Video trial – Renault Espace (2023): Times change

This tariff difference is explained by new mechanical choices and a lower -end positioning. It must be said that space 5 had targeted high. The new generation prefers to type in the thousand by meeting exactly the current expectations of customers.

Essay-Renault Espace (2023): he still deserves its name ?

Elongated version of the southern, the new space is no longer a minivan but a SUV which gives the beautiful part of the spirit of adventure as well as its habitability as such. But suddenly, he still deserves his name ?

Designed by Matra for Renault in the early 1980s, inspired by American van, space democratized the MEPP in Europe in 1984. Four generations have followed one another, always larger and habitable, before Renault begins to abandon the segment with the fifth generation, closer to a much more luxurious crossover.

Good to know: anticipate purchase and resale.

It is possible to know the resale or recovery value of your vehicle thanks to the Turbo auto rating of your Renault Espace, the alternative to the Argus coast.

More rational

Today fashion is at SUVs, more versatile, and Renault does not lack in its catalog. This space is therefore intended to replace both its predecessor as well as the Koleos that has remained confidential in recent years.

In both cases, the access rate has decreased. The new space starts from 44.500 euros (or 5.600 euros more than the Austral) while being spared an ecological penalty, while the previous one appeared at 60.000 euros and was penalized with a penalus of 6.000 euros as well as a tax on the weight of 1.Euros.

This tariff difference is explained by new mechanical choices and a lower -end positioning. It must be said that space 5 had targeted high. The new generation prefers to type in the thousand by meeting exactly the current expectations of customers.

The right compromise ?

Renault therefore made some economies of scale for the development of its new flagship. The space is only an elongated version of its little brother the Austral. It is obvious from the front since only the grille is specific with its vertical barrettes. The rear part is distinguished by its vertical tailgate, like a break.

In fact, the two models go so far as to share the same platform. For space, the rear door was stretched by 14 cm in favor of the trunk in particular. But Renault did not do things by half since the wheelbase was also extended by 7 cm to reach a total length of 4.72 m.

The space is therefore won against the Peugeot 5008 shorter of 8 cm. But it remains more compact than the Koreans the Hyundai Santa Fe (4.78 m) and Kia Sorento (4.81 m), its main rivals in the seven -seater SUV segment.

Less original than before

At the front, the furniture is strictly identical to that of the Austral and a few details at the mega, with a modern multimedia system formed by two 12 -inch screens. The manufacturing quality is serious, especially in our high -end iconic version offering beautiful upholstery, recycled textiles, as well as a leather dashboard.

We also appreciate the huge panoramic roof of more than a square meter, flooding the lumen interior while reflecting the heat of the sun thanks to an anti UV treatment.

Nevertheless, we unfortunately do not find the same feeling of space as well as previous generations, in particular with amounts of two parts windshield. Now the design is much more conventional.

Renault Espace, the 6th generation at testing – Turbo test 11/06/2023

A classic seven places

But in this segment, the customers are especially waiting for a good modularity. This space is offered in five or seven places (without additional cost). The second fractionable row 2/3-1/3 is tilting at 31 degrees and can slide on 22 cm. But here again, the services are less flattering than before, with a retrusting habitability and a lower quality upholstery.

The row of the bottom, with two retractable seats in the floor, is to reserve for children, both because of rather narrow access, and very small leg space, requiring compromise with the Second row passengers. The roof guard is nevertheless correct, and we do not travel with the knees in the chin. The modularity is therefore there, but on this point, the space does not do better than its competitors.

Same observation on the chest side, with a volume of 477 liters in five -seater configuration, passing to 677 liters by advancing the bench. The capacity reaches 1.714 liters once all the seats folded up (300 liters less than space 5). Also be careful because the volume is reduced to only 159 liters in seven -seater mode. There is also a slightly high loading threshold. Yes, an SUV will never be as versatile as a minivan ..

Only one engine at launch

Renault offers only one engine at its launch: an e-tech hybrid block of 200 hp, composed of a three-cylinder petrol 1.2 liter turbo 130 hp associated with two electric motors (50 and 25 kW). The whole is powered by a 400V battery housed in the floor. No rechargeable hybrid version so for the moment, but to make long journeys, this is the ideal technology.

