FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Renault in a Frendzy

Renault has used the Frankfurt motor show to promote a pair of new technology engines, the next generation Twingo light hatch and its Frendzy all-electric light commercial vehicle concept.

The French brand's latest drivetrain offerings continue the 'downsizing' trend seen in the automotive industry, with the Energy TCe 115 petrol and Energy dCi 110 diesel announced ahead of their first vehicle placements next year.

Set to feature in Megane and Scenic models from Q1, 2012 the 1.2-litre petrol unit promises a 25 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions while the 1.5-litre diesel 100g/km of CO2 while delivering 260Nm of torque.

Featuring many of the styling cues seen in recent concepts, Renault's new Twingo also made its debut appearance. The light hatch arrives in several guises, each offering a high level of personalisation. Petrol and diesel engine variants range in capacity, depending on market, with emissions from as low as 85g/km. Speaking at the show, Renault's Jerome Stoll said a full EV version of Twingo is also under consideration.

Finally, the 100 per cent EV concept, Frendzy is the fourth chapter in the brand's concept strategy. The light commercial van combining work and play in a multi-purpose design complete with computerised signboard on the vehicle's flanks.

"Frendzy is the fourth step in our new design strategy which was first illustrated by Renault DeZir. Frendzy is an original and innovative vehicle which takes us into an area that is vital to Renault: the world of light commercial vehicles," said Renault's deign boss, Laurens Van Den Acker.

Convinced electric mobility is the way forward, Frendzy premieres just one month ahead of the marque's first zero emissions vehicle, Fluence ZE.