Renault Espace becomes LHD-only SUV

THE new generation six Renault Espace medium size SUV, announced last week, will not at this stage replace the long serving Koleos medium SUV Down Under as the Spanish-built Espace is only made in left hand drive with no current plans for a right hook derivative, according to the Australian Renault distributor, Ateco Automotive.

The vehicles are roughly the same size, but the Koleos is based on the Nissan X-Trail.

The Espace has been around for 40 years serving as a so called ‘lifestyle’ vehicle for the family over some five generations. The new model is 140 mm longer than the current version, and 60 mm narrower but the interior is 40 mm longer.

The newbie follows a similar recipe being a five or seven seat people mover/SUV competing with the likes of Toyota RAV 4, Nissan X-Trail, VW Tiguan and many others.

For reference, the current Renault Koleos sells here from $37,000 plus on-road costs for the FWD model and $44,200 +ORCs for the AWD variant.

The new Espace which can’t be ruled out for local consumption some time down the track, bridges the C and D (medium) segments. Renault is hoping the new model will emulate the first generation and ‘start a revolution’, that has never stopped changing with the times.

Designers have given the new model more of an SUV vibe rather than a small bus or van evident by the athletic stance and ‘elegant’ design with clear links at the front to the Koleos.

A premium Esprit Alpine trim adds a motorsports edge to the overall appearance.

Renault says the Espace has remained true to its five - or seven-seater long-distance people-carrier DNA and is still the Renault range’s most spacious model.

They have given the interior a real zhuzh using sophisticated materials and finishing touches that add class to some model which feature a one-square-metre sunroof… one of the largest in the segment.

The vehicle, which is 215kg lighter than its predecessor, benefits from the latest advanced technology in terms of connectivity, safety and infotainment while under the bonnet resides what Renault calls an ultra-efficient’ 147kW E-Tech full hybrid powertrain.

Espace will be available in three trim levels, base Techno level, sporty Esprit Alpine and luxury-focused Iconic. Initially, only two will initially be available that share drivetrains based around Renault's E-Tech full hybrid system, using a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with 95kW coupled to a clutchless transmission with two electric motors, one being a starter/generator for a total output of 147kW.

Renault has not said if it will offer non-hybrid versions of the Espace, but such systems are available on other models in the company including a 48-volt mild hybrid/ petrol engine option

Renault says it has benchmarked fuel consumption at 4.6 litres/100km combined that should theoretically give a range of up to 1100km while the battery doesn’t need any external charging. 

Renault claims the Espace’s hybrid system allows it to drive in battery-only mode for 80 per cent of urban driving.

Adding credence to the claim is improved aerodynamics partly due to the 32mm lower height of the Espace and because of detail refinements to external hardware like the mirrors.

New Espace’s driving and safety features for all occupants are enhanced due to the vehicle being built on the (Renault, Nissan, Mitsubishi) Alliance’s purpose-designed CMF-CD platform and comes with 32 driver assistance systems. Among these are Multi-Sense and 4Control Advanced, Renault’s four-wheel-steering system.

Inside, the Espace features Renault’s OpenR Link Google-based infotainment system with 39 custom apps that were developed for Renault, some free and some via subscription. Over the air (OTA) updates are a feature of the system.

The new Espace has already started rolling off production lines in Spain and is available now to order in Europe.