Geneva show: Renault's sporty R-Space MPV concept

RENAULT has given a glimpse at the possible design direction for the next Scenic people-mover with the “sensuous” R-Space concept at Geneva.

The concept represents the ‘family’ stage in Renault’s new life-cycle oriented design strategy headed by new design chief Laurens van den Acker, joining the Captur SUV crossover at the Swiss show and following the DeZir electric coupe shown at last year’s Paris show.

The 4250mm long R-Space is slightly shorter than the current Scenic MPV, with a lower profile and sportier stance. The curvaceous exterior design echoes that of the Captur and DeZir, while the ‘suicide’ doors and lack of B-pillar help access to the rear.

The interior has a ‘floating’ dash with a cockpit-like driving seat, while the rear of the car contains a collection of motorised cubes that can change into four programmed configurations including a booster seat, a table, and a flat surface.

The colours used on the R-Space were said to be inspired by a family breakfast, with Renault design-team member Laurence Widmer saying "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”.

The small MPV concept has a turbocharged, three-cylinder engine that previews the modular ‘Energy TCe’ range developed by the Renault-Nissan alliance. This new engine range will start appearing in Renault-Nissan and Daimler vehicles from next year.

The 900cc unit in the R-Space punches above its weight, producing 80kW and 160Nm. Fuel-saving measures like stop-start technology, direct-injection and a double clutch transmission help the car sip a claimed 3.7l/100km and emit just 95g/km of CO2. Renault says the new engine can power the 1300kg car from 0-100km/h in 11 seconds and on to a top speed of 200km/h.

Meanwhile, the R-Space shared the limelight with the two-seater Captur crossover concept that was first unveiled in mid-February. Previewing several new engine and drivetrain technologies, the Captur is close in size to sister company Nissan’s Juke, which is currently under consideration for Australia.