Renault Espace
If you had young children in the ‘90s or early 2000s, chances are that one or more parents at the pre-school or primary school drove a Renault Espace and they always volunteered to take a lot of kids to outings or sports.
If You Have It, Flaunt It.
First Generation Renault Espace
But the story of the Espace started long before that, in 1983 to be precise. The Espace was a new class of vehicle, the first Multi-Purpose Vehicle or MPV – known locally as a People Carrier. With seven seats, it intersected with the kombi, but its aerodynamic nose and lower profile and its powerful engine and great handling competed with the popular sedan shape of the time.
The front passenger seat could swivel to face the back and all or some of the five seats behind this could be removed or folded flat to accommodate a lot of cargo.
Even the name was different – Renaults before that were numbered, the 4 or the 5. Espace, while French, was recognisable in other languages and perfectly described the most obvious attribute of this remarkable car.
Second Generation Renault Espace
Second Generation Renault Espace
Launched in 1991, the next iteration was curvier and more streamlined and featured more packing spaces and cupholders and nice things to cater for people inside. The 2nd gen Espace even came with 4-wheel drive and a sporty 2.8-litre V6 engine.
Third Generation Renault Espace
Third Generation Renault Espace
By 1996 the MPV field was becoming somewhat crowded, and the third-generation Espace expanded its offering with the new 5-seater and the longer 7-seater called the Grand Espace. The interior was softer and more rounded and introduced LCD technology – new for cars then.
Renault Espace Gen Four
Fourth Generation Renault Espace
By the 2000s, the SUV entered the urban people-moving market and the Espace had to respond. It did so in 2002 with the fourth-generation Espace. The IV was wider and bigger and significantly more luxurious, with the top trim level featuring an enormous sunroof. The 5- and 7-seater options remained.
Renault Espace Gen Five
Fifth Generation Renault Espace
If you can’t beat them, join them. The 2015 fifth-generation Espace was a 7-seater crossover as opposed to the MPV format. It featured loads of technology, with each passenger having a personal luxury space. It also featured a revolutionary four-wheel steering system.
The New Generation Six Renault Espace
Sixth Generation Renault Espace
And now, 30 years after the ground-breaking first Espace, the sixth generation Espace is coming as a fully-fledged, luxury SUV. This car will revert to the 5- and 7-seater options.
Today the Renault Espace is testament to the ingenuity and design excellence which are hallmarks of the current Renault range, a solid history carried over into today and the future. Although not yet here, we hope to welcome the latest Espace sooner rather than later.
Image Source: Wikipedia
