Dacia surprised its fans by announcing the Manifesto, a design study created to communicate the values of the Romanian brand. The futuristic fully electric off-roader concept with the airless tires and the open-air cabin is not destined for production, but some of its features will be applied to future Dacia models.
Dacia describes the Manifesto as an “essential, cool, robust, affordable and environmentally efficient car” as well as a “lab for ideas”. The concept looks like it belongs to a sci-fi video game, with an adventurous style and a rather compact footprint.
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The highlight is a set of large airless tires that are puncture-proof and environmentally friendly, lasting as long as the vehicle. The exposed wheels are located on the four edges of the vehicle offering almost unbeatable off-road credentials in combination with the all-wheel drive EV powertrain, the short wheelbase, and the generous ground clearance.
The concept features an illuminated grille with Dacia’s new emblem, a design that is mirrored on the rear end. However, instead of using conventional headlights, it has a single LED unit that is also detachable allowing it to be used as a torch. For the body panels, designers tried a new material called Starkle, made of 20 percent recycled plastic. The flat-looking roof rack can carry any sort of cargo and outdoor equipment, thanks to its modular carrier bars, and more stuff can be strapped on the sides using the small holes on the triangular body panels.
As you have already noticed, the Manifesto comes without doors, windows, or a windshield, allowing passengers to connect with nature in an even more extreme manner compared to a Jeep Wrangler or a Ford Bronco. Thankfully the interior is completely waterproof, so passengers don’t have to worry about weather conditions.
Inside we only find two seats with removable covers that double as sleeping bags. The dashboard is made of cork, with a utilitarian design. Behind the steering wheel with integrated buttons there is a basic-looking digital instrument cluster, while all infotainment and connectivity features are handled by the driver’s smartphone. This solution called “Bring-Your-Own-Device” is already used on the Sandero, Sandero Stepway, Logan, and Jogger.
Besides the large storage tray and the straps on the dashboard, the Manifesto introduces a new system called “YouClip”, which allows the secure fitment of various modular accessories. The automaker confirmed that this feature will be applied in future production models, most likely including the next generation of the Duster. Another practical trait is the removable battery at the back, which can power any device from a household outlet and USB slots. Last but not least, the rear deck can be used as a workbench.
Dacia didn’t announce details about the EV powertrain of the Manifesto, such as the number of electric motors, the power output, or the battery size. Lionel Jaillet, Dacia Product Performance Director, said that “The version you can see today will keep on evolving as we keep on exploring”, making us 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 its doors on October 18. Dacia’s stand will also include the entire model range, which now features updated branding, including the DC emblem on the revised grille.
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