the exterior is dominant here, too, with the front seats attached to the centre console as if suspended in mid air. The passenger compartment is restrained and pure, with no superfluous equipment. Innovative and ingenious materials have been employed, allowing the designers to play with light and optical effects. The centre console, door casings and dashboard are formed using a translucent material rather like a second skin. At the front of the cabin, this includes a glimpse of the high-tech fibre ropes, luminescent in places, that have been used for most of the passenger compartment. "The whole of the interior is designed around this network of stretched elastic ropes which bring to mind the worlds of sailing or mountain climbing, They use graphics and light to bring rhythm to the overall design and reinforce the dynamic feel of the vehicle while also ensuring a lighter feel inside the cabin," explains the interior designer, Magali Gouraud-Borgers. The aluminium pedals, carbon bucket-style front seats and steering wheel trimmed in grey textured leather reassert the sporting side of the design, in keeping with the original brief.

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The rear of the vehicle is a multipurpose area where the deck is lined with three layers of rope:

• The stretched cords are laid out in a way that allows items to be secured, thus providing a reconfigurable storage area;
• They also provide an opportunity for relaxation thanks to the supple elasticity of the structure. This is an entirely new type of comfort, a new form of seating akin to a hammock;
• Finally, it is possible to pull seatbacks from the side of the car to provide two full-sized rear seats, complete with seat belts and head restraints. This enables Captur to accommodate four passengers.

AN INNOVATIVE CROSSOVER THAT'S STRONG ON PERFORMANCE AND LIGHT ON FUEL

Renault Captur Concept makes use of the Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo engine-concept, developed from the new Energy dCi 130. Downsizing is a key element in Renault's strategy to meet its declared objective of being Europe's leading automaker with regard to CO2 emissions. The range of electric vehicles will run alongside internal-combustion engined models that combine performance with reduced fuel consumption. Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo fits perfectly within this strategy. It produces 118kW (160hp) from a capacity of 1.6 litres - that's a specific power output of 100hp per litre. Peak torque (380Nm) is available from as low as 1,750rpm, giving powerful acceleration from low revs, as well as refined performance under all driving conditions. Paired with a dual clutch EDC gearbox, this driveline promises genuinely enjoyable driving with CO2 emissions of 99 g per kilometre.

Renault Captur's performance is further enhanced by the RX2, a novel system that improves traction at low speeds. Should one of the two driven wheels lose traction, this entirely new mechanical self-locking differential transfers all or part of the engine's torque to the wheel with the most grip. Driving on slippery roads and tracks thus remains smooth and effortless.

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Renault Captur Concept also marks the debut of the Visio-system, an innovation that uses a forwardfacing camera mounted at the top of the windscreen to provide driver-assistance functions. This new technology is able to embed synthesised images into real-time images of the road ahead displayed on a central screen; this is the principle of augmented reality, aiming to enhance the driver's perception of the external world by superimposing purpose-designed elements. The system helps reduce driving stress, for a relaxed, reassuring ride.

Technical data

• Engine: Energy dCi 160 Twin-Turbo
• Power: 118 kW (160 hp)
• Capacity: 1,598 cm3
• CO2 emissions: 99 g/km (NEDC combined cycle)
• Peak torque: 380 Nm
• Top speed: 210 km/h
• Transmission: EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch)
• Tyres: 250/40 R22
• Cd: 0.31
• Kerb weight, unladen: 1,300 kg
• 0-100 km/h: 8 s
• 1,000m standing start: 29 s
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 4,223 mm
  • Width: 1,950 mm
  • Height: 1,586 mm
  • Ground clearance (laden): 261 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,624 mm
  • Front track: 1,684 mm
  • Rear track: 1,684 mm

The brief given to the designers was to come up with a simple, sensuous and welcoming family vehicle to express Renault's new design philosophy in the MPV class. To achieve this, the designers combined sensuality with a monospace architecture. The result is a compact people carrier measuring 4.25 metres in length, and with a silhouette that is flowing, powerful and sporty.

