The Renault Be Bop is a concept car first shown at the 2003 Frankfurt motor show. In fact there are two Be Bop concept cars that, rather confusingly, are both called Be Bop. With over half their bodywork parts in common, Both Be Bops nevertheless have very different personalities, one targeting the sporty MPV market and the other targeting the SUV market.
The Be Bop instantly seduces with its modern, rounded forms. From the side, these four-metre long cars stand out for their vast glazed surface. Reminiscent of a water droplet, their style suggests movement and aerodynamic sleekness. “The water droplet is a superb symbol of aerodynamic purity,” points out Michel Jardin, Director of Concept Car Design. Thanks to their softly rounded form, Be Bop provides a solution to the problem of MPVs, whose lack of aerodynamics has a negative impact on fuel consumption. The streamlined floorpan also helps boost aerodynamic efficiency. Be Bop is one single flowing line. The shape of the front and rear wings communicates a friendly but also powerful air. Their curve is extended at the front by a panoramic windscreen that disappears into the immense glazed roof before dropping down to form the V-shaped rear window, resulting in the signature Renault rear end.
Squarely positioned on its generous 21-inch PAX System wheels, One Be Bop is a sport utility vehicle intended as much for city life as off-road driving. With its 210mm ground clearance and four-wheel drive, few obstacles stand in its way. Its “blue-tinted steel” exterior includes specific elements that show this SUV means business: at the front, the radiator grille includes a more mat protection zone while the high performance lamps incorporate blue-tinted diodes for a high-tech aura. The rear lamps are shaped like flashes of light, while the double exhaust pipe fit neatly either side of the tailgate. Another of Be Bop’s original features is the tailgate’s functional and aesthetic opening system. First, an electrical motor lifts the rear window above the roof. The lower part opens downwards while a shelf automatically slides forward to house luggage and parcels.
The second Be Bop is a sporting compact MPV whose bright yellow bodywork is characteristic of Renault Sport vehicles. All the front-end design features are specific, with flowing lines that prove sporty handling and soft forms can go together. The radiator grille adds to its sporty personality, as does its 225bhp 2-litre turbocharged engine. The two rear-hinged doors open to reveal an original and elegant interior. The eye is drawn to a central arch to which the seats are anchored. This frees up floor space to create an unprecedented sensation of spaciousness. This arch also forms a link between front and rear occupants to reinforce the interior’s friendly spirit. Two side arches stretch the length of the doors for passengers to rest their arms. The polished aluminium gear lever rises over the central arch, which houses all the other main controls such as heating, air-conditioning, navigation and music. A chrome finish clock sits at the end of the arch in full view of both passenger and driver
Both Be Bops provide ample stowage space in the central tunnel, dashboard and doors. The rear seats of the Be Bop SUV can disappear under the front seats with the flick of a switch inside the door. And an articulated arm folds the back of the rear seat onto the cushion in a matter of seconds. Cushion and back then slide under the front seat to completely free up the rear space.
Be Bop takes the Touch Design concept introduced with the Talisman concept car then further explored with Megane II, Espace IV and Scenic II to its highest level of expression so far. Like the steering wheel with its hand print motif, all the controls suggest their function and invite contact. Be Bop and Be Bop are brimming with sophisticated but always discreet technology. Key information (speed, rev counter, etc.) is displayed on two superimposed LCD screens and in 3D for greater clarity. The rev counter is represented by coloured circles. Auxiliary information such as navigation, music, communication and Renault services is grouped together on a separate screen at dashboard height, and which can be folded down and can face the driver or passenger.
