Renault has presented the sixth generation of the Espace, the model that debuted in 1984 to revolutionize the market with the creation of a new type of automobile, the minivan. The French car, which hit the market just a few months after another benchmark in the segment -the Chrysler Voyager-, offered exceptional habitability combined with interesting interior modularity.
That was the beginning of a category of vehicles that triumphed for several decades, until the appearance of SUV cars, which over the years have been eating up ground until almost causing their extinction. The last example of this is found in the case that concerns us here. The Espace is stripped of any vestige of a minivan and is presented as a true SUV, yes, with a traveling vocation. The latest generation of the model had already begun to crossover, but now the change is complete.
Developed on the CMF-CD platform of the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance, it inherits aesthetic traits from its little brother, the Austral. It measures 21 centimeters more than this one, so it reaches a length of 4.72 meters, but it is 14 centimeters shorter than its predecessor. The passenger compartment is available in a five or seven-seater configuration. With seven occupants, the luggage rack has a capacity of 159 liters. If the third row of seats is dispensed with, the space rises to 581 liters, expandable to 777 just by moving the second row bench longitudinally forward. The maximum cargo volume (1,818 liters) is achieved by folding down the seat backs.
To increase the feeling of interior space, a large panoramic glass roof can be fitted. In any version, the standard equipment includes the openR screen, electric trunk opening, induction phone charger, 19-inch wheels, Isofix mountings on the second row side seats and a comprehensive safety package.
The brand ensures that the car can carry a total of 32 driving aids (ADAS), among which is a state-of-the-art Head up Display, 360º camera, active emergency braking system (AEBS), angle detector Dead Dead Alert (BSW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Alert (LDW), Fatigue Alert (DAA), Safe Distance Alert (DW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Assist to the parking lot.
The Esprit Alpine finish, for the first time on Espace, lends a sporty tone to the interior. The Alpine logo appears on the headrests while the Alcantara with blue stitching on the dashboard is in tune with the upholstery, providing a harmonious blend of personality and elegance.
Lastly, the iconic upper trim features an authentic ash insert on the dashboard and sable gray quilted leather upholstery with brown piping. The front seats have electrical adjustments (longitudinal, height and inclination of the backrest) and heated (including the steering wheel). The driver’s seat also has a lumbar massage.
On a mechanical level, the Espace is available with the 200 hp e-Tech Full Hybrid hybrid system, which combines a 3-cylinder 1.2 gasoline block and two electric drives (one works as a starter motor). The user can choose between four driving modes, according to the preferences of each moment: Eco, Sport, Comfort and Perso. The car is also equipped with four levels of regenerative braking, which can be modulated using the paddles on the steering wheel. With a top speed of 175 km/h, this car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds.
It should be noted that the higher finishes incorporate 4Control Advanced technology as standard, that is, a steering system on the rear wheels that helps improve the turning circle.
Like the Austral, Renault will manufacture the new Espace in Spain, specifically at the Palencia factory. Orders can begin to be made from this spring.
