Renault Espace: Reimagining the Family Hybrid for a Modern Era
The Renault Espace, a name synonymous with family vehicles since its inception in 1984, embarks on its sixth generation, transforming into a modern and efficient family hybrid SUV . This latest iteration signifies Renault’s ambition to penetrate higher market segments with a compelling hybrid offering . Positioned within the competitive D-segment SUV category, the new Espace joins Renault’s other contenders like the Rafale, each catering to distinct customer preferences . The enduring legacy of the Espace suggests a strong brand identity built on understanding and meeting the evolving needs of families. This new model aims to uphold that tradition while embracing contemporary technology and design. The manufacturer’s assertion that the new Espace is “the most efficient family hybrid on the market” establishes a significant benchmark, promising a vehicle that excels in both practicality and environmental consciousness. This claim will undoubtedly be a focal point for automotive experts and prospective buyers seeking a balance of performance and economy.
Design Evolution: A Contemporary Statement
The exterior of the new Renault Espace has undergone a substantial transformation, with over one-third of its body being newly designed . This includes a completely revised front end, bonnet, tailgate, and rear lights. The resulting aesthetic achieves a contemporary look through the interplay of structured, technical elements, such as the grille and front bumper, with the smoother curves of the wings and doors . Integrated high-gloss black blades on the doors not only contribute to a sportier profile but also offer protection . The rear of the vehicle presents an elegant and distinctive appearance, featuring a seamlessly integrated logo within the tailgate and streamlined lights characterized by horizontal ribbing that extends across the boot lid . A fresh addition to the color palette is Baltic Blue Grey, offering a modern and sophisticated option . Depending on the chosen trim level, the radiator grille is finished in either Metal Grey (Techno) or Ice Black (Esprit Alpine and Iconic), adding further differentiation . The wheel arches and lower body protection are finished in a High Gloss Black paint, enhancing the vehicle’s robust stance . This comprehensive redesign indicates a clear strategy to refresh the Espace’s image, aligning it with current design trends and shifting its perception from a traditional MPV towards a more desirable SUV form factor. The detailed attention to styling elements suggests a deliberate effort to appeal to a modern audience seeking both functionality and visual appeal.
The new Renault Espace features a distinctive light signature, most notably the new half-diamond daytime running lights (DRL) embedded in the bumper, ensuring the vehicle is instantly recognizable both during the day and at night . The new trapezoidal tapered headlights contribute to an animated front-end look and come equipped with adaptive LED vision technology as standard, with the option to upgrade to matrix LED vision technology for enhanced illumination . The design of the rear lights draws inspiration from tangram puzzles, creating a unique visual effect. When illuminated, they appear predominantly red, while when turned off, they resemble floating grey ice cubes . This focus on creating unique and memorable light signatures reflects a broader trend in contemporary automotive design, where such elements play a crucial role in brand identity and overall visual appeal.
For buyers seeking a sportier aesthetic, the Esprit Alpine trim offers an exclusive satin-finish Schist Grey paint option . The introduction of a specific sporty trim level suggests an intention to broaden the Espace’s market appeal, potentially attracting individuals who appreciate a more dynamic visual identity in their family vehicle. This trim often incorporates unique styling cues and may also feature subtle differences in driving dynamics, indicating a diversification of the Espace’s traditional focus.
Efficiency at its Core: Unpacking the E-Tech Full Hybrid Powertrain
At the heart of the new Renault Espace lies its E-Tech full hybrid 200 hp powertrain . This sophisticated system combines a 3-cylinder 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine, producing 130 hp and 205 Nm of torque, with two electric motors . The main electric motor delivers 70 hp and 205 Nm of torque, while a secondary high-voltage starter generator (HSG) contributes an additional 25 hp . Powering the main electric motor is a 2 kWh/400V lithium-ion battery . The powertrain is managed by an intelligent multi-mode automatic gearbox that seamlessly selects the optimal operating mode from various options, including all-electric, dynamic hybrid, e-drive, combustion, and energy recovery . Notably, this advanced powertrain already meets the stringent requirements of the future Euro 6 Bis emissions standard . The intricate interplay of these components demonstrates Renault’s deep understanding of hybrid technology, showcasing the engineering complexity required to achieve both efficiency and performance. The multi-mode gearbox is a critical element in this system, ensuring that the power sources are utilized effectively depending on driving conditions and demands. The combination of a relatively small petrol engine with two electric motors suggests a strategic focus on maximizing electric driving in urban environments, while the petrol engine provides the necessary power and range for longer journeys.
