Renault to reveal Ondelios concept

As the Paris Show draws nearer the car makers are releasing more details on their exhibits. Yesterday Renault finally gave us the full lowdown on its new Mégane hatchback and today revealed pictures of one of its Paris concepts, the Ondelios.

The Ondelios could never be called pretty, though it certainly is striking and measuring 4.8 metres long and 1.6 metres high it will be an imposing sight on the Renault stand in Paris.

Patrick Le Quément, Renault's Design Director explains the philosophy around the concept's design: "Ondelios is inspired by motion rather than speed and is a whole new response to the call of the open road."

The exceptionally smooth shape is no accident, as the Ondelios has been designed to be as aerodynamic as possible within the constraints of a car of this size. A drag coefficient of 0.29 is remarkable for such a large car seating six.

Inside, those six occupants are treated to a lavish cabin with what Renault calls 'business-class comfort', which means there is loads of adjustment on the individual seats, including electronically operated foot rests.

Each occupant has the use of a Samsung-made multimedia device, from which they can listen to their own music, share files, or even play games against other passengers. The driver has use of the most futuristic gadgets though, with active display skins on the dashboard and monitors taking the place of mirrors.

Naturally, the Ondelios ticks all the 'green' boxes too, with a hybrid powertrain that utilises a 202bhp turbodiesel engine and two electric motors, stop-start technology, brake energy regeneration and a new dual-clutch gearbox. Renault claims a combined economy figure of nearly 63mpg, while CO₂ emissions are quoted as 120g/km.

Though it's improbable that Renault will ever produce a car as extravagant as the Ondelios, some of its features and technology will debut on production cars in the next few years.

Shane O' Donoghue