Say goodbye to the Espace as you know it – Renault has transformed its once-popular MPV (or minivan, as Americans call it) into yet another SUV for its sixth generation. The new model is closely related to the Austral but boasts a stretched wheelbase and roomier cabin, available in both five-and seven-seater layouts.
Upon first glance, it is evident that the Espace is heavily based on the Austral as the two SUVs share most of their body panels, including an identical front end. However, from the B-pillar and back, the Espace has a larger volume and displays a different greenhouse and more upright tail, although it still incorporates familiar styling traits.
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The Renault Espace measures 4,722 mm (185.9 inches) long and has a wheelbase of 2,738 mm (107.8 inches). From the extra 212 mm (8.3 inches) in length compared to the Austral, 69 mm (2.7 inches) are attributed to the wheelbase and 142 mm (5.6 inches) to the rear overhang. Still, the SUV is 135 mm (5.3 inches) shorter compared to its minivan predecessor. Renault is offering three different trims – the entry-level Techno, the luxurious Iconic, and the sporty Esprit Alpine. Depending on the trim and the equipment, the new Espace weighs between 1,587 kg (3,499 pounds) and 1,698 kg (3,743 pounds), which makes it 215 kg (474 pounds) lighter than the previous generation.
Roomy Interior
Moving inside, the dashboard is carried over from the Austral, including the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the 12-inch OpenR Link infotainment touchscreen, and the 9.3-inch head-up display. Renault added a total of six USB-C ports (two for each row of seats), a wireless charging pad, and two 12V outlets. Honoring its minivan heritage, the SUV has 39 lt (1.4 cubic feet) of in-cabin storage space and plenty of cup holders. High-spec models get 48-color ambient lighting and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Esprit Alpine is distinguished by the Alcantara/synthetic leather upholstery and blue stitching, while the Iconic gets padded leather and ash wood inserts. A highlight of the interior is the optional panoramic sunroof measuring 1.330 mm (52.4 inches) long and 840 mm (33.1 inches) wide.
The Espace is available in five-seater or seven-seater layouts without a difference in price. The second row of seats can slide back and forth by 220 mm (8.7 inches), creating up to 321 mm (12.6 inches) of rear legroom, which is up to 128 mm (5 inches) for third-row passengers. With all seven seats in place, there is only 159 lt (5.6 cubic feet) of cargo space. However, the third row can fold flat, disappearing into the floor and creating a sizeable boot of 477-677 lt (16.8-23.9 cubic feet) depending on the position of the second row. If you fold all seats, then you can fit up to 1,714 lt (60.5 cubic feet) of cargo, or even 1,818 lt (64.2 cubic feet) in the five-seater model which has a standard capacity of 581-777 lt (20.5-27.4 cubic feet).
Hybrid Powertrain
The 2024 Renault Espace is initially available with a single powertrain option. The self-charging hybrid system comprises a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor, a high-voltage starter-generator, and a 2 kWh lithium-ion battery. Just like in the top-spec Austral, the E-Tech hybrid produces a combined 197 hp (147 kW / 200 PS) and 205 Nm (151.2 lb-ft) of torque, sending power exclusively to the front wheels through an automatic gearbox. Thus, the Espace accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 8.8 seconds and has a top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph).
Electrification brings greater efficiency compared to the outgoing Espace which came in petrol and diesel forms. Renault claims that the new hybrid consumes an average of 4.6 lt/100 km (51 mpg) and emits 104 g/km of CO2 in the combined WLTP cycle, with up to 1,100 km (684 miles) of range between refueling stops.
The SUV is based on the tried-and-tested CMF-CD architecture which is also used on the Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander, as well as the smaller Renault Austral. The comfort-focused Espace is available with a multi-link rear suspension, Multi-Sense driving modes, up to 32 ADAS, and the 4Drive four-wheel-steering. The latter enables a 10.4 m (34.1 feet) turning radius similar to the Clio supermini despite the fact that the Espace is the longest vehicle in Renault’s current lineup.
The Renault Espace will be available to order starting this spring. The SUV will be produced at the Palencia plant in Spain next to the mechanically-related Austral. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
