2 September 2002: Renault's latest concept car, Ellypse, showcases a number of proposals to make the company’s cars more environmentally friendly, easier to use, and also has a subtle aim of reducing road rage.

On that latter, the carmaker says aggression is banished from the soft yet structured forms to create a friendly personality, while the deliberately minimalist interior ‘radiates soothing vibes’.

The car’s architecture favours easy removal and recycling of components at the end of the vehicle’s life-cycle, the new-generation diesel engine reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions (85g of CO2/km), and it is equipped with advanced ‘x-by-wire’ technology and 42-volt electrics.

Ellypse is a 3.9-metre long hatchback. Solar cells all along the transparent roof panel help optimise cabin air-conditioning. While the left side is equipped with traditional doors, the right side reveals an innovative two-way opening system. The rear door opens either as a classic swing door to give direct access to the rear seats, or tilts from front to back.

The dashboard adopts a streamlined design, with two central displays for essential data. One shows driving information, while the second displays passenger information and can be folded away.

A multi-function central control, built into the base of the dashboard and which can also be concealed, allows easy operation of most of the onboard features, including air-conditioning, radio, GPS navigation system with real-time traffic information, personal address book, maintenance manual, log book and personalised servicing data.

The Ellypse concept car is equipped with slim seats that maximise space inside the cabin. Comfort comes from soft and springy padded upholstery that stands up to intensive use and feels pleasant to the touch. Memory foam that adapts to passengers’ body shapes adds to the sensation of comfort.

Ellypse is equipped with a 16-valve 1200cc turbodiesel engine, developing 100bhp and 200Nm torque. The advanced common-rail injection system uses specific piezoelectric injectors with 10 holes (instead of the usual four or five) for injection pressure of some 2,000 bar.

The turbodiesel internal combustion engine is assisted by a 12kW starter-alternator which works as an alternator to produce electricity, in particular through the recovery of energy when braking, as a starter for the internal combustion engine, and as an electric traction motor whose output can be added to that of the internal combustion engine, and can even propel the vehicle alone over short distances. The transmission uses a robotised gearbox that optimally adjusts fuel consumption to driving style.