At this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault unveiled the fourth concept car to demonstrate the brand’s new styling DNA – the Renault Frendzy minivan, which doubles as both a passenger car and a commercial van.
It’s dual role is evident from the vehicle’s asymmetric body style. The driver’s side represents the passenger-focused perspective, as it features centre opening doors complete with side windows. On the passenger’s side, there’s no centre pillar, just one conventional door and one sliding side door which incorporates a 37-inch widescreen display. The latter can be used to display messages or adverts.
“The concept of an asymmetric body design was the most logical way to express this vehicle’s two roles,” says exterior designed Deyan Denkov. “From the very start, I wanted to move away from the traditional format for commercial vehicles and, in doing so, show that this type of vehicle could also be more emotional, more dynamic and more attractive. I took inspiration from a wide variety of sources, including unconventionally shaped aircraft such as the Airbus Beluga and the Antonov 224,” Denkov added.
Like Renault’ previous concept cars (the DeZir, Captur and R-Space) the Frendzy is a pure electric vehicle. Its powertrain is borrowed from the production Kangoo Van Z.E.
The new Twingo is the first Renault production car to feature some of the styling cues showcased by the brand’s recent concept cars.
