Renault Be Bop & Be Bop

[majaV8]

Renault will show two exciting concept cars at Frankfurt which indicate what we can expect from the next Clio range. The concepts are called the Be Bop and the, well, Be Bop...



Although both feature the same styling and are mini-MPVs the one is an off-roader and the other a sporty model.

Yes, the names are confusing, but one thing is clear - the BeBop (in both forms) are paving the way for and exciting future Clio range.

It is also no secret to Wheels24 that Renault is planning different derivatives of the next Clio which will include an MPV to rival cars like Opel's Meriva.

Renault says Be Bop and Be Bop combines rounded forms with structured lines for greater aerodynamic efficiency. Both concepts are four metres long and have vast glazed surfaces.

According to Renault the two concepts shares over half their bodywork but in essence it is two very different cars.

Be Bop (SUV)

The all-terrain model, Be Bop, has 21-inch PAX System wheels. Renaults says this SUV is as comfortable in the city as it is off-road.

It has 210mm ground clearance and four-wheel drive. The car has a 1.6-litre power train.

Its radiator grille includes a more mat protection zone while the high-performance lamps incorporate blue-tinted diodes for a high-tech aura. The rear lights are shaped like flashes of light, while the double exhaust pipe fits neatly either side of the tailgate.

Another of Be Bop's original features is the tailgate 's functional and aesthetic opening system.First, an electrical motor lifts the rear window above the roof.

The lower part opens downwards while a shelf auto-matically slides forward to house luggage and parcels.

Be Bop (Sport)

Be Bop is a sporting compact MPV whose bright yellow bodywork is characteristic of Renault Sport vehicles.

All the front-end design features are specific, with flowing lines that prove sporty handling and soft forms can go together.

The radiator grille adds to its sporty personality, as does its 165kW 2-litre turbocharged engine. Torque output for this model is a useful 300Nm.

Interior

The two rear-hinged doors open to reveal an original and elegant interior.

There is a central arch to which the seats are anchored. This frees up floor space to create an unprecedented sensation of spaciousness.

This arch also forms a link between front and rear occupants to reinforce the interior 's friendly spirit.

Two side arches stretch the length of the doors for passengers to rest their arms.

The polished aluminum gearlever rises over the central arch, which houses all the other main controls such as heating, air-conditioning, navigation and music. A chrome- finish clock sits at the end of the arch in full view of both passenger and driver.

The rear seats of the Be Bop SUV can disappear under the front seats with the flick of a switch inside the door.

And an articulated arm folds the back of the rear seat onto the cushion in a matter of seconds. Cushion and back then slide under the front seat to completely free up the rear space.

The Be Bops take the Touch Design concept - introduced with the Talisman concept car then further explored with Mégane II, Espace IV and Scénic II = to its highest level of expression so far.

Like the steering wheel with its "hand print "motif,all the controls suggest their function and invite contact. The cars are brimming with sophisticated but always discreet technology.

Auxiliary information such as navigation, music, communication and Renault services is grouped together on a separate screen at dashboard height, and which can be folded down and can face the driver or passenger.


Edited by - majaCRX on 23/09/2003 18:21:54