Renault off-roader takes shape

09 August 2005

Renault's 4x4 future is slowly taking shape, as this new Egeus off-roader concept shows.

Egeus concept car gives clues to how Renault's off-roader will look

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Renault's 4x4 future is slowly taking shape, as this new Egeus off-roader concept shows.

It will take pride of place on Renault's stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and the production version is expected to go on sale in 2007.

Renault describes the Egeus concept as a 'resolutely upmarket' 4x4, and at 4.7m from tip to tail it is longer than a BMW X5.

While the production version is expected to borrow much of its styling from the concept car, it will be smaller – probably around 4.5m long. Renault wants to compete with the likes of the Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V with its first true 4x4.

Other concept styling cues, such as the Egeus's enormous 22-inch alloys, 250bhp 3.0-litre diesel engine and four-seat cabin are also likely to dropped for on the production car. Expect wheels of a more normal size, a five-seat interior and engines with outputs starting at around 140bhp. Prices are likely to start at around £16,000.

Apart from four-wheel-drive adaptations of its MPVs, such as the previous Scenic RX4 and current Kangoo Trekka, Renault has never produced a dedicated off-roader.

With demand for the cars still growing, the manufacturer is keen to get in on the act and will rely heavily on the off-roading expertise of sister company Nissan for its first models.

It will not be the only car maker to venture into the off-road market for the first time in 2007. Citroen and Peugeot will also offer new compact off-roaders. They are both based on the next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander, which is also due to go on sale in 2007.

By then the all-new Toyota RAV4 and Land Rover Freelander are also likely to be on sale. Look out for news on the new Toyota on Whatcar.com at the end of this month.