Renault unveils nifty thrifty plug-in

Renault Eolab will be at Paris motor show.

While the focus at the Paris motor show is on high-end concept cars and fast offerings from the likes of Aston Martin, local company Renault is highlighting fuel efficiency.

The Eolab plug-in hybrid supermini has claimed figures of 1litre/100km and emits only 22g/km of carbon dioxide.

Renault expects it to go into production by 2020.

The car has more than 100 technical innovations to cut fuel consumption, including aerodynamics, lightweight components and a hybrid drivetrain. Renault says it can travel up to 60km at up to 120km/h on its electric engine.

To help with aerodynamics, the Eolab has a wedge silhouette, a short tail and cameras instead of door mirrors.

Its ride height modes progressively drop the car into a more slippery stance, and the front spoiler and rear flaps close at higher speeds to reduce drag.

The 145mm-wide wheels have active flaps that open only when the car senses extra brake cooling is needed. The rest of the time, the wheelface surface is flattened, smoothing airflow along the car and cutting drag by 30 per cent over the regular Clio hatchback.