Indeed, light hybridization is perfect for containing weight as well as consumption. This space weighs according to the versions up to 215 kg less than the previous generation (1.587 kg + 35 kg in 7 places). It thus offers good performance (0 to 100 km/h is made in 8.8 s) and we feel a real feeling of lightness to driving.

A feeling also due to the part of the optional rear wheel system. Indeed, the 4Control system varies the direction of the wheels according to speed, which allows it to also be comfortable to maneuver in town (robbery diameter: 10.4m identical to a clio), as to offer a beautiful Stability on winding roads.

Reverse of the medal, it’s a bit firm in damping. However, Renault claims to have softened the suspension against the Austral which has a more dynamic spirit. We therefore recommend staying reasonable regarding the size of the rims, to have optimal comfort.

Video trial – Renault Espace (2023): Times change

He dates from 1984 and everyone knows him. The Renault Espace represented a real revolution on the automotive planet. Almost 40 years later, the sixth generation is entering. And he represents his time well: it is now a real SUV. Yes, times change, it is no longer (at all) a minivan. E-Tech Hybrid E-Tech Test 200 CH iconic.

writing

IN SHORT

6th generation of space

Now a SUV

Unique 200 hp hybrid engine

4.6 liters/100 and between 104 and 111 g of CO2/km

From € 44,500

Almost 1.35 million units have sold nearly 1.35 million !) of his first generation, in 1984. The Renault Espace has in a short time become an icon of the French, and European automotive landscape, as much as a standard bearer for the brand with a diamond.

But times change, and the icons of yesteryear become the has been today. MONOSPACES have not been recipe for a long time. And even by placing a foot in the world of crossovers, the previous generation was sold badly, very badly (only 322 buyers in 2022 and 126 since the start of the year). Far from the 5,627 copies of Peugeot 5008 sold since the start of the year.

Video trial – Renault Espace (2023): Times change

Renault has therefore decided that the space would rock for good in the queen category of the moment: that of SUVs, whose success is in no way denied over time, on the contrary. A good idea on paper, but which distorts the very concept of space a little.

Moreover, it is no longer even a 100 % full -fledged model, since it is now the extended version of the compact SUV of the range: the Austral.

Newsletter

Space 6 is today a SUV

The space therefore changes category as a concept. Compared to the southern from which he derives and with which he shares the so-called “CMF-CD” platform, he increases its length by 21 cm, to reach 4.72 m, and increases its wheelbase by 8 cm (2.74 m), for the benefit of rear habitability and leg length for second row passengers.

The bench slides now on 22 cm (or even 26 when you want to access the third row of seats), instead of 16 on the Austral.

The width remains at 1.84 m while the height is slightly increased, 3 cm. Despite this increase in length, space 6 is shorter of 14 cm compared to the fifth generation. That said Renault promises such flattering interior dimensions. It must be said that the previous space was particularly narrow, compared to its generous template outside.

Fortunately, the new opus always allows you to accommodate 7 people on board, the opposite would have been a crime of lese majesty. The 3rd row of headquarters, provided, can be canceled at the order to have a 5 -seater space with a more advantageous trunk volume we will see it. This is a free negative option to be subscribed to the order.

Access to the strapontines is not the easiest, it is even very narrow access (5008, Tiguan Allspace and Kodiaq do better), but once installed, the punished will travel in an acceptable level of comfort if they are less than 1m70, with more cup holders and USB-C sockets to recharge their electronic devices (see Portfolio).

Aesthetically, it is purely an extended Austral

The new space is “almost” identical to the austral to the rear doors. We simply note, on the entry -level techno version and on the high -end Iconic, a grille with vertical lamellae instead of a chrome chrome grille. The latter is present on the Alpine Esprit finish, which appears in the range of space, as it did in that of the Austral recently and will do it in that of the Clio soon. The new Renault “Nouvel R” logo is present in its center. Yes, very present even.

For its part, the stern adopts false air intakes on the shield. The profile, thanks to the lengthened wheelbase, keeps a certain balance and avoids interminable overhang and the backpack effect that goes with. A good point.

