New Renault Espace

Since the mid-1980s, the  Renault Espace has been the lozenge brand’s firm bet. And this within a sector that owes almost everything to this minivan with a family inclination.

The origins

Designed in the late 1970s, the original plan for this car was to be sold as a Talbot. But as soon as Peugeot took over the now-defunct British car company, the project ended up in the hands of Mantra.

With Peugeot, Talbot and Chrysler (former Talbot owners) out of the project, Mécanique Avión Traction turned to Renault for support.

However, the idea of ​​a family car with the novel features that this model represented did not generate much enthusiasm. Even so, in 1984 the Renault Espace would hit the market, inaugurating the minivan segment.

The first generation of these cars served to confirm the initial skepticism. During the first two months, only nine units came out of the dealerships. Until 1989 the project was classified as a total failure.

Little initial success

The public was not quite excited by the idea of having this family car. Among other things, because the trunk for luggage and engine shared a single space with the passenger cabin.

The aesthetic factor was not an aspect to highlight either. The design lines offered by Mantra clashed with the always streamlined styling of the Renault models. And a box-shaped car was not attractive.

From 1989 everything changed. The advantages offered by the Renault Espacio were imposed on its lack of aesthetic care. Almost six years after its release, it finally garnered public attention.

Following the success, the French automaker’s staff took control. Since 1991 with the arrival of the second generation, its presence does offer the image of a true Renault.

Exterior design

Since 2015, the V generation of Renault Espace has been available in dealerships.

Pioneers in their sector, they have had to face important competitors for years, such as the Peugeot 5008 and 807. Other outstanding cars within this segment are the Citröen Grand C4 Picasso, Ford Galaxy, Volkswagen Sharan and SEAT Alhambra.

The Espace V line offers a taller body and much more stylized lines, compared to previous versions. Renault plays – apparently – to break the mold of a type of car for which they are responsible.

Seen from the outside, it looks more like an SUV than a minivan.

But internally, it is still worthy of its class.

Equipment and interior design

The equipment for the three models includes, among others, the following implements:

• Six airbags.
• 4Control system.
• Assistant in front, rear and side parking tasks.
• Help for starting on slopes.
• Tire pressure control.

• Automatic headlight ignition.
• Steering wheel covered in leather, with the option of height and depth adjustment.
• Speed ​​control.
• 17 ”steel wheels.

The Zen version adds, among other aspects:

• Safety distance alert in progress.
• Massage mode for the driver’s seat.
• Detection of objects in blind spots.
• Renault Multi-Sense driving modes.
• 18 ”alloy wheels.

Finally, the Renault Espace  Initiale Paris adds to all the above, novelties of the type:

• Piloted cushioning.
• BOSE sound system.
• Traffic sign warning and recognition system.
• Alert for involuntary lane change.
• All front seats are ventilated and heated.
• 19 ”alloy wheels.

Engines

The 2017 redesign of the Renault Espace adds a new gasoline engine to its engine options. It is a 1.8-liter model with 225 horsepower. The version it replaces is 200 hp with a 1.6-liter capacity.

The diesel engines remain within the known standards : dCi of 130 or 160 hp, with a 6-speed manual gearbox in the first case and sequential in the second.

On the other hand, it includes a new tone to its color range: Titanium Gray. Intens , Zen and Initiale Paris are the three finishing models. In all cases, the third row of seats is optional.

It has the R.-Link 2 system, with a 8.7 ”screen. It has the “traditional” USB ports, as well as connection via Bluetooth. It is compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play, which is why almost any latest generation Smartphone can sync with the car.

Renault Espace price

The Espace is available within the Renault range starting at € 25,000, a price that is more than affordable and consistent, if we take into account all that this veteran with a renewed face offers.