This advanced hybrid system delivers impressive performance and efficiency figures. The Renault Espace achieves a WLTP combined fuel consumption of just 4.8 litres per 100 kilometers, with CO₂ emissions of a mere 108 grams per kilometer . Furthermore, the vehicle boasts an exceptional driving range of up to 1,100 kilometers on a single tank without needing to recharge . In terms of performance, the Espace can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds and achieve a speed of 80 to 120 km/h in just 6 seconds . These remarkable fuel efficiency and range figures strongly support the manufacturer’s claim of the Espace being the “most efficient family hybrid.” This level of economy, coupled with a substantial range, will be a significant draw for potential buyers, especially those undertaking frequent long journeys. The performance metrics also indicate that efficiency has not come at the expense of adequate power for everyday driving.
The availability of five distinct driving modes, managed by the intelligent automatic gearbox, further enhances the driving experience . These modes—all-electric, dynamic hybrid, e-drive, combustion, and energy recovery—allow drivers to adapt the vehicle’s behavior to various driving scenarios and personal preferences. This level of customization provides greater control over the vehicle’s efficiency and performance characteristics, catering to different driving styles and conditions.
Spacious and Versatile: Designed for Family Life
The new Renault Espace is available with either five or seven seats, catering to different family sizes and needs . Both configurations prioritize spaciousness and modularity, featuring a sliding rear bench seat with an impressive travel of 22 centimeters and offering four different recline angles: 25°, 27°, 29°, and 31° . This adjustability provides rear passengers with up to 321 millimeters of knee room, ensuring comfort even on extended trips . In the seven-seat version, the third row can be conveniently folded individually into the boot floor when not needed, maximizing cargo space . This flexibility in seating and adjustability directly addresses the practical requirements of family life, allowing for easy adaptation to different combinations of passengers and cargo.
The load capacity of the new Espace is equally impressive. In the five-seat configuration, the boot offers a substantial volume ranging from 692 liters to a maximum of 2,224 liters when the rear seats are folded down . The seven-seat version provides a load capacity between 520 liters and 2,054 liters, with 212 liters available even when the third row of seats is in use . The manufacturer highlights this as a “class-leading load capacity” , underscoring the vehicle’s practicality for families with significant storage needs. Access to the boot is further enhanced by a standard power tailgate, adding convenience for everyday use . The generous cargo space, particularly in the five-seat configuration, makes the Espace a highly practical choice for families needing to transport a variety of items, from luggage for vacations to sports equipment and groceries.
Beyond seating and cargo, the Renault Espace offers generous interior space, with an exterior length of 4.74 meters and an interior length of 2.78 meters extending up to the third row . Passenger comfort has been significantly enhanced with the inclusion of new, more ergonomic front seats, new upholstery options, and improved soundproofing throughout the cabin . Laminated glazing and more efficient door seals further contribute to a quieter and more refined interior environment . These improvements demonstrate a clear focus on creating a comfortable and pleasant experience for all occupants, particularly important for a vehicle designed for family travel.
Innovation and Technology: A Step into the Future
A standout feature of the new Renault Espace is its expansive Solarbay opacifying glass roof, the largest in the Renault range, measuring almost 2 square meters (1.70m long and 1.13m wide) . This innovative roof comprises nine segments that can seamlessly transition from transparent to opaque on demand, offering instant sun protection without the need for a traditional blind and maintaining a comfortable headroom of 919 mm for second-row passengers . Control of the sunroof is intuitive, with options to use a switch on the ceiling or voice commands via Google Assistant . Four pre-set positions are available: fully transparent, fully opaque, transparent front and opaque rear, or vice versa . The multi-layer glass technology of the Solarbay roof also provides enhanced thermal insulation, effectively minimizing both heat buildup in summer and heat loss in winter . For added convenience, the roof automatically dims when the car is turned off and reverts to the last setting upon restart . This unique feature elevates the passenger experience by providing customizable levels of natural light and privacy, while also contributing to thermal comfort and a sense of spaciousness.
The new Renault Espace marks a first for the brand with the introduction of a driver recognition system . A camera discreetly integrated into the left-hand A-pillar identifies the driver and automatically activates their personalized user profile. This profile stores preferences such as favorite radio and media stations, driving position settings for the seat and door mirrors, and personalized Google apps accessed through the OpenR link system . The system is active every time the car is started. To utilize this feature, the driver simply needs to create a profile on the multimedia screen and undergo a facial scan using the onboard camera. Importantly, all data is stored securely within the vehicle and is not transmitted to external servers, addressing potential privacy concerns . This technology adds a significant layer of personalization and convenience, tailoring the driving environment to individual preferences and streamlining the process for multiple users of the vehicle.
