√Dacia Manifesto concept previews future electric off-roader

Dacia’s latest concept vehicle is an off-road electric car, made from sustainable recycled materials and equipped with a removable battery pack for portable power.

The Dacia Manifesto concept has been revealed, with the Renault-owned Romanian car maker previewing what it believes is the future of electric off-road vehicles.

The budget brand of French parent company Renault, Dacia is well known for its bold, no nonsense designs.

Although the electric beach buggy is not likely to make it into showrooms, the design is expected to preview some of the styling themes planned for future models. Dacia also used the opportunity to unveil a new logo.

Dacia’s minimalist approach is taken to a new level with the Manifesto, with the all-wheel-drive electric off-roader forgoing doors and windows, allowing the driver and passenger to become “fully immersed in nature”, according to the company.

Rather than using individual headlamps, the Dacia Manifesto’s front lighting comes from a row of LEDs mounted across the front bumper – and incorporates a new DC logo in the centre.

Horizontal tail-lights are positioned above removable batteries which can be used as an external power source.

Dacia has not provided details on how much energy the battery can store, or the outputs of the concept’s electric motors.

To prevent the possibility of punctures when driving off-road, the Manifesto’s wheels are wrapped in airless tyres – similar to those being developed by tyre giant Michelin.

The Dacia Manifesto’s recycled plastic body panels and a dashboard made from cork aim to highlight the electric car’s sustainable approach, though it is unclear if this ‘green-washing’ approach will make into future production vehicles.

As with Dacia’s production cars such as the Sandero and Jogger, the Manifesto does not come with a high-tech touchscreen – instead, it provides a mount which allows owners to use their own smartphones to provide in-car entertainment.

The seat covers are removable so they can be washed. The PR spin also claims they can double as sleeping bags.

While the Manifesto is unlikely to enter production, it could influence the design of Dacia’s next-generation Duster SUV – a model which is currently powered by a choice of petrol and diesel engines.

In an interview with news agency Reuters, Dacia CEO Denis Le Vot said the Romanian company will likely wait until 2035 to bring out an all-electric model line-up – five years behind parent company Renault.

“Each has its role to play. Renault will push to be the champion of electric engines, this has a risk,” Mr Le Vot told Reuters. “This is also why Dacia exists.

“Depending on how fast the market converts to electric engines and of clients’ appetite, Dacia is here. The two can co-exist.”

The Dacia Spring is the company’s only electric car on sale in Europe, accounting for approximately 12 per cent of its overall sales, according to Reuters.

As reported by Drive last year, Dacia was rumoured to join the portfolio of Renault’s Australian importer Ateco, however its arrival has not been confirmed.

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