Times are changing and so are motorists' tastes. Space cars are out, long live the SUV. The Renault Espace is undergoing the same development. The sixth generation definitely retains a spacious character, but in a totally different silhouette.
In fact, the new Espace is an extended version of the new Renault Austral. Compared to the Espace V, there are many differences. The car is 14 centimetres shorter, as much as 215 kg lighter and considerably more economical.
Typical Espace features include plenty of space for passengers and luggage, lots of light in the interior but combined with the latest in infotainment and a fully digital dashboard. To keep the largest Renault in the current range agile, the new Espace features 4Control all-wheel steering, giving the car agility at low speeds comparable to the Renault Clio. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn with the front wheels and higher stability is obtained.
The Espace uses the CMF-CD platform. Compared to the Austral, the wheelbase has been lengthened (+7 cm) and the rear overhang increased (+13 cm). Renault will offer both a five- and seven-seater from next summer. Engine-wise, the 200 hp hybrid will initially be offered. It is based on a 3 cylinder 1.2 litre turbo engine assisted by two electric motors. Despite the car's hefty size and excellent performance, CO2 emissions remain limited to 104 g/km.
Space is a basic feature of an Espace. As a five-seater, the car offers a luggage volume of 777 litres and after folding down the rear seats (in parts), this grows to 1,800 litres. Incidentally, it is notable that the car does not have a completely flat load floor. There are also numerous storage compartments with a total volume of 39 litres. Flexibility is increased by adding a sliding rear seat.
The equipment variants are in line with the Austral. That is, Techno, Esprit Alpine and Iconic. Giving each variant a different upholstery fabric gives a different ambience to the interior. The Techno has upholstery made of a recycled material. The Esprit Alpine has Alcantara with blue accents here and there, while the Iconic will initially be fitted with light sand beige leather.
The grille on the Techno and Iconic is specific to the Espace with vertical bars. The Esprit Alpine has the familiar grille with small cubes familiar from the Austral.
The weight reduction has been achieved through several elements. These include the platform, engine, bodywork, seats and, for example, a smaller fuel tank and the elimination of the Adblue tank compared to the Espace diesel. Several parts are made of aluminium and therefore also weigh less.
Plenty of attention was also paid during development to optimising the streamline. This is evident in the shape of the wing mirrors and the sloping roofline and specific shape of the roof spoiler. The shapes in the sides of the rear bumper also contribute to lower fuel consumption.
The new Espace always has two large screens in front of the dashboard. Moreover, the car differs from the Austral in that the Esprit Alpine is a separate equipment variant and not an additional equipment level on top of the Techno or Iconic. We will have the opportunity to test drive the new Espace on the road at the end of May.