Attention Renault Espace fans: this is the new one
Due to its ingenious design, the Renault Espace can rightly be called an icon of the car world. At the end of this month, the French will present the new version, but one that is further from the original than ever.
When you think of vans, you think – at least in Europe – of Renault. The French brand can rightly be considered the founder of the ever-popular MPV segment. The Espace was way ahead of its time in the 1980s. The original Espace was very spacious, practical and beautifully designed. Later, the slightly more compact but just as chic Mégane Scénic was added. Renault would have been the leader in the MPV segment for a long time.
MPV is out
But when you think of MPVs now, think of past glory. Because the traditional and practical space car has had to pass the baton to the less practical (but, according to many, better looking) SUV. However, Renault will “only” build a new Espace. But you guessed it, this won’t be an MPV.
That’s right, it will be an SUV. Renault will soon simply stick the iconic Espace name on an SUV. Yes, the model has seven seats, but it has next to nothing to do with the space miracles of the last century.
Extended Austral
The new Espace is essentially nothing more than the enhanced version of Renault’s latest SUV, the Austral. Technically, the two cars will therefore be identical, meaning that buyers will have multiple powertrains to choose from.
However, the new Espace is significantly larger than the Austral. Where the SUV variant is 4.5 meters long, the Espace measures a good 4.72 meters. This is also 13 centimeters shorter than the previous Espace. Compared to the Austral, the new Espace has a longer wheelbase: 2.74 instead of 2.67 meters. The rear overhang is also different. It measures 1.06 meters in the extended version and 92 centimeters in the Austral. Anything to make room for a third row of seats.
Renault error
By the way, it is a mistake that we all know this. Renault won’t unveil the Espace until later this month but accidentally posted a digital manual online. And although it was quickly taken offline, the new model can already be seen on the internet.