Automotive

Dacia gets a feel for the outdoors with wild Manifesto buggy concept

Dacia gets a feel for the outdoors with wild Manifesto buggy concept
The Manifesto concept has been designed as a showcase for current and future technologies, with an emphasis on outdoor pursuits
The Manifesto concept has been designed as a showcase for current and future technologies, with an emphasis on outdoor pursuits
View 12 Images
The Manifesto concept has been designed as a showcase for current and future technologies, with an emphasis on outdoor pursuits
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The Manifesto concept has been designed as a showcase for current and future technologies, with an emphasis on outdoor pursuits
The seat covers can be removed in seconds to serve as sleeping bags at camp
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The seat covers can be removed in seconds to serve as sleeping bags at camp
The Manifesto design concept boasts high ground clearance, 4-wheel drive and puncture-proof airless tires
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The Manifesto design concept boasts high ground clearance, 4-wheel drive and puncture-proof airless tires
Dacia has previewed the Manifesto concept ahead of the 2022 Paris Motor Show
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Dacia has previewed the Manifesto concept ahead of the 2022 Paris Motor Show
The rear of the concept can be transformed into a workbench or table, with built-in storage
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The rear of the concept can be transformed into a workbench or table, with built-in storage
The single headlamp can be removed from the vehicle for use as a handheld torchlight
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The single headlamp can be removed from the vehicle for use as a handheld torchlight
The Manifesto doesn't have doors, windows or a windshield but does feature a
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The Manifesto doesn't have doors, windows or a windshield but does feature a versatile multi-use roof with adjustable bars for hauling strapped-down gear
A simple no-fuss interior with digital dash, angular steering wheel and a pop-up compartment to host a driver's smartphone
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A simple no-fuss interior with digital dash, angular steering wheel and a pop-up compartment to host a driver's smartphone
The Manifesto showcases the YouClip system due to feature in upcoming production vehicles, which allows modular accessories to be mounted to the interior
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The Manifesto showcases the YouClip system due to feature in upcoming production vehicles, which allows modular accessories to be mounted to the interior
The interior is waterproof, allowing users to hose it down with a jet wash between off-road adventures
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The interior is waterproof, allowing users to hose it down with a jet wash between off-road adventures
The Manifesto can serve as a power source for gadgetry at camp, as well as providing after-dark illumination
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The Manifesto can serve as a power source for gadgetry at camp, as well as providing after-dark illumination
The Manifesto features a removable battery pack for powering gadgetry at camp
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The Manifesto features a removable battery pack for powering gadgetry at camp
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The Renault Group's budget-friendly car maker Dacia is rolling into the Paris Motor Show next month with a striking mobile design lab called the Manifesto, which showcases outdoors-focused ideas that may or may not make it into future production vehicles.

For the stripped-back Manifesto concept, Dacia has opted to put "no barriers between passengers and the environment" – meaning that the concept lacks doors, windows and windshield. It does sport a roof though, but this seems to have been included to host a fold-out modular rack with adjustable bars rather than shield occupants from a downpour.

Indeed, the interior has been made waterproof so that users can direct a jet washer inside to clear away accumulated mud and dirt – though campers might want to remove the seat covers beforehand, as these can do double duty as sleeping bags.

As with last year's Sandero, the concept integrates the driver's smartphone into the dashboard for infotainment as well as linking up with the vehicle's onboard computer. The "living lab" also debuts the YouClip system that's expected to feature on next-generation Duster models, where modular accessories can be attached to mounting points in the cabin.

The Manifesto design concept boasts high ground clearance, 4-wheel drive and puncture-proof airless tires
The Manifesto design concept boasts high ground clearance, 4-wheel drive and puncture-proof airless tires

The hood sports running lights to the front of the hood, but there's just a single headlamp. However, in a nifty twist, this module can be removed and used as a handheld torch. A winch has also been fitted to the front "to help you handle your gear and hold it in place."

Continuing the removable tech theme, the Manifesto features a dedicated battery supply out back that can be pulled out and used as a portable power source at camp, or at home. And the rear area can optionally be transformed into a workbench or table, with built-in storage.

The Manifesto features a removable battery pack for powering gadgetry at camp
The Manifesto features a removable battery pack for powering gadgetry at camp

As the Manifesto is strictly a concept and won't go into production, Dacia hasn't defined the powertrain – though the show car has been confirmed as an electric vehicle with four-wheel drive and large puncture-proof airless tires.

The concept is described as compact and lightweight, which will help with energy efficiency, and its main (hidden and visible) plastic body parts are fashioned using a composite material called Starkle that can include up to 20% recycled plastic without affecting durability or aesthetics.

A simple no-fuss interior with digital dash, angular steering wheel and a pop-up compartment to host a driver's smartphone
A simple no-fuss interior with digital dash, angular steering wheel and a pop-up compartment to host a driver's smartphone

"We want to build a range of products that strengthens our brand promise, focusing on the essentials and adapting our vehicles for outdoor activities," said Dacia's design director, David Durand. "Beyond our models, we are also working on innovative features that match our customers’ need and lifestyles even more closely. Manifesto concept is a 'lab' to try out and mock up new ideas. The version you can see today will keep on evolving as we keep on exploring. So don’t miss the next models: they will be ever smarter, ever more tailored to outdoor activities and ever more Dacia!"

Check out the gallery for renders and photos of the Manifesto ahead of its appearance at the Paris Motors Show, which starts on October 18.

Source: Dacia

View gallery - 12 images
1 comment
1 comment
Bob Flint
A single headlight, (no backup, once damaged, or simply lost) minimal roof, no windows, doors, (are you wearing a space suit?) no mention of range, or any real information...might as well ride a horse with a few candles...