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Spectacular Interior
The double doors 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 R-Space's cabin,
however, it is very much in evidence - to the extent of even forming the
covering for the floor and door casings.
Small Engine, Low Consumption
R- Space 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 liter engine, with peak power of 110 hp and
118 lb-ft (160 Nm) of torque. Its CO2 emissions have been kept to just 95 g/km,
equivalent to fuel consumption of just 3.7 liters/100km.
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
minimizing internal friction, these measures have achieved a very significant
reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without sacrificing performance.
DRIVINGECO2
To further reduce fuel consumption and pollutant
emissions, R- Space is fitted with a system known as DRIVINGECO2. 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).
The "DRIVINGECO2 Conseil"
setting alerts and informs the driver as to the best way to drive economically
and safely.
R- Space is also equipped with the Visio-System which is
based on a forward-facing camera dedicated to driver-assistance features. The
"DRIVINGECO2" function captures information concerning the vehicle's
surroundings (traffic lights, pedestrian crossings etc), enabling the
"DRIVINGECO2 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 "DRIVINGECO2" 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 "DRIVINGECO2 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.
Renault R-Space Concept: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications