Renault is developing a hatchback concept called Value Up. The concept looks to be lightweight, efficient and, when it goes into production, will look at keeping costs low. It is built on a new 3.8m long platform, and which is also likely to underpin some of Renault's future cars. Dimensionally, the Value Up concept is somewhere between the Twingo and the Clio models which Renault offers in global markets.
In an effort to retain strength but keep weight low, the concept makes use of bamboo. It weighs in at 830kg, and reports also suggest that it uses a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol motor under the hood.
There is abundant use of bamboo inside the cabin too. The dashboard is largely made up of a touchscreen display that spreads across the width of the car. The part accessible to the driver is used for AC, navigation and changing the direction of the wing mirrors, whereas the part closer to the passenger, is for entertainment purpose.
The Renault Value Up is being worked upon purely for research purpose – research to help develop future models for the brand.