We will however remain on the same impressions as for the most compact austral, namely a style in tune with the times, but without particular originality, classic and consensual. This did not prevent him from doing a good commercial start, we can hope when it succeeds in his big brother. And the classicism of VW Tiguan Allspace does not prevent it from a career either.

It should also be noted that the space does not yet adopt the new light signature inaugurated by the restyled Clio, and this is normal: it is an extended southern. But it’s a shame, that would have assured him a real personality. Maybe (certainly !) to restyling ? In the meantime, we keep the daytime lights in the shape of a C, and rear lights which also offer a known signature, in the shape of a butt.

A cabin identical to that of the Austral

If outside, space is an extended southern, inside, it is a southern all. And for good reason: it takes up as it is the dashboard of the latter, without any modification. No None. Again, we would have appreciated something specific for the brand’s “flagship” of the brand.

That said, the southern dashboard was congratulated for its modernity and its quality of achievement. Yes, the materials are of good quality, yes the specific assemblies. And the new instrumentation panel, inaugurated by the electric mega, called “OpenR” always produces its small effect. It includes 12 inch digital instrumentation and the multimedia screen, vertical, 12 inch too, under a glass slab of the “Gorilla Glass” anti -reflective and anti -traces of fingerprints. In a Peugeot 5008, it is even more modern in the drawing, but more heterogeneous. And the VW Tiguan Allspace and Skoda Kodiaq are now old -fashioned next, even if their quality of realization is excellent.

The OpenR link multimedia system operates on Android and is supplied by Google. It must be recognized that it seduces with its rapid, fluid, and much more ergonomic operation than the old Renault systems. And we keep physical air conditioning orders below. Good game.

The uplift in real light leather is an exclusive (all the same) of space, as well as the immense vitreous panoramic roof, of more than a square meter (1.34 m x 0.88 m). But it does not open, unlike those of competitors. It is treated anti-UV and allows you to do without velum, which saves roof guard.

The second row places are spacious, those of 3rd row less, and not very accessible we have already mentioned it. And the trunk volume depends on the configuration. In 5 places, we have between 581 and 777 liters depending on the position of the bench, and 1,818 liters benches folded down. In 7 -seater version, we fall between 477 and 677 liters in 5, still depending on the position of the bench, and 1,714 liters at most. And on the 7 -seater version, when the strapontines have come out, only 159 liters remain. It’s not much. The 5008 still offers 210 liters, and the Tiguan Allspace and Kodiaq are generous with 270 liters.

It will also be recalled here that the previous space, certainly longer, offered 260 liters the 7 seats outings, 680 liters with 5 people on board and up to 2035 liters. The latest arrival is therefore less well in this chapter.

A unique motorization

When launching, the new space will only be available with a single engine. But not the frail. On the contrary the most powerful. A 200 hp full hybrid block, on the basis of the brand new 3 -cylinder 1.2 of the brand, which develops 130 hp, coupled with two electric motors: one of 68 hp and a 34 hp alternativeor.

The transmission is ensured, as on all Renault hybrids, from the Clio to the space, via the Captur and the Austral, by a flashbox with 4 thermal ratios and 2 electrical reports. With neutrals, this gives 15 possible speed ratio combinations. 0 to 100 km/h is announced in 8.8 s. and the maximum speed limited to 175 km/h, like all new Renault.

But it is above all her efficiency that impresses, at least on paper. Indeed, with 4.6 liters per 100 km announced, and CO2 releases between 104 and 108 g depending on the finish, it avoids any penalty.

On the chassis side, the new space takes up its account, but only in the high -end version Alpine or Iconic, the system of four -wheeled steering of the Austral, and its predecessor.

• Length: 4.72 m
• Width: 1.84 m
• Height: 1.64 m
• Number of places: 7 places
• Chest volume: 159 l / 677 L

• Gearbox: Auto. 4 -speed
• Fuel: Electric petrol hybrid
• CO2 emission rate: 104 g/km
• Malus: NC
• Model marketing date: April 2023

* For example for the VI e-tech version Hybrid 200 iconic.

The bonus / penalty and the CO2 emission rate are given as an indication for the most ecological version.

The bonus / penalus displayed is that in force at the time of the publication of the article.