Let’s talk about the Renault Espace. Once upon a time, this was THE family car: a rolling living room where you could stuff the kids, their toys, the dog, and that one chatty relative who always tagged along. But times change, and so does the Espace. The latest version isn’t a meek MPV anymore—it’s a rugged SUV with a hybrid heart and a design that’s finally got some grit. This is the story of a car that reinvented itself—and might just be better than ever.
A past to be proud of
Back in 1983, the Espace was a trailblazer. While the rest of us were puttering around in dull sedans or rickety hatchbacks, Renault had a stroke of genius: a tall, spacious box on wheels that could fit seven people, with seats you could swivel, fold, or chuck out when you’d had enough. It was a Swiss Army knife on four wheels, and everyone—from Fiat to Ford—shamelessly copied the trick. But MPVs became dinosaurs, overtaken by SUVs. The Espace was left behind, a relic of an era when practicality trumped cool.
From people-hauler to powerhouse
Fast forward to 2023, and Renault has pulled the plug on the old Espace idea. No more fold-out trays or seats you could turn into a card table for the road. The new Espace is an SUV—and what an SUV. At 4.72 meters long, it’s 14 centimeters shorter than its predecessor, but it doesn’t feel small. Picture a muscular shoulder line, a rear spoiler that looks ready to take flight, and side windows that stretch all the way back so even the kids in the rear get some daylight. This isn’t a tame van anymore—it’s a car with attitude.
Under the hood, there’s a hybrid powertrain that won’t put you to sleep. A 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo petrol engine (yes, three cylinders—stick with me) teams up with two electric motors to churn out 200 horsepower. Not enough to brag about at the pub? With 4.6 liters per 100 kilometers and a range of 1,100 kilometers on a 55-liter tank, you can cruise cross-country without breaking a sweat. And it’s 215 kilos lighter than the old Espace, giving it some surprising pep.
Inside: space with an edge
Step in, and you’ll see Renault hasn’t skimped on room. The 2.73-meter wheelbase gives the second row up to 32 centimeters of legroom—enough to stretch out without kicking the front seats to death. The third row is optional and free, but let’s be real: it’s for kids or that friend you don’t like much. With 128 millimeters of knee space and an “Easy Access” feature to climb in, it’s not torture, but it’s no luxury suite either. Fold those back seats down, and you’ve got 777 liters of cargo space. Flatten everything? That’s 1,818 liters—enough to haul half a furniture store.
The dashboard is sleek, with a 24-inch Open R screen combining your digital gauges and multimedia. There’s a wireless charger for your phone, USB-C ports for all, and if you grab the Iconic trim, even massage seats for the driver. Add an optional Harman Kardon sound system and a panoramic sunroof, and you’ve got a rolling nightclub.
Driving fun? You bet!
Now for the good stuff: how does it drive? Renault fitted it with 4Control Advanced four-wheel steering. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn up to five degrees opposite the fronts, giving you a 10.4-meter turning circle—nimble as a compact car in tight streets. On the highway, they align with the front wheels for extra stability. With 18 centimeters of ground clearance and 19- or 20-inch rims, this SUV feels at home anywhere, from city lanes to winding backroads.
Character with a wink
Is it perfect? Not quite. Purists will weep for the lost magic of the old Espace—those seats you could turn into a picnic table are gone for good. And yeah, the third row is more a nice gesture than a proper seat for grown-ups. But let’s not nitpick: this is a car that’s bang up to date. It’s tough, frugal, and practical enough to cart your brood and their junk without making you cringe in the parking lot.
The price of progress
It hits showrooms in fall 2023, starting at 46,830 euros for the E-Tech Full Hybrid. That’s 3,000 euros more than the Renault Austral with the same engine, but you get extra space and a hefty dose of personality in return. A revolution like the first Espace in ’83? Maybe not. But it’s a damn fine evolution—and that’s more than enough to put this French giant back on the map.
So, if you’re after a family ride that doesn’t feel like a chore, doesn’t look like a rolling fridge, and won’t bankrupt you at the pump, the new Espace is your match. No more van—this is a beast, and what a beast it is.
