Space 2.0

Renault had gambled well with Matra and their jointly produced Espace was so successful that the competition were at a considerable disadvantage when launching similar models. It was up to the two companies to keep the Espace constantly at the forefront. The features of the initial 1984 Espace expanded throughout its almost eight-year career. This resulted in a 2000-1 version that offered increased luxury and was made more pleasing to the eye with conservative paint colours and more attractive interior trim. With the facelift in 1988, the entire series evolved further in this direction. The target group seemed less inclined toward vibrant or special colours.

It was not entirely surprising that Renault continued this trend when the Espace II was shown to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1991. There were no major novelties in terms of the body structure, but the appearance became more modern. The angular shapes had given way to rounded edges and beautiful details such as the exterior mirrors that emerged from the bodywork in an aerodynamic pattern. The Espace had proved itself in previous years as some 192,000 of the first generation were on the road. This meant that no longer would such components as headlights or rear lights, which were originally borrowed from the Trafic, be included in the development of this second version. Renault gave the Espace every opportunity to grow on its own.

Just as the exterior of the car was upgraded, the interior also had a makeover but without changing the clever layout and its possibilities. Although all the familiar elements remained in place, the Espace made a stronger impression thanks to substantial improvement in the materials. After all, we must not forget that the Espace was at the same pricing level as the Renault 25 and, after 1992, the Safrane. The car was popular with people having a high level of expectation from their means of transport.

Among other things, the Espace II had an enlarged fuel tank with a 77 litre capacity. The functionality of the interior also increased with fully reclining rear seats which were mounted on rails allowing 16cm fore and aft adjustment.

Subsequently, the engine range also evolved. Launched on the market at the beginning of 1992, the 88 hp turbo diesel did not change but due to the introduction of the catalytic converter, Renault immediately introduced the 2.2 litre injection petrol engine in many countries. At 110 bhp, it delivered the same power as the old 2 litre, but gained enormously in flexibility. This was evident when we road tested this 1996 model immediately after getting to know the archetypal Espace bearing the chassis number 4. This injection version was quieter, smoother and more pleasant to drive, the Espace II felt much more like a modern car.

The 170 Nm torque proved to be sufficient for a modest vehicle weight of 1,321 kg. In comparison with new cars, the generous all-round view is striking. The windscreen pillars are narrow and therefore visual contact with the surroundings is excellent. Not included at the time of launch in 1991/92 but following soon after was the first Renault steering wheel to incorporate an airbag.

It was striking how comfortably a 24 year old Espace drove, even on inferior quality French country roads.  You get the feeling that Renault could still sell this model today. Don't change a thing, just put it back into production.

The improved comfort compared to the first Espace was a result of  adopting suspension very similar to that of the Renault 25 which included a wider track providing greater stability when cornering.

At the launch of the Espace I facelift, Renault had added Quadra four-wheel drive to its range of options and this remained available coupled to the four-cylinder petrol engine for this major model change. A third engine particularly excited enthusiasts with its power and beautiful sound, this was the 2.8 litre V6 PRV motor. Initially only coupled to a manual five-speed gearbox, it took the allure of the Espace to a considerably higher level. Later on, a four-speed automatic also became available showing how widely accepted the Espace had become at that time and acknowledging that the customer base was growing rapidly.

The interior upgrade included considerably better quality plastic of a type that retained its shape even when used for longer periods of time and also much more wear-resistant. We must not forget that many Espace owners loaded their cars to the maximum. The upholstery fabrics also lifted the car to a higher level and they were also incorporated in the dashboard. The familiar Renault radio, still supplied by Philips up to that time, made way for a new radio system made by Pioneer, still with steering column operation but the familiar large block in the centre console made way for a simpler looking device in DIN format.

Photo: Making the most of the Renault Espace II's interior potential

The changes Renault made to the Espace were certainly not detrimental and until the launch of the Espace III in 1996, Matra built no fewer than 316,518 examples of the second generation inovative Espace.

Photo: The first and second generation Renault Espace side by side

En detail...

Renault Espace RT 2.2i 1994

Engine:

Type J7, 4 cylinder, injection, capacity 2165 cc, 88mm bore x  89mm stroke, compression ratio 9.2:1, power (DIN) 110 bhp at 5,000 rpm, torque 170 Nm at 3,500 rpm.

Transmission:

Type manual 5-speed, front wheel drive. Gear ratios 1st - 4.17, 2nd - 2.22, 3rd - 1.43, 4th - 1.03, 5th - 0.86, reverse - 3.57, final drive - 3.45.

Chassis:

Front suspension independent, with two superimposed wishbones, hydraulic shock absorbers, stabiliser bar. Rear semi-independent, two trailing support arms, one transverse bar, hydraulic shock absorbers. Tyres, standard 195/65 R 14MXT, steel wheels, light alloy option.

Brakes: front ventilated discs, rear drum brakes, parking brake on rear wheels.

Performance:

Top speed 175 kph, acceleration 0-100 in 12.9 sec. Fuel consumption 7.5 litres per 100 km (90 km/h), 9.7 litres per 100 km (120 km/h), 11.8 litres per 100 km (city).

Dimensions:

Wheelbase 2,580 mm, length 4,429 mm, width 1,795 mm, height 1,693 mm, turning circle 10.60 metres (between pavements). Fuel tank 77 litres, luggage volume 250 - 3,000 litres. Total weight 1,321 kg, trailer weight 1,800 kg (braked).