02 Mar 05
Patrick le Quément, Senior Vice President Corporate Design for Renault, launched its latest concept car, the Zoe. It's a tiny but well-equipped and high-tech city car which seats three in an unusual layout. Working on the principle that cars only carry an average of 1.4 people - and no more than two for the vast majority of the time - a rear seat is positioned behind the front passenger, with a luggage space behind the driver, allowing for reduced overall dimensions. Zoe is 3.45m long; whilst this is actually longer than the four-seater Peugeot 107, Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo, Zoe has a lot more load-carrying capacity and more legroom for the single rear passenger.
Although Zoe itself is unlikely to make production as it is, many of its features are likely to find a place in upcoming Renaults. The powered passenger door, for example, has a two-hinge, three-axis opening system for easy access, and takes up very little room when opened; the glazed roof panels also lift when the door is opened. This could work very well on a mini-MPV. The rear hatch also has a twin opening system, with the rear window and tailgate sliding into each other to reduce the height of the opened tailgate. The rear left-hand quarterlight window can be lowered to help place small items on the parcel shelf or in the boot without opening the tailgate.
Cabin layout can be adjusted for three pre-set configurations, with the front passenger seat sliding and reclining for the carrying of long loads; all three seats are said to offer the same degree of comfort - though the front passenger has a built-in footrest, the rear passenger's seat is positively armchair-like - and there are also numerous storage bins. The 'Pass' system - hinting at the next generation of Renault Card technology - adjusts interior ambience at a click, modifying music, settings, interior lighting and so on. Two glass sunroofs run right down to the rear window, keeping the cabin light and airy - and incorporate LEDs to give the effect of a starry sky at night. Following Renault's Touch Design philosophy, all the surfaces are pleasant to feel and all controls ergonomically positioned for ease of operation.
Zoe is fitted with a new Renault petrol engine: a 1.2-litre turbocharged unit delivering 99bhp and 107lb ft, yet high efficiency and low emissions (said to be under 140g/km). We can expect to see this engine in the upcoming new Clio and Twingo ranges, as well as the clutchless five-speed gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddleshifts. It is finished with high-performance LED headlamps, frosted glass taillights with LED rings and a sporty red paint; the interior, with LCD display screen, has light beige leather upholstery and unique fabrics, including a maplike design for the headlining and carpets, and a graphic depicting a spilled handbag on the boot mat.
