  We show that even in the simple framework of pure Kaluza-Klein gravity the
shape moduli can generate potentials supporting inflation and/or quintessence.
Using the shape moduli as the inflaton or quintessence-field has the additional
benefit of being able to explain symmetry breaking in a natural geometric way.
A numerical analysis suggests that in these models it may be possible to obtain
sufficient e-foldings during inflation as well as a small cosmological constant
at the current epoch (without fine tuning), while preserving the constraint
coming from the fine structure constant.
