a concept to glimpse the future of the manufacturer

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Filled with original and intriguing details, the Dacia Manifesto does not reveal all its particularities at first glance. Almost a shame for a vehicle embodying the spirit of the future of a brand focused on the essentials. Each of these details, however, effectively follows the idea of ​​simplicity of use, meeting current needs. At least in the context of “outdoor” use, Dacia’s new creed. Initiated by the “Stepway” finish of the Sandero in 2009 in Europe, then by the arrival of the Duster compact SUV in 2010, all models in the Romanian manufacturer’s range, with the exception of the classic Sandero, now have this appearance inspired by the world of off-roading. The Bigster family SUV and upcoming products will reinforce this trend.

The Manifesto is a concept opposite to the Bigster. It immediately surprises with its compactness, barely 3.60 meters long. Without glass, without windshield, it is open to the four winds and uses each part that composes it, or almost, as a reflection or an announcement on the future.

Carrosserie eco-friendly

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Dacia Manifesto | Images of the all-terrain concept car with a futuristic look
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Dacia Manifesto (2022)Credit Photo – Dacia

Smaller for less material, in the form of an electric buggy, the Manifesto wants to develop its ecological side through its lightness and the materials it uses. Its main body parts are made of 20% recycled plastics. A compound called “Starkle”, which will be used on the next generation of Duster, in 2024, visible from the outside, requiring no painting without appearing rough in appearance, by its speckled grain, while ensuring the robustness of a more common material.

With its four-wheel drive and its design suggesting the presence of an electric motor on each axle as well as a battery under the floor, Dacia does not communicate on the weight of the concept, which might well partially thwart the hope of lightness. announced. In any case, it is not intended to lead to a production model.

Especially since it adds another battery dedicated to powering nomadic electrical objects, for an improvised bivouac in the middle of nature. Embedded in the rear bumper, it is removable and has a capacity of 2.25 kWh.

Storage spaces for all the equipment useful for a good excursion have been provided above each axle. With two closed bins at the back, creating a flat surface, as well as two others, open, at the front. A roof rack and side elastics, for water bottles accessible from the “inside” complete the endowment for adventure.

One light and less air

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Dacia Manifesto | Images of the all-terrain concept car with a futuristic look
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Dacia Manifesto (2022)Credit Photo – Dacia

The lighting incorporates the brand name in full on the rear, while it is the new “Dacia Link” logo that makes up the white LED daytime running lights on the grille. To see the road, a single projector, slightly offset to the left of the shield, whose LED beam is supposed to cover the entire roadway. Dacia touts this solution as an economic gain, judging that two headlights are too many. The most interesting remains the possibility of removing this projector to use it as a flashlight. And in this case, there is no doubt that the forest paths will be well lit.

This two-seater machine also suggests great crossing capabilities. Its large wheels raise it correctly. Placed at the four corners, they create no overhang, their tread flush with each end of the shields. Even stronger, their structure supporting the vehicle without containing air, ideal to never fall “flat” or to be able to claim more distant trips and possibly leave a trace on the moon.

All-in-one for two

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Dacia Manifesto | Images of the all-terrain concept car with a futuristic look
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Dacia Manifesto (2022)Credit Photo – Dacia

The link between bodywork and passenger compartment is continuous, with no door to cross but only an imposing access threshold. The two seats are cut into the hull. For comfort, two padded covers cover them, two others are rolled up as headrests and the whole thing can be removed to convert into a sleeping bag.

The basic controls related to driving take place between these “seats”, a steering wheel with touch buttons on the two branches controls the cube displaying the on-board computer and the “Media Control” system This uses an application on the telephone of the user that is wedged under the flap at the top of the dashboard. A basic multimedia system available in the current range on access finishes.

A modular and movable fixing in the cockpit makes its appearance. A system called “YouClip” in the form of a cube that can accommodate bottles or cups of different sizes and completed by two small retractable panels that can be used as hooks. This equipment will come as standard in the next Duster.

The ceiling light looks more like an additional headlamp, located between the headrests, directed towards the road and taking the shape of the one whose main function is on the shield. The reading evenings will therefore be properly illuminated.

The dashboard also, to comfortably read a map or any other document that we would have hung there. The entire apron separating the mechanics from the passenger compartment is covered on the inside with cork (as well as the upper part of the steering wheel rim). A thumbtack is therefore easily planted on it to securely attach all kinds of decorative notes or photos without damaging anything. An original idea to keep and in any case, typically Dacia.

But before leaving for the adventure, the Dacia Manifesto concept will be exhibited at the Paris Motor Show, from October 17 to 23, 2022.

to summarize

Everything is in its name, the Dacia Manifesto concept, which will be present at the Paris Motor Show 2022, reflects on the future of the accessible Romanian brand. It exploits all of its compact size to explore simple and practical intended ideas around adventurous use, combining versatility and robustness. Discovery of this roadmap on four wheels.

Quentin Cazergues

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