Concept cars are a vision for the future and usually preview the direction a manufacturer is going to go with their new products, or even new products that might eventually come to market. In recent years, manufacturers have become more adventurous with their concepts, and now more than ever, when concept models are turned into production models, we are seeing them look closer to these visions for the future. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is an excellent example of a concept that transformed from into a production model with very few changes, which shows that now more than ever concepts should be looked at as more than just an exercise in design. In this blog post we will discuss our favourite for the year so far!

Volvo Concept Recharge

Renault Concept Recharge

The Volvo Concept Recharge was introduced in 2021, and previewed the future of Volvo’s design language, as well as the future technology we can expect in their next line of vehicles. The Concept Recharge is an SUV, with a sleek roofline and design, with an extended wheelbase for more interior space, thanks to the fully electric powertrain. The Concept Recharge is built and designed on the mantra of ‘less but better’, meaning that there is a focus on minimalism, whilst still providing a model that combines technology and safety features, whilst exuding style and luxury.

Volvo Cars is committed to becoming a leader in the fast-growing premium electric car market and plans to become a fully electric car company by 2030. Having described this model as ‘their manifesto for Volvo Cars’ pure electric future’, once we see this model on the market, it is likely to be their first all electric flagship model. However, we know this won’t be called the XC90, instead it will have a name like you would ‘name a new born child’, heralding a new era of Volvo Cars, according to Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson. We really hope this concept makes it to production!

Hyundai Prophecy Concept

Hyundai Prophesy Concept

The IONIQ 5 was Hyundai’s first model from their new IONIQ sub-brand, and so far, it has been nothing but a runaway success, winning a whole host of awards and rave reviews. This means that whatever Hyundai introduces as the next model in the IONIQ line up, has huge shoes to fill. The Hyundai Prophecy concept follows on from the Hyundai 45 concept (which previewed the IONIQ 5), so we are hoping this previews the next IONIQ model in the lineup, a coupe like saloon with smooth lines, and a sporty appearance, with design elements from the IONIQ 5 that carry over.

The Prophecy concept comes with an exterior designed with aerodynamics in mind, to help achieve better range from the battery, as well as an interior designed around ‘refinement and comfort’. There is a number of elements that we would love to see in production, such as the rear hinged back doors, progressive interior lighting and rear spoiler. If the transition from concept to production seen when the IONIQ 5 transitioned into a production model, from the 45 concept, it is safe to say we are in for a treat as far as this model is concerned when it hits the market.

Up until now, MG has focussed on family cars, superminis and SUVs across its lineup, which means that there is something in the range for just about anybody! However although some of their models come with impressive performance figures, there is nothing in the range that is designed with this at the forefront. The MG Cyberster concept previewed last year could be the model that fits this gap, with its two seater sports car designed, and a number of styling cues from the MGB Roadster, one of MG’s heritage cars, this is a very exciting model! The Cyberster has an all electric powertrain, which comes with up to 500 miles range, and 0-62 miles in less than three seconds! The interior of the Cyberster is more akin to a spaceship, with it’s F1 style steering wheel, zero gravity floating headrests and digital fibre interior design language.

Dacia Bigster Concept
”Dacia

Last year, Dacia released their concept for a full sized SUV, that would sit above the Duster in the range. The Aptly named Bigster, takes the rugged form of the Duster and applies it to a larger format. When it was released, Dacia said ‘this a genuine vehicle made with genuine principles, no bells and whistles’ to represent the true essence of an SUV. It’s very easy to see that this is a very impressive and spacious vehicle, with a very practical, but simplified interior. This will be a part of the Renault Groups 25 model plan and hopeful, should transition into a production model rather soon. But for now, the concept certainly gives us a glimpse at the next exciting Dacia model!

Renault 5 Prototype
Renault 5 Concept

The Renault 5 is an icon within the history of the Renault brand, preceding the modern-day Clio we know and love. Although Renault is very much committed to an all-electric future, it is clear that in doing so, Renault wants to be sympathetic to the brand. That is arguably what makes the Renault 5 so exciting, because its design clearly references the original, whilst giving it a modern twist with the clean lines and LED lights.

Take away the link to Renault’s heritage, and what you have is an electric supermini with 5 doors, that uses the same technology from the Renault Zoe, which means you will have plenty of range, and power in a compact and stylish package. This concept is a preview of a prototype model so we know for a fact that this will be going into production, the hard bit is when, because we can’t wait to see it in our showroom!

We are really looking forward to seeing how these design concepts transform into production models! To keep up to date with the latest updates, follow us on Facebook.