"Renault R-Space Concept brings together qualities long considered opposed: family, functionality, sportiness and sensuality," explains Axel Breun, Director of Design for Concept and Show Cars. "It answers the expectations of a large slice of our modern society."

The tapered profile of the side windows emphasises the dynamic profile, while the large windscreen and panoramic roof - the thickness of which gradually changes - transform the passenger compartment into a cosy cocoon of shade.

The nose of Renault R-Space Concept adapts the new visual identity (centred on the large, vertically-oriented Renault lozenge) to the proportions of an MPV. The body panels are shaped as sculptured volumes, meaning that the eye is drawn much more to reflections and the play of the light than to the lines themselves.

The body design uses strong forms inspired by the human body. "With R-Space, it was the pent-up energy in tensed muscles that inspired me," reveals Fabrice Pouille, exterior designer. "I wanted to make people feel the urge to caress the body, to make it sensuous - despite the fact that this is an MPV aimed at families."

Renault's strategic sequence of concept car designs brings with it a parallel progression in their colours: starting with the passionate red of DeZir, future concept cars will follow the sequence of the chromatic circle. Coming after the orange employed for Captur, Renault R-Space Concept is clad in honey-gold bodywork.

The theme being that of the family, it was the image of the family Sunday breakfast that provided the inspiration for Renault R-Space Concept's colours and materials. "The tenderness and warmth of these shared moments find their expression in tones that are hot and 'sweet': the white of the milk, the golden shades of the honey, the brown of the chocolate," explains Laurence Widmer, Head of Colours and Materials on the R-Space concept car. The theme of softness and sweetness is also mirrored in the choice of materials - including suede - which are lush to look at and pleasing to the touch.

As the pioneer of the MPV, Renault is putting forward Renault R-Space Concept to take the notion a step further. To achieve this, the designers took as their starting point the notion that had made the model such a success in the past: the intelligence of the concept itself.

Interior designer Alexandre Gommier explains: "To reinterpret this idea in a modern context, we provided a strong visual and functional contrast between the driver environment, where the focus is on driving pleasure, and a surprising and highly-original rear section conceived as a play space for children."

The scene comes to view as soon as you open the double doors which, unobstructed by any central pillar, give clear access to a spectacular interior designed to trigger strong emotions from the very first glance.

In terms of interior design, the family likeness to the DeZir concept car is clearly visible at the front in the forms of the dashboard and seats. The driver enjoys a cockpit-like environment, with a section of the seemingly floating dashboard being specifically dedicated to driving functions. The interlinking movement suggested by the shaping of the front seat backrests is a return to the idea of a couple in love.

At the rear, the world revolves around children. This is a play space, flexible and infinitely versatile, and formed from a simple and universal shape - the cube. Twenty-seven miniature motors power an array of height-adjustable hexahedrons, allowing four settings to be programmed, from an all-flat surface, to a booster seat, a table or a random configuration (only when the vehicle is parked) for children's games. The cube is a consistent theme in furniture design but not something one expects to come across in the world of cars: in Renault R-Space Concept's cabin, however, it is very much in evidence - to the extent of even forming the covering for the floor and door casings.

THE TECHNICAL DIMENSION: AN ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY FAMILY VEHICLE

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Renault R-Space Concept is powered by the Energy TCe Concept. Packed with advanced features, this direct-injection petrol engine previews the new range of modular TCe engines that Renault will begin launching onto the market next year.

With a capacity of 900cc, this three-cylinder concept-engine is a product of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Mated to an automatic EDC double clutch gearbox, it provides the performance of a 1.6 litre engine, with peak power of 110hp/80kW and 160Nm of torque. Its CO2 emissions have been kept to just 95g/km, equivalent to fuel consumption of just 3.7 litres/100km.

