Manifesto will not be a future model, but it embodies Dacia’s new identity. After becoming the champion of “the essentials at low cost” and won a place as the third best-selling brand in Europe, the Romanian manufacturer, owned by the Renault group, wants to wear a new incarnation. Dacia is now focusing on trends outdoors and environmental, while aiming to be pragmatic and economical.
The Manifesto concept is a patchwork of Dacia’s future development paths and presents some innovations which, for some of them, will be found on the next vehicles in the range. Riding the trend outdoorswhich also affects 4-wheelers just as much (explosion of vanlifefor example) than 2-wheelers (that of the trail market), the Manifesto does not offer doors, windows or windshields for a “better connection with the environment”. From there to imagining that Dacia will go buggy, there is only one step which is nevertheless not ready to be taken for the moment. However, the worktop that emerges from the rear hatch could very well end up on the next Duster.
For the manufacturer, who says nature does not necessarily mean disconnection with his smartphone. Thus, Dacia’s Bring your Own Device approach makes it possible to fully integrate the latter into the board and the on-board computer. A system already offered on several models of the brand, and which will evolve further in the future. The Manifesto concept unveils another innovation promised for future models: YouClip, a fastening system making it easier to attach a series of modular accessories. The unique front projector is removable to transform into a flashlight.
The Manifesto concept boasts a four-wheel drive, generous ground clearance combined with large wheels, and bodywork that stands up to the toughest terrain. For all-wheel drive, it already exists at Dacia, but only in diesel. It is not excluded that in the future, as with many manufacturers today, an all-wheel drive from a hybrid powertrain will appear. In addition, the interior of the Manifesto can be washed with a jet of water and the upholstery of the seats turns into a sleeping bag.
The modular roof can carry all kinds of loads thanks to deployable mounting bars in multiple configurations. These bars already exist in the range and will join the next Duster.
To reduce the carbon footprint (which is not measured here only at the exhaust), the Manifesto emphasizes a hunt for superfluous kilos, while recalling that the Jogger is 300 kg lighter than its competitors at seven squares. The main plastic parts of the concept’s bodywork contain recycled polypropylene (thermoplastic resin). The cork also takes place on the dashboard, while on the outside the puncture-proof tires are supposed to last the life of the vehicle.
On the brand’s future developments, Lionel Jaillet, Dacia Product Performance Director, says: “We want to build a range of products that reinforces our brand promise, focusing on the essentials and adapting our vehicles to outdoor use. […] The Manifesto concept acts as a laboratory to explore […] new ideas. The version you see today will continue to evolve… See you on our next models, always smarter, always more outdoor, always more Dacia!”
An ambitious program that we can’t wait to discover, but that we hope above all will always be as well placed in terms of prices. Too significant a move upmarket, coupled with more premium prices, would definitely break with what has made the manufacturer so successful.