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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