Paris concept: Renault Ondelios

Renault might have had its fingers burnt with the Avantime luxury GT, but the Ondelios concept suggests that the French firm isn't quite ready to give up its upmarket premium aspirations.

What's all the fuss about?

Renault suggests the name for this odd-looking concept comes from an amalgam of the French for wave 'onde' and Helios, the Greek god of the sun. And the reasoning? Apparently it's the way its fluid lines let the light reflect off the body. Striking rather than attractive, the Ondelios is a six-seat luxury car that's meant to whisk its passengers around in serene comfort. Getting in and out is facilitated by the massive butterfly doors and each individual seat is fitted with an entertainment and climate control system.

Any new technology?

The Ondelios is powered by a 2.0-litre dCi turbodiesel engine mated to two 20kW electric motors. The electric motors only operate to boost the engine power when required, charging up a lithium-ion battery via regenerative brakes. One of the electric motors is mounted in the rear, giving the Ondelios 4x4 capability when it's required. Renault claims that the hybrid system allows the large Ondelios to sprint to 62mph in just 7.8 seconds and return economy and emissions figures of 62.8mpg and 120g/km respectively.

Will it ever see the light of day?

A concept from the old-school, the Ondelios is certainly only going to live a short life being wheeled around motor shows before it's hidden away in storage. Some of its features might make production in time: the mild hybrid turbodiesel drivetrain and individual entertainment modules for passengers being examples. The Ondelios itself will never roll down a production line. Some might say that's not bad thing either as it's hardly a looker.

Kyle Fortune