Renault Z.E. Concept Based on the Kangoo Be-Bop

The best description we could think of for Renault’s Paris Show Z.E. concept car is a Kangoo of the not-so distant future. And truly enough, the Z.E., which by the way stands for Zero Emissions, is indeed based on the new Kangoo Be-Bop that also made its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show. The concept study utilizes the Renault-Nissan Group’s new electric drivetrain that will be massed produced in the beginning of the next decade. -Continued

More specifically, the Z.E. is equipped with a 70kW (95hp) electric motor which delivers torque of 226Nm with energy being provided by a latest generation set of lithium-ion type batteries.

Other notable features on the Z.E. Concept is include the use of heat-reflective paint and insulating bodywork that limits variations in temperature between the exterior and the interior of the car and the roof top solar panels that power a temperature regulation system.

Video: New Renault Kangoo Be-Bop

The latest model to join Renault’s Kangoo family is the all-new Be-Bop which is essentially the production version of last year’s Kangoo Compact Concept. Scheduled to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, the four-seat Be-Bop with the cool two-tone paint scheme comes equipped with a large sliding glazed roof and rear tailgate window that rolls down for a near-convertible experience. Hit the jump below to watch the official video or click here to read our detailed post on the Be-Bop that also includes a high-resolution image gallery. -Continued

New Renault Kangoo Be Bop with Convertible Top

This funky looking three-door minivan is the Kangoo be-bop and it will be officially unveiled at this week’s Paris Motor Show. Based closely on the Kangoo Compact Concept that was revealed at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the latest addition in the Kangoo family features the same convertible roof configuration seen on the prototype car, with a fully glazed, forward-sliding roof and a retractable rear window. -Continued

The model also comes with fully adjustable and removable individual rear seats that are mounted 9cm higher than the front seats, producing an amphitheatre arrangement. The capacity of the luggage compartment ranges from 174 to 1,462dm3 depending on whether the seats are in their rearmost or foremost position.

According to Renault, passengers can access the rear seats either through the front doors, using a handle that folds down the back of the front seats or if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, by climbing into the rear seats through the open tailgate and the gap between the rear seats. Just be careful you don’t get into any sticky situations.

The Kangoo be bop differs from its sibling by being shorter at 3.87 meters, as well as through some styling details, like the two-tone paint job, the black headlamp masks, the restyled bumpers, and 16-inch alloy wheels along with the higher ground clearance that has been raised 20mm compared with the conventional Kangoo.

Powertain options will include two diesel engines, the 85HP 1.5-liter dCi and the 100HP 1.5-liter dCi which comes with a particulate filter and drives through a six-speed gearbox and the petrol 105HP 1.6-liter unit.