The New Renault Espace Is Now A Crossover SUV

The Renault Espace nameplate returns for its sixth iteration this year, but it’s no longer the large yet versatile MPV that it once was. That is because the latest sixth-gen Espace model has transformed to become a 5- and 7-seat D-segment crossover SUV, standing as an extension of the Renault Austral.

In fact, the new Espace underpins the same platform as the Austral C-segment model, as well as both the Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander. It shares identical body panels in its front half as the Austral. Things only start to differ from the B-pillar onwards as the Espace sports a larger volume and displays a different greenhouse with a more upright tail.

The Renault Espace measures 4,722 MM long with a wheelbase of 2,738 MM, the former marking a 212 MM extension plus a rear overhang that’s 142 MM longer too over the Austral, whilst the latter sees a 69 MM extension. In terms of height, the new Espace notably sits 135 MM shorter compared to its minivan predecessor.

Additionally, the Espace also gets multi-link rear suspension, Renault’s Multi-Sense driving modes, up to 32 ADAS features, and a four-wheel-steering suite. The latter enables a 10.4-metre turning radius, or similar to the Clio supermini – an impressive considering the fact that the Espace sits as the longest vehicle in Renault’s line-up.

The new Espace range consists of three trimlines, those being a baseline Techno, luxurious Iconic, and sporty Esprit Alpine grades, each sporting varying degrees of equipment too. Depending on trimline, the new Espace tips the scales between 1,587 KG and 1,698 KG, which in turn sees it weigh up to 215 KG lighter than its MPV predecessor.

On board, the new Espace’s innards mirror that of the Austral base car, especially with the dashboard and the upmarket design of it all. In terms of boot space, the Espace in 5-seat configuration offers 777 litres in total, whereas 7-seat guises offer between 159 litres (third-row seats up) and 677 litres (third-row seats folded) instead.

Key tech present here include Renault’s OpenR display that consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen in the centre. Present too is a panoramic sunroof that Renault touts as one of the largest on the market, covering an area greater than a square metre.

Similar to the range-topping Austral, the Espace employs a single powertrain choice in the form of Renault’s self-charging E-Tech hybrid package. It consists of a 1.2-liter 3-cyl turbo petrol mill, an electric motor, a high-voltage starter-generator, and a 2 kWh lithium-ion battery unit. Altogether, it serves up 197 HP  and 205 NM to drive the front wheels.

Obviously, electrification brings greater efficiency over the outgoing Espace, which came with both petrol and diesel choices prior. Renault claims that this hybrid sips as low as 4.6 litres/100 KM on average. As for performance, the output figures stated earlier sees the Espace despatch 0-100 KM/H in 8.8 seconds.

The new sixth-gen Renault Espace is set to go on sale primarily in Europe starting this spring. Renault will produce the SUV at its plant in Palencia, Spain alongside the mechanically-related Austral. Pricing, as well as availability beyond its primary European market, will be announced at a later date.