New Renault Espace: The European MPV breaks with the past
With the Espace in 1983, Renault was the first in Europe with a real MPV. Founder of a segment. Now the brand is presenting the sixth generation of the model, which has very little to do with its predecessors.
To cover up this fact, the brand proudly writes “same DNA, new generation” above its press release. But the DNA also seems to differ significantly. It’s still a five or seven seater, but we can’t call it an MPV anymore. This chapter is closed. The new Espace is now another SUV.
Forced into an SUV
We can hardly blame Renault. It is the consumer who has longed for SUVs and crossovers for years. Car brands simply have to react to this in order to survive. Just look at Ferrari. We recently drove the Italian brand’s first SUV. Oh no, we can’t call the Purosangue that.
Back to the French, who are saying goodbye to the iconic body shape. The sixth generation of the spacious family car will be less conspicuous. It’s essentially a longer version of the Renaul Austral, as we wrote earlier in response to leaked information.
The car has all-wheel steering to make it feel a bit compact. With a length of 4.72 meters, it is anything but small. The new Renault Espace is 14 centimeters shorter (and 215 kilograms lighter) than its predecessor. However, the brand claims that passengers have improved in terms of interior space.
Space in the new Renault Espace
In addition, the car must guarantee its comfortable character. If you take a seat in the second row, you have a maximum of 32.1 centimeters of legroom. The backrests can also be reclined, although those in the cramped-looking third row will likely have problems for the rest of the journey.
With all the seats up, you still have 159 liters of luggage space. With the third row of seats folded down, that’s 777 liters and with the second and third rows folded down, there’s a generous 1,818 liters of luggage space.
With a large panoramic roof, USB-C ports, and an optional Harman Kardon audio system, it’s also a great place to hang out. Go for the Esprit Alpine version if that’s all you care about looks go. This one comes on 20 inch rims and has the sportiest look. The Iconic version also comes on 20-inch wheels but has more black accents. Finally, there is the techno version. This has smaller 19-inch rims, more chrome and various parts painted in body color.
Power train of the new Renault Espace
Under the hood is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine that delivers 130 hp and 205 Nm. A bit short for a voluminous car like the Renault Espace. The internal combustion engine is therefore supported by two electric motors, one of which is mainly used as an auxiliary motor for starting and shifting gears. The combined power is 200 hp.
The driver is supported while driving by no fewer than 32 driver assistance systems. Think traffic sign recognition, speed warnings and track centering, but also 3D parking assistance, adaptive cruise control and blind spot warning. You’ll also find the head-up display on board the new Renault Espace, which we also saw in the new Austral.
The new Espace will be built in Spain and will be available to order this spring. Nothing is known about the price at the moment.