Former van pioneer is now an SUV

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When it was launched in 1984, Renault transferred the Espace minivan concept from America to Europe – it was to become the pioneer of the new MPV vehicle segment on our continent. However, SUVs have increasingly replaced classic vans in the last decade. The Espace has followed suit, too, and when it was last relaunched eight years ago, it went from a classic van to a modern but no longer practical crossover.

And this development now goes one step further – with the sixth generation, which was first introduced in Paris and will be released in the summer. Wanting to remain a family car with ample space, the Espace is 14 centimeters shorter than the current model, 4.72 meters long, and stands out against rivals such as the VW Tiguan XL, Opel Grandland and Skoda Kodiaq. Of course, the new Espace is a good car, even in the sixth generation. But now anyone. It is based on the same platform as the well-known, slightly more compact Renault SUV Austral and also has visually harmonious proportions.

Shorter but more space

The new Espace offers advantages over the current model in terms of space. Despite being 14 centimeters shorter, you sit better in the new second row because there is significantly more headroom. The Espace will continue to be offered with five or seven seats. Only children should wait for the third row in the seven-seater, as getting on and off becomes a climb. It is better to use the luggage compartment only in this way. Because it offers an impressive 1818 liters of space. Thus, the Espace remains the largest model in the Renault passenger car range.

At the start of sales is the new family car with all-wheel steering, but only offered as a hybrid with a narrow three-cylinder petrol engine and soft electric assist. The 1.2 liter internal combustion engine produces 131 hp, the 1.7 kWh battery electric motor has an additional 68 hp, providing a system output of 199 hp. This means a top speed of 175 km/h and 8.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h. As a shorter family SUV, it’s a solid foundation for an old van that thins out at an impressive 215 kilograms.

Neither plug nor electric

But like most competing models, the new Espace is not available as a plug-in hybrid. And not entirely electrically. A starter generator with 25 hp and 50 Nm of torque should increase the feeling of comfort and significantly reduce consumption when driving with almost 1.7 tons of front-wheel drive. Renault promises an average of only 4.6 liters per 100 kilometers – this will be the diesel level. This is achievable with four levels of recovery and the hope that at least about 80 percent of city traffic can be driven entirely electric.

«The new Renault Espace carries the DNA of the previous five generations. It offers a high level of comfort and an elegant appearance. With its hybrid engine and unique multimedia experience, it meets the new requirements of our customers », hopes the new Renault CEO, Fabrice Cambolive. What it doesn’t say: Almost the only SUV in its class, the Espace VI is not available with a 4×4. Not a positive message, especially in the all-wheel drive country Switzerland.

Source: Blick