Renault Altica sporty estate concept car

Altica's new 177hp 2.0 dCi particulate filter-equipped diesel engine takes the car from a standing start to 100kph in just 7.5s. Coupled with a six-speed gearbox, this powerplant – which boasts maximum torque of 380Nm – provides excellent pull-away and mid-range acceleration. This hasn't been achieved to the detriment of fuel consumption, however. The Renault-Nissan Alliance engine is very inexpensive to run and fuel consumption is equivalent to 140g of CO2 per kilometre. In terms of both performance and driving pleasure, it stands out as the best diesel engine in its class and a version of which, without the particle filter, debuts in the Laguna GT dCi 175 this month.

Altica's low fuel consumption also stems from its exceptional aerodynamics. Located at the extremity of the roof at the point where the vehicle and the passing air flow separate, a discreet mechanical system generates jets of air which are alternately blown and sucked through a 2mm wide slit. Known as "Synthetic Jet", the system actively controls the separation of the air flow according to the vehicle's speed. This innovative technique, which reduces drag and controls the structure of the air flow, is a registered Renault patent and reduces the car's Cd at 80mph by 15% for an energy consumption of just 10W.

Valeo

Altica's lights employ high-performance light emitting diodes (LEDs).

The dipped and main beam functions are housed in a single module which tops a linear directional light. The LED control unit permanently adapts the quantity and orientation of the beam as a function of the conditions.

During motorway driving, the LEDs that ensure long range visibility are automatically activated and controlled to guarantee optimum visibility at all times without dazzle. The colour of the light emitted by the LEDs is similar to that of daylight for enhanced optical comfort and visibility.

The daytime running light (DRL) mode, which is activated most of the time while the car is moving, also use LEDs. Their high efficiency and the low amount of energy they require significantly reduce the power that is consumed compared with a conventional light source. The life expectancy of LEDs is also much longer than that of all contemporary light sources.

As a world first, the sidelight function is ensured by a veil of light that covers the entire headlamp thanks to Valeo's exclusive MicroOptique technology.