Home Auto News The Dacia Manifesto concept is a futuristic EV SUV for outdoor enthusiasts

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The Dacia Manifesto concept is a futuristic EV SUV for outdoor enthusiasts

October 17, 2022

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We’ve updated this article with live images of the Dacia Manifesto concept from its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show on October 17-23, 2022.

Dacia surprised its fans by announcing the Manifesto, a design study created to convey the values of the Romanian brand. The futuristic all-electric SUV concept with airless tires and an open-air cabin is not intended for production, but some of its features will be applied to future Dacia models.

Dacia describes the Manifesto as an “important, cool, durable, affordable and environmentally-efficient car” as well as a “laboratory of ideas”. It seems that the concept belongs to a science fiction video gamewith adventurous styling and a fairly compact footprint.

The highlight is a set of large airless tires that are puncture-proof and eco-friendly, lasting as long as the car. The exposed wheels are located on all four edges of the car, providing almost unbeatable off-road performance in combination with the all-wheel drive electric vehicle, short wheelbase and high ground clearance.

The concept features an illuminated grille New Dacia emblem, the design displayed on the back. However, instead of using conventional headlights, it has a single LED unit that is also removable, allowing it to be used as a flashlight. For the body panels, the designers tested a new material called Starkle, which consists of 20 percent recycled plastic. The flat-look roof rack can carry all kinds of cargo and external equipment thanks to its modular racks, while other items can be attached to the sides through small holes in the triangular body panels.

As you may have noticed, here comes the Manifesto without a doorwindows or windshield, allowing passengers to connect with nature in an even more extreme way compared to Jeep Wrangler or a Ford Bronco. Fortunately, the interior is completely waterproof, so passengers don’t have to worry about the weather conditions.

Inside we find only two seats with removable covers that act as sleeping bags. The dashboard is made of cork, with a utilitarian design. Behind the steering wheel with integrated buttons is a simple digital dashboard, while all infotainment and connectivity features are controlled by the driver’s smartphone. This solution, called Bring Your Own Device, is already being used on Sandero, Sandero Stepway, Loganand Runner.

In addition to the large storage tray and dashboard straps, the Manifesto introduces a new system called “YouClip” that allows for the secure installation of various modular accessories. The automaker has confirmed that the feature will be implemented in future production models, most likely including the next generation Duster. Another practical feature is the removable battery on the back, which can power any device from a home outlet and USB slot. Last but not least, the rear deck can be used as a workbench.

Dacia has not announced details about the EV Manifesto’s powertrain, such as the number of electric motors, power or battery size. Lionel Jaillet, Dacia’s director of product performance, said that “the version you see today will evolve as we continue to explore it,” which leads us to believe that we may see more iterations in the future.

The Manifesto concept will make its public debut at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, which opens on October 18. The Dacia stand will also feature the entire model range now bearing the refreshed brand, including the DC emblem on the revised grille.