Renault's Espace is a well-known nameplate in the European MPV segment. It has been around for almost four decades and has been a popular choice for families seeking a spacious, versatile, and practical vehicle. However, with the arrival of the sixth-generation Espace, Renault is breaking away from the traditional MPV formula and embracing the trend towards crossovers and SUVs. The 2024 Renault Espace is a seven-seat SUV that replaces the iconic MPV, offering customers more versatility, space, and style.
The new Renault Espace is a long-wheelbase version of the Renault Austral compact crossover with some exterior and interior design modifications. What's interesting is that the new Renault Espace is not only shorter than the previous MPV it replaces but also significantly lighter. It also has a more spacious third row and can be had with only five seats. The cargo area is also more flexible, ranging from 159 liters with all 7 seats in place to a massive 1,818 liters in the five-seat configuration with the second row folded. Customers can also opt for a panoramic glass roof to make the cabin feel even more spacious.
But what makes the new Renault Espace truly revolutionary is the hybrid powertrain that replaces the diesel engine. It features a turbocharged 1.3-liter petrol engine and a pair of electric motors, delivering a combined output of 199 bhp. Renault claims that the hybrid powertrain can reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 percent to 4.7 liters/100 km and corresponding CO2 emissions of 105 g/km. It's not only efficient but also surprisingly quick, doing 0-62 mph in 8.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 109 mph.