TUESDAY 9 AUGUST 2005 – At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Renault is presenting its new Egeus concept car, a resolutely upmarket 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle. Egeus is a natural continuation of the previous concept cars Wind and Fluence and carries echoes of a top-of-the-range saloon.

Egeus’ flowing lines have none of the angular styling usually associated with an SUV. This is evident in the way the bonnet flows into the rounded windshield and the bubble shape of the rear window which forms a continuous, flowing line with the windscreen. With these lines the Egeus has a streamlined shape much like a modern coupe.

The front end is deliberately unornamented. By incorporating the air inlets under the headlamps, Renault designers have no need for a grille which they say is “too brash for such a pure design”.

The cabin is warm and welcoming thanks to the glazed roof and a central strip with two transparent sections. Inside, four independent seats are surrounded by a subtle blend of colours and each feature pixelated image of a setting sun.

As an example of Renualts forward thinking, the side door handles are flush-fitting and each has an optical sensor to detects an approaching. Once close, the handle is pushed out a few centimeters, making it easy to grasp.

At the top of the dashboard, a centrally positioned interactive screen relays information to passengers, in particular a detailed trajectory map.

The intuitive controls are true to the principles of Touch Design. The central rotary speed selector benefits from simple ergonomic styling. The ideally-located multimedia control lever makes for easy handling while the steering wheel-mounted controls mirror the natural curve of the hand.

The 250hp 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine gives Egeus both power and agility. This engine is combined with a fully automatic 4WD transmission that regulates traction on the four wheels from 0 to 100% according to grip. This, combined with a seven-speed flick-shift automatic transmission, ensures a high level of driving comfort while substantially reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Story by Renault, edited by Supercars.net