At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Renault is presenting its new Egeus concept car, a resolutely upmarket 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle with the seductive elegance and luxurious, comfortable interior of a saloon. Thanks to its SUV size, Egeus offers a spacious interior while its exterior promises solidity and a dynamic personality. The longer bonnet highlights a soft, flowing design worthy of an upper-segment coupé. Egeus is the perfect combination of elegance and sportiness, power and solidity. Its design is a natural continuation of the previous concept cars Wind and Fluence and carries echoes of a top-of-the-range saloon. Its flowing, homogenous lines have nothing of the angular styling usually associated with an SUV.

The front end is deliberately pared-down. By incorporating the air inlets under the headlamps, Egeus has no need for a grille, too brash for such a pure design. The play of light on the double curve of the sides further accentuates its flowing form.

"The outside is about simplicity, unity, sensuality. Egeus looks as though it has been sculpted from a single piece. The undulating lines and voluptuous forms instantly suggest driving pleasure," says Patrick le Quément.

This suppleness is evident in the way the bonnet flows into the rounded windscreen, which, in turn, blends seamlessly into the bubble-shaped glazed roof. The bubble shape of the rear window forms a continuous, flowing line with the windscreen in a streamlined shape worthy of any coupé. The rear window rests on broad wings that sit the car squarely on the road.

With its longer bonnet, shorter front and rear overhang, and rounded rear wings, Egeus has a dynamic, powerful character. Its 22-inch wheels combine with higher ground clearance than that of a classic saloon to give this concept car its solid stance. Inside, the seat height is designed for greater visibility while reinforcing passengers' sensation of comfort and safety.

Upmarket, functional and innovative

Egeus features four independent seats with all the comfort of a luxury car. Noble materials and a subtle blend of colours and textures distinguish the spacious interior. The relaxed, elegant atmosphere adds to the feeling of serenity inside the cabin.

The "Cythère Blue" bodywork, the "manta ray" dashboard and the blue-tinted hues of the cabin evoke an underwater world.

The leather upholstery in woven beige tones, inspired by a pixelated image of a setting sun, creates a warm atmosphere. The centre console, upholstered in blue-tinted leather, echoes Egeus' undulating sides. It incorporates three generous stowage compartments in addition to the two front-door bins.

The cabin is warm and welcoming thanks to the glazed roof and a central strip with two transparent sections.

"The interior is spacious, comfortable, simple and discreet. Aesthetically, it aims for minimum intrusion and maximum well-being, as what counts when driving is the environment outside as it unfurls."

The wraparound seats guarantee a high level of comfort and stand out for their innovative functions. The front seats pivot outwards and can be lowered 70mm for the easiest possible access. The rear-hinged doors plus the absence of a centre pillar give unencumbered access to the rear seats.

The boot features a split-level opening, with a classic lift-up top and a motorized, drop-down lower section that includes a sliding tray for effortlessly loading heavy or bulky objects.

The height of this tray can be electronically adjusted to reconfigure the boot's interior space.

The side door handles are flush-fitting so as not to detract from the streamlined sides. An optical sensor detects an approaching hand and pushes the handle out a few centimetres, making it easy to grasp.

The GPS navigation system calculates the recommended speed, which is then shown in the centre of the speedometer dial, with its analogue and digital displays. LED diodes around the dial flash to alert drivers if they go over this speed.

In off-road mode, an indicator on the instrument panel is automatically activated to show the car's attitude to the horizontal and alert the driver if there is any risk of roll-over.

At the top of the dashboard, a centrally positioned interactive screen relays information to passengers, in particular a detailed trajectory map.

The intuitive controls are true to the principles of Touch Design. The central rotary speed selector benefits from simple ergonomic styling. The ideally-located multimedia control lever makes for easy handling while the steering wheel-mounted controls mirror the natural curve of the hand.

Driving pleasure, power and control

The 250hp 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, mounted north-south, gives Egeus both power and agility. Euro 4 compliant, it is fitted with a particulate filter.

The fully automatic 4WD transmission regulates traction on the four wheels from 0 to 100% according to grip. This, combined with a seven-speed flick-shift automatic transmission, ensures a high level of driving comfort while substantially reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Michelin

Egeus is fitted with Michelin Eden Weiss tyres.

Striking a perfect balance between sensitivity and performance, these tyres are ideally adapted to Egeus' dual function: the adaptability of a roadgoing vehicle that can also handle off-road conditions. The front and back tyres are mounted differently.

These tyres are designed to better withstand friction and in doing so reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The compact, closed tread minimizes deformation and therefore energy loss. The long, shallow grooves help reduce road noise while ensuring a firm grip in off-road conditions. The centre of the front tyres' tread, with a less open tread pattern and water-holding capacity, is designed to transmit power to the ground and provide good grip on wet roads. The rear tyres have rigid shoulders for optimal handling during cornering.

Thanks to the PAX System, Egeus does not need a spare wheel.

The wheel rims have been specially developed by Montupet.

Valeo

Egeus’ boomerang-shaped headlamps function as running lights and indicators, thanks to LED diodes in two different colours. This optical system, developed in partnership with Valeo, matches efficiency with an innovative and compact design.

All light comes from high-performance diodes and, as on Fluence, the amount and direction is adjusted according to the steering angle.

On twisty roads, an electronic function automatically directs the beam.

On motorways, the diodes are automatically activated and modulated to maintain a constant and optimal range without dazzle. Their colour is similar to that of daylight for greater comfort and visibility. These diodes have a significantly longer lifespan than any existing light source.

[source: newspress.co.uk]