Renault has taken the covers off a new, shapeshifting concept car – the Morphoz – that could preview a new electric crossover. The concept was due to make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show this week, but the motoring expo was cancelled on Friday owing to concerns over the coronavirus.
The French carmaker is known for unveiling wild concepts at most major motor shows, and the Morphoz is no exception. The vehicle takes the form of a Kadjar-sized SUV and is built on Renault’s new CMF-EV architecture – an EV platform that will allegedly serve as the foundation of an electric crossover.
So how exactly does the Morphoz morph? Well, the concept can essentially change its length with the push of a button. In City mode, the concept has a length of 4,400mm and a wheelbase of 2,730mm. Activate Travel model, however, and the car extends from the A-pillar to 4,800mm and a wheelbase of 2,930mm.
Doing so will unlock extra space in the cockpit to make long journeys a bit more comfortable. The front passenger can also swivel their seat around to talk to those in the back. Despite its emphasis on space, the Morphoz concept only has enough room for four occupants.
On a more positive note, the interior ditches leather in favour of more sustainable materials. The floor, for instance, is made from recycled yogurt pots and the dashboard is made of wood. The seats are made of fabric, too, which has been sourced by “socially responsible companies”, according to Renault.
And, of course, the car is powered by an electric powertrain. Underneath the Morphoz’s wild body is a 90kWh battery, which shrinks to 40kWh in City mode. Renault claims the smaller battery has a range of 249 miles, while the larger pack in Travel mode delivers 435 miles.
Will we see the Morphoz on Britain’s roads in the future? Probably not, no. But there’s a chance we may see the Morphoz’s battery configuration, and hopefully its intriguing body-extending technology, on its long-rumoured electric SUV that’s due in the coming years.
Keyword: Renault Morphoz concept: a shapeshifting look at the carmaker’s EV future