Renault has been pushing the boundaries of the automotive industry for decades, and the Renault Espace has been a testament to that. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the 2023 Renault Espace marks the sixth generation of the car and brings with it a hybrid SUV that continues to evolve with the times.
Once a minivan, the Renault Espace has matured into an SUV that pays homage to its roots while keeping up with the times. Although the minivan market has been dethroned by SUVs, Renault Scénic and Renault Espace continue to stand their ground. The new Espace is more compact than its predecessor but still boasts a generous amount of space and comfort, making it a true living room on wheels.
The new Espace's exterior design combines robustness and refinement with a touch of elegance, thanks to its typical bow with a generous grille and LED optics that display a C-shaped light signature. The interior is equally impressive, with a sliding second row of seats that has a reclining backrest of up to 31° and a choice of up to 321mm of knee space or a boot of 777 liters in a 5-seat configuration.
Under the hood of the new Espace, you won't find any "pure" petrol or diesel options. Instead, you'll find a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine with 130 hp/205 Nm and two electrical engines. The Espace's 200 hp traction uses an intelligent multi-mode automatic transmission which benefits from 2 gears for the electric motors and 4 for the internal combustion engine. This clutch box inherited from F1 technology juggles between 15 possible combinations for five different driving modes: 100% electric, dynamic hybrid, e-drive, thermal, and energy recovery.
The new Renault Espace also boasts a range of driving aids, including up to 32 assistances for driving, parking, and safety. It takes over the OpenR cockpit inaugurated by the Arkana and features a 12.3-inch digital dashboard display, a 9.3-inch infotainment screen, and a giant panoramic roof without crossbars.
Although the new Espace has undergone a revolution, it remains true to its DNA and continues to offer the possibility of seven seats, making it the perfect family car. The 2023 Renault Espace is a car that's built to evolve with the times, and it does so in style, comfort, and safety. Renault has done an excellent job of transforming the minivan into an SUV hybrid that's sure to turn heads and capture hearts.
The new Renault Espace is equipped with a host of advanced features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. These features not only provide the driver with a safer driving experience but also reduce the risk of accidents on the road.
From an environmental perspective, the hybrid powertrain of the new Renault Espace is a step towards a greener future. With CO2 emissions of just 32 g/km and an electric range of up to 30 miles, the new Espace is a great option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising comfort and style. Moreover, the hybrid powertrain offers lower running costs, making the Espace a more economical choice for budget-conscious people.