Packed with high-tech features

The Energy TCe Concept engine is an illustration not only of Renault's strategy of downsizing, but also of the package of innovative fuel-saving, emissions-reducing technologies that will be introduced on the company's next-generation engines. On the list are technologies such as direct fuel-injection, radio-frequency spark plugs, an EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) Boost system, a pulse Stop&Start system - and even a variable-displacement oil pump. In addition to work aimed at minimising internal friction, these measures have achieved a very significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without sacrificing performance.

The combustion system, too, has received special attention, with variable camshaft timing and the effect of the improved compact manifold integrating the turbo giving excellent acceleration response, especially at low rpm.

Direct petrol injection: fuel is injected at high pressure directly into the combustion chamber. In combination with the radio frequency spark plugs, which boost the size of the spark (up to 1,000 times bigger than with a conventional system), the injection system raises combustion to the highest level of efficiency. This breakthrough in ignition technology has been developed in collaboration with BorgWarner Beru Systems.

As is the case with certain diesel engines, including the new dCi 130, EGR Boost technologycaptures the exhaust gases after they have passed through the turbocharger and after-treatment system. Cooled in a heat exchanger before being reintroduced into the air upstream of the turbo, these gases then follow the charge-air cooling circuit before entering the combustion chamber to dilute the fuel-air mixture. On petrol engines, this technique helps reduce combustion temperatures, thereby boosting the compression ratio and reducing CO2 emissions.

Pulse start: thanks in particular to the direct injection, this technology allows the ultra-rapid stopping and restarting of the engine when the vehicle is stationary.

The variable-displacement oil pump regulates the throughput of oil in line with the precise requirements of the engine, thus limiting the energy consumed by the pump. Efforts to reduce frictional losseshave focused particularly closely on the 12 cam followers, timing chain and piston skirts.

A thermal management system, finally, helps the engine warm up more rapidly following a cold start. With the oil reaching its optimum viscosity more quickly, internal friction is reduced.

To further reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, Renault R-Space Concept is fitted with a system known as DRIVINGECO. With a simple push of the "Eco" button, this system automatically adapts engine response in relation to the various parameters influencing energy consumption (altitude, ambient temperature, use of heater, etc).

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The "DRIVINGECO Conseil" setting alerts and informs the driver as to the best way to drive economically and safely.

Renault R-Space Concept is also equipped with the Visio-System which is based on a forward-facing camera dedicated to driver-assistance features. The "DRIVINGECO" function captures information concerning the vehicle's surroundings (traffic lights, pedestrian crossings etc), enabling the "DRIVINGECO Conseil" function to indicate to the driver the best way to drive economically in each situation.

When the camera detects a set of traffic lights changing from green to red, for example "DRIVINGECO" advises the driver to stop accelerating. If, on the other hand, the camera detects a clear road ahead, and if the clear distance ahead permits, the advice would be to accelerate briskly to reach the required cruising speed.

At the end of the journey, the "DRIVINGECO Score" function rates the driver's eco-driving performance, detailing various parameters such as the use of brakes and engine braking. This helps the driver to evaluate his or her own eco-driving technique and benefit from the appropriate advice.

The fun side of improving one's eco-driving performance is something that can also be shared in real time with the passengers: children in the rear playing video games on the screens inset into the head restraints automatically receive bonus points if the driver achieves a particularly good eco-score on a section of the journey.

Dimensions

• Length: 4,250mm
• Width: 1,850mm
• Height: 1,547mm
• Ground clearance: 151mm
• Wheelbase: 2,717mm
• Front track: 1,592mm
• Rear track: 1,592mm

Technical data

• Engine: Petrol, turbo, direct injection
• Power: 80kW (110hp)
• CO2 emissions: 95g/km (combined cycle)
• Peak torque: 160Nm
• Top speed: 200kph
• Transmission: Efficient Dual Clutch
• Tyres: 245/35 R21
• Cd: 0.28
• Unladen weight: 1,300kg
• 0-62mph: 11 seconds