On the eve, Ukrainian automotive journalists were shown the new-generation Renault Espace. However, a brand representative immediately clarified that the presentation does not yet mean the car will appear in showrooms.
Currently, the new Espace can only be purchased in Ukraine through a pre-order. The main emphasis is on the flagship Initiale Paris version, and it was in this trim that the car was presented.
This modification stands out with a unique Amethyste Black body shade, full LED headlights, 19-inch wheels of exclusive design, and rich equipment that easily reaches the level of, if not business class, then certainly the premium segment.
The legendary minivan Espace, which has been produced for three decades now, has become a crossover in its new guise while retaining the functionality of a minivan. The model received a fresh design with smooth body contours, a comfortable cabin with wide transformation possibilities, and a “floating” center console.
The new Espace has solid dimensions: its length reaches 4.85 m (in five- and seven-seat versions), width – 1.87 m. The body height is moderate – 1.68 m, which is 63 mm less than the previous generation, and the high beltline adds dynamism to the car. The model is equipped with a panoramic Lumière roof with a record glazing area of 2.8 square meters.
This crossover became the first production Renault built on the modular CMF (Common Module Family) platform. Lightweight materials are widely used in its construction: doors and hood are made of aluminum, front fenders – of Noryl plastic, and the tailgate – of thermoplastic.
The car also received the Renault Multi-Sense® system, which combines control of all key components while driving: 4Control® chassis, electronic shock absorbers, steering, engine, EDC robotic gearbox, lighting, and engine sound.
Four standard modes are available – Eco, Comfort, Neutral, and Sport, plus an individual Perso mode, with which the driver can customize almost everything in the cabin to their liking: from the color of the backlighting to the exhaust tone and data display on the screens. The multimedia system screen itself is a huge tablet, comparable to the one used in Tesla.
Interestingly, using the keys, you can remotely control not only multimedia and car functions but also seat folding and the release of the tow hitch.
Under the hood is a 1.6-liter twin-turbo diesel producing 160 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. It works in conjunction with a 6-speed automatic with two clutches. The manufacturer claims that in the combined cycle, such a large crossover-minivan consumes about 4.7 liters per 100 km. Despite its size, the Espace is quite agile: the turning radius is only 11 meters, made possible by the rear-wheel steering. The ground clearance also pleased – 160 mm.
In the maximum configuration, the 2016 Renault Espace will cost 43 thousand euros in Ukraine. In the near future, AutoPortal plans to get this unusual car for a test, and we will tell in detail about all its features.
