Can Renault re-invent the passenger minivan segment with its new generation of the Espace that will receive its world premiere at this year’s Paris Motor Show in October?
Well, that’s a tough question to answer, but the French appear to be confident that their all-new large minivan will bring a fresh perspective in the category with its styling, practicality, equipment features and technical advancements.
The Espace is the somewhat less exciting (and less crossover-like) production version of the Initiale Paris concept car, displayed last September at the Frankfurt motor show.
‘Initiale Paris’ is the name of Renault’s newly-born luxurious badge, though, it’s still not clear if it will be an upscale trim level, a different line of premium vehicles or perhaps both if deemed successful.
What we know is that, Renault plans to introduce the first Initiale Paris-badged model in Paris and chances are that, it will be based on the new Espace featured in these fresh spy shots.
Last year, the French firm said the concept car previewed “the Espace replacement in an Initiale Paris version”, so it’s highly plausible that the Initiale Paris will be a more premium edition in the minivan’s lineup with many styling cues borrowed from the concept.
Under the fresh sheetmetal, the new Espace rides on the Renault-Nissan alliance’s new CFM1 scalable platform architecture with the engine lineup believed to include a range of downsized and efficient four-cylinder petrol and diesel turbos.
By John Halas
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
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