Dacia Manifesto wins ‘Concept Car Design of the Year’ award
The ‘Manifesto’ concept from European Renault affiliate, Dacia, has been awarded ‘Concept Car Design of the Year’ by Car Design Review. This is the first win for Dacia in the ten-year history of the awards for production and concept cars that are judged exclusively by automotive industry professionals.
Car Design Review celebrates the best concept and production cars of the year. The annual review is compiled by Car Design News, a website that’s the hub for information, advice and insight for car designers worldwide.
“In the ten years of these awards, Dacia has never previously been a contender for any category, so to win this year’s Concept Car Design of the Year award is an incredible achievement and shows just how far its design department has come,” said James McLachlan, Editor of Car Design News.
Unveiled in October, 2022, the Manifesto is described by Dacia as a “laboratory of ideas” and a concept that “reaffirms and embodies the values that Dacia stands for”. Designed specifically for use off-road, the Manifesto is a two-seater, buggy-style vehicle that’s been created with outdoor adventuring in mind.
With four-wheel drive and the ability to be powered by electric motors or conventional diesel and petrol engines, the two-seater has a high-ground clearance and uses 33.5-inch concept tyres that are solid with hollow sections, so they offer cushioning while being puncture-proof.
The roof features movable bars that allow a variety of items to be carried, as well as perforations for lashing down odd-shaped items with ropes or bungee cords. The single headlight is removable for use as a torch, while a flat surface above storage space at the rear of the concept is designed for use as a workbench.
With no doors, side glass or windscreen, the Manifesto’s interior is entirely exposed to the elements, so everything inside is waterproof. The instrumentation consists of a simple screen that displays only speed and gear position, with the owner’s smartphone utilised for music and navigation. A slot in the dash is designed for house this, while a section ahead is lined with cork that paper maps can be pinned to.
For practicality, household electrical outlets are included, allowing common devices to be charged and used without needing adaptors or an inverter.
Additionally, the cabin features Dacia’s ‘You Clip’ system that’s designed to allow everything from cupholders to GPS mounts to be added. Since debuting on the Manifesto, You Clip has been added to Dacia production models.
Environmental considerations in the Manifesto include the aforementioned tyres that are designed to last longer than conventional inflatable tyres and the use of sustainable materials in its construction. The body is made in part from a recycled plastic known as Starkle that has since been incorporated into elements of Dacia’s production cars.
“We’re very proud to see our concept, which embodies the brand, being recognised, particularly since the results were determined by the comments and votes of some of the most-respected designers in our industry,” said David Durand, Dacia Design Director and lead designer on the Manifesto concept.
“The Dacia Manifesto is much more than just a concept car. It’s a laboratory of ideas that feeds creativity for Dacia models of the future. “It illustrates our brand pillars, being essential, cool, robust and eco-smart.”
