Internationally renowned, the Espace name quickly established itself as the epitome of the sixth generation of Renault’s new 5 and 7-seater large SUV. Generation after generation, Espace has moved with the times to meet customer expectations and stay current. Thus begins today a new chapter, in which it will be renewed, just as the Renault brand does, while remaining faithful to the qualities of previous generations: comfort, innovation and high-end.
Based on the Alliance’s CMF-CD platform, the new Espace can accommodate up to seven passengers in a cabin designed for long-distance travel, though it won’t make its world debut until spring 2023.
Revolutionary and visionary, Renault Espace has always been often imitated but never equalled. His name has become symbolic and arouses emotions upon hearing it. The five generations that have succeeded each other for almost 40 years know how to evolve to adapt to the times, to customer expectations and to changes in society. They have all innovated to remain the reference in terms of habitability, comfort and behavior on the road. Thanks to them, the name Espace has become part of history. Almost 40 years later, the chemistry between the brand, the model and the Espace name is still present. Sylvia Dos Santosresponsible for the Renault names, explains the secrets of this story.
In 1983, Renault presented a new product for which it used a name that has become part of Renault’s history: Espace. Forty years later, the sixth generation of this model still embodies the same concept, with comfort, space and high-quality equipment as fundamental pillars. Traveling in Espace has always been a unique experience. Why? Because with each generation, the vehicle has adapted to the times without losing its traveler DNA.
Renault shook up the European automotive world in 1983 with the introduction of the first large family minivan. By calling this ‘ORNI’ (unidentified rolling object), Renault broke with its then strategy of using alphanumeric names. The name Espace was chosen.
“From a semantic point of view, Espace is a very interesting word because its translation is very similar in different languages, making it easier to understand for the greatest number of people,” explains Sylvia Dos Santos. “It has a soft sound, harmonious phonetics and immediately evokes comfort, enriched life on board and technology.”
In 1984 it began to be marketed as a very pioneering vehicle: the shape of its one-piece body was reminiscent of the first TGV (French high-speed train), which had been born shortly before. The modularity is extraordinary: the seats are interchangeable and removable. The two front seats can be rotated to create a ‘roll lounge’, and the five rear seats can be removed to provide massive cargo capacity… something never seen before!
Thanks to a large glass area, the interior lighting makes the passenger compartment even more spacious and comfortable. With handling similar to a sedan and the most powerful Renault engines, the Espace positioned itself as the high-end family car. All these innovative features would become the DNA of Renault Espace over the generations. Innovative and successful, they contribute to the power of the Espace name all over the world.
Renault Espace becomes a social phenomenon. The love for this concept vehicle is exponential. The name is gaining prominence as this second generation gains maturity. On the outside, the more rounded shapes and the mirrors integrated into the top line of the bonnet improve aerodynamics. The interior is characterized by high-quality and refined finishes, in addition to the addition of new interior compartments. Renault Espace is at the top of the Renault range and even created a version with the ‘Quadra’ four-wheel drive system and engine with the introduction of the four-wheel drive ‘Quadra’ version with a 2,800 cm3 V6 PRV engine. 153 hp.
Leader in the segment it created and very popular, Renault Espace almost became a generic name. It had two types of bodies: a 5-seat version and a 7-seat version called ‘Grand Espace’ which was 27 cm longer. This generation is characterized by its curved design and innovative interior layout: the speedometer has been moved to the center – it uses LCD technology – and the climate control modules have been installed on both sides of the vehicle. The dashboard is completely clear.
In 1997, the advertising slogan “what if the real luxury was space?” It continues to use the Espace name to position the model in Renault’s top segment. In addition, this generation had the Initiale trim, which used leather and noble materials in the interior. Espace gains more and more power and enriches its meaning and its emotions.
With its wider tracks and larger exterior dimensions, the fourth generation remains the benchmark minivan. The two versions, 5 and 7 seats, are still available. The name Espace fits perfectly with this family car, which offered the best habitability on the market. In the most luxurious finish ‘Initiale Paris’, equipped with a glass roof of 2.16 square meters, he managed to create a living space with unparalleled comfort.
Introduced at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, this new generation has adapted to market developments and customer needs. The advertising slogan “your time is yours” accompanied the launch, which became a 7-seater crossover. Each passenger has his own space. The equipment is high-tech, including a large touchscreen, multi-sense driving modes and 4Control, the four-wheel steering.
After 30 years of life, Espace continued to evolve and innovate. True to its DNA, its historical qualities, its vocation as a family vehicle and the meaning of its name, it remains Espace.
The new Renault Espace is an official family SUV with 5 and 7 seats. It opens a new chapter in which it will carry the genes of the renewal of the Renault brand, faithfully and in line with previous generations: comfortable, innovative and high-quality. Inside, the references evoked by the name Espace are more accurate than ever. New Espace remains the perfect vehicle for long journeys.
Renault Espace has always held a special place in the philosophy of ‘cars full of life’. It is the family model with up to 7 seats whose comfort, habitability, equipment and road qualities have always been a reference. Renault Espace shows that by innovating with each generation, evolving consistently and favoring the customer, it will last for a long time. Thus continues the Espace saga.
Source: Marie Claire
Errol Villanueva is an author and lifestyle journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a passion for exploring the latest trends in fashion, food, travel, and wellness, Errol’s articles are a must-read for anyone interested in living a stylish and fulfilling life.
