The Renault Espace appeared in 1983. A lot has happened since then and the automotive industry has little or nothing in common with that time. Those were times when people relied on power and took important steps in terms of safety. Mechanical efficiency was not yet a priority factor and connectivity, as we currently understand it, was in an embryonic state.
With its outstanding space and modularity, the first generation Espace became a benchmark among large minivans, a segment where a good number of manufacturers were going to be present with such charismatic models as the Chrysler Voyager, the Ford Galaxy, Volkswagen Sharan, Peugeot 806 or the Nissan Prairie, to name a few examples.
Subsequent generations of the Espace served to perfect the concept and now, four decades later, new market trends cause its conversion to the segment of cars with an SUV body. However, there are some keys that Renault has managed to maintain to continue considering the Espace as a family car with capital letters.
What are the best virtues of the new Espace? Is it still a valid choice for families who need a lot of space? Although with nuances, we can affirm that yes. With a total length of 4.72 m, the new SUV from the rhombus firm can have seven seats. They are distributed on a flat floor and the second row seats can be moved and folded.
The trunk meets the demands of a minivan and, with five seats, is close to 800 liters of volume (159 liters with seven seats). The second row can move longitudinally and, for its part, the tailgate has electric opening and closing. These are outstanding data, although it is worth remembering that the modularity of previous generations was even greater.
The mechanical efficiency is outstanding. The E-Tech full hybrid propulsion system of the Espace masterfully combines the turbocharged gasoline engine (130 HP) and two electric motors, a main 70 HP one that is used for electric driving and a secondary one that is responsible for starting the combustion engine and changing gears. In total it has 200 HP, very energetic in its response and enjoyed in combination with real consumption below 6 liters per 100 km. The approved fuel consumption is only 4.6 l/100 km and its range can reach 1,100 kilometers.
During the test carried out by Moveo La Vanguardia we were able to confirm the efficiency of the E-Tech full hybrid system, with high percentages of time in electric driving. In addition, we can adjust the regenerative braking in four levels, using the paddles located behind the steering wheel or the multi-sense adjustments.
Safety is another key to choosing to purchase an Espace. The driving aids are multiple and work wonderfully. In total it has 32 aids that are divided into the safety, driving and parking chapters. When advancing on any type of road, Active Driver Assist is capable of combining active cruise control with lane keep assist and a specific map. In addition, maneuvering is extremely easy thanks to the 360º vision camera.
For those who have doubts arising from the size and weight of the vehicle, stating that the handling is another argument in favor of the new Espace. Obviously, it's not a sports car, nor does it pretend to be. But its dynamism is above expectations, thanks to the agility shown by its chassis, especially if it is equipped with 4Control advanced technology. We liked the roll control in curves and changes of direction and, especially, the maneuverability is impressive: it has a turning diameter between curbs of 10.4 m, equivalent to that of a Clio.
For its part, the opelR link multimedia system with integrated Google provides more than notable levels of connectivity and its use is as intuitive as it is simple. The MyRenault app offers multiple applications, including “SongPop for Renault” to have fun during family trips.
By the way, we have one last argument left, in this case emotional, such as its origins: the new Espace is made in Spain, specifically in the Renault factory in Palencia.