The Renault Espace is equipped with the advanced OpenR link multimedia system, featuring Google built-in, which provides seamless access to Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant for voice control, and the Google Play Store with over 50 available apps . The system is displayed on a large 24-inch twin screen, which can be further enhanced with an optional 9.3-inch head-up display, creating a total digital display area of nearly 1,000 square centimeters . For device connectivity, the Espace includes an induction charger, two USB-C ports in the front, and two USB-C ports for rear passengers, as well as a 12V socket in the boot . The system also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration . A unique safety-focused application, “Take a break!”, utilizes the driver recognition camera to monitor for signs of drowsiness and alerts the driver when a rest is recommended . The integration of Google services provides a familiar and intuitive user experience, mirroring the functionality of smartphones and tablets. The expansive display area ensures that information is easily accessible and enhances the overall user interface.
Driving Dynamics and Safety: Confidence on the Road
The Renault Espace benefits from the inclusion of the 4Control Advanced 4-wheel steering system, which significantly enhances both agility and stability . At lower speeds, the rear wheels can turn by up to 5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels, effectively reducing the turning circle to just 10.4 meters, comparable to that of a compact hatchback . This makes maneuvering in urban environments and tight spaces much easier. Conversely, at higher speeds, the rear wheels turn slightly in the same direction as the front wheels, providing increased stability and a more planted feel . This advanced feature is standard on the Esprit Alpine and Iconic trim levels . The Multi-Sense function further allows drivers to personalize their driving preferences, adjusting parameters such as steering effort and throttle response . Renault has been developing its 4Control technology since 2008, continuously refining it to enhance the driving experience . The combination of 4Control Advanced and Multi-Sense provides a highly adaptable driving experience, catering to different road conditions and driver preferences.
The new Renault Espace is equipped with a comprehensive suite of 32 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), underscoring the brand’s commitment to safety . The My Safety Switch allows drivers to personalize the settings for up to five ADAS simultaneously for quick and easy activation of their preferred safety configurations . The Active Driver Assist system provides level 2 autonomous driving capabilities by integrating adaptive cruise control with lane centering assist and utilizing geolocation data . Other notable ADAS include traffic sign recognition with over speed warning, which can be used in conjunction with the speed limiter and cruise control. The Safety Score and Safety Coach provide drivers with feedback and tips on how to drive more safely based on parameters like speed, lane keeping, and distance to other vehicles . Additional safety features include the Active Emergency Braking System, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Alert, Trailer Stability Assist, and various parking aids, including a 3D camera with 360° vision and Hands-free parking . This extensive array of safety technologies provides drivers with a high level of assistance, contributing to a safer and more confident driving experience for families.
Trim Levels and Market Positioning
The new Renault Espace is available in three distinct trim levels: Techno, Esprit Alpine, and Iconic . The Esprit Alpine trim offers a sportier design and comes standard with the 4Control Advanced steering system . These different trim levels allow Renault to appeal to a broader range of customers with varying preferences and budgets, from those seeking a well-equipped base model to those desiring premium features and a more dynamic aesthetic.
The new Renault Espace is strategically positioned as a family car with a contemporary design, specifically targeting customers who require a modular vehicle with the option of up to seven seats and a substantial boot capacity . It is designed to excel in family driving scenarios and is well-suited for long-distance travel . Within Renault’s lineup, the Espace occupies the D-segment SUV category alongside the Rafale, which is geared towards customers prioritizing driving pleasure and excitement . The Espace aims to strike a balance between elegance and dynamism in its design, appealing to those who value both style and practicality in a family vehicle . Building upon its established reputation as a comfortable and capable long-distance traveler, this new generation reinforces that heritage with modern technology and enhanced efficiency . Renault’s strategy is to offer the Espace as a compelling option for families who prioritize space, versatility, fuel efficiency, and advanced technology, while also providing a touch of sophistication in its design and driving experience.
Conclusion
The new Renault Espace represents a significant evolution of a long-standing name in family transportation. Its modernized design, coupled with a highly efficient full hybrid powertrain, positions it as a strong contender in the competitive family SUV market. The spacious and versatile interior, available in both five and seven-seat configurations, caters directly to the practical needs of families, while innovative technologies like the Solarbay opacifying roof and driver recognition system elevate the overall experience. The inclusion of the 4Control Advanced 4-wheel steering system and a comprehensive suite of 32 ADAS further enhance the driving dynamics and safety of this vehicle. By offering a compelling blend of efficiency, practicality, technology, and style, the Renault Espace is poised to make a significant impact on the family hybrid SUV segment.
