September 12, 2008

Along with many other manufacturers, Renault have released details of a concept car that they’re looking to showcase at their home motor show, in Paris for a fortnight in October.  The theme, as with many other cars, will be environmentally friendly motoring.

Descriptions of the new Ondelios paint a picture of flowing motion, the pairing up of nature with manufacture, which is understandable with the environmentally friendly ethos of the car.  The reality however is something slightly different, as I can’t look at the car without thinking of Mad Max!

The Renault press information goes through the thought processes and requirements that were behind the design of the car:-

The “Ondelios is inspired by motion rather than speed and is a whole new response to the call of the open road," enthuses Patrick Le Quément, Renault’s Design Director.  It’s designed as the top of the range model from the French manufacturer and looks to offer conscience free long distance touring. 
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"We think of it as made from a single material, where the body and glazed areas merge into one. Ondelios is a glimpse of what the automobile might be in the medium term future," adds Le Quément.

The Ondelios features butterfly style doors, which adds to the feel of modernity that the car.  Also featuring high performance Led headlights that are both longer lasting and, it’s claimed, more efficient. 

No compromise has been made in the design of the Ondelios, with quality fittings throughout the cabin and adjustable ‘business class’ seats in the cabin.

The dark blue anthracite bodywork blends perfectly with the tinted glazed area, making the car appear one-piece and a single colour.  The tailgate’s upper section rounds off the sleek, aerodynamic lines with a profiled shield that slides inwards to air and cool the cabin.

The fact that car manufacturers widely investing time and money into making cars more environmentally conscious is good news for everyone, and I’m sure that the Ondelios will have many changes made to it before it hits the streets of Paris, or anywhere else for that matter, but Renault will need to look at the styling of their new flagship motor or else they’ll have another Vel Satis on their hands.

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