The new Renault Espace tries to combine the heritage of its name with today’s codes for a family car. Dead is the hyper-modular minivan: the Espace is now reborn as a long-wheelbase SUV with seven seats standard. That’s not the only transformation, as the Espace is now only offered as a full-hybrid.

The name ‘Espace’ carries a heavy weight in the history of Renault. Some may say it’s the most important name in the French brand’s catalog, so revolutionary it was when it first came out in 1983.

Spacious, modular, and with conventional car engines, no one had seen anything like it. But times change. Since then, the king of minivans has morphed into different shapes over five generations.

Full SUV

The latest generation is nothing more than a long-wheelbase SUV, thus completing the change of direction initiated by the previous generation. To be clear, the new Espace is, in essence, an extended version of the Austral, Renault’s recent mid-size SUV. Some could blame the diamond brand for that choice, but the fact of the matter is that minivans don’t sell anymore. SUVs do.

Familiar face

Renault has taken a page from Peugeot’s book, creating two SUVs out of the same design. The Espace presents the same face, with C-shaped headlamps and a large grill. From the front doors to the back, things start to change.

The newcomer is more extended, at 4,72 m, with a 2,73 m long wheelbase. The length is visible at the back, with the longer doors and the large rear quarters, but the Espace keeps the same light signature as its little brother.

You wouldn’t guess it at first glance, but compared to the 4th generation, this 5th gen Espace is smaller and narrower. However, thanks to the new CMF-CD platform of the Alliance, this new generation also weighs an impressive 250 kilos less.

Five plus two

Inside, unsurprisingly, the new Espace resembles its little brother. It uses the same dashboard layout, the same seats, and even the same inboard infotainment. The latter comprises a new-generation, 12-inch portrait touch-screen that runs Android Automotive’s software. To put it mildly: it might be the best system out there, with unmatched responsiveness and ease of use.

As standard, the Renault Espace offers space for seven passengers, as is the tradition. However, this time, the third row of seats can only accommodate small children for a limited time. Access isn’t the best either, as the second row only slides and tilts. However, the space on that second row is ample, and there’s plenty of comfort. Therefore, this new Espace is more of a 5+2 than a real seven-seater.

Hybrid only

In terms of powertrain, Renault has chosen for simplicity. Only one engine is available, and it’s the E-TECH full-hybrid one. Comprised of a 1,2-liter, 3-cylinder turbo engine mated to electric motors through a six-speed clutch-less gearbox, it offers 200 hp and 230 Nm of torque.

According to Renault, full-hybrid was the only way to go. This powertrain is much more economical than any gasoline-only variant (WLTP: 4,6 l/100 km & 104 g/km of CO2), and they managed to keep the weight down (1 584 kg) by not offering a plug-in variant.

Why not go full electric? Renault didn’t say anything, but the price plays a significant role. At €43 900, the new Espace is at the heart of the C-segment. Furthermore, we also suspect that the French brand has one 7-seater EV coming in the future…

Agility

The new Renault Espace might have an SUV shape, but it doesn’t drive like one. Sure, the driving position is elevated, and getting in and out is easy. However, the French chassis engineers have once again added their magic trick: the 4-Control rear-wheel steering. Not only does it bring more agility on the twisty roads, but it also reduces the turning circle to 10,2 m, smaller than a Clio.

It’s also one of the most comfortable Espaces ever. A harsh road surface can sometimes overthrow damping, but the suspension has an agreeable soft edge. The most crucial factor is NVH (noise, vibration & harshness).

There’s nearly no wind or tire noise at highway speed, and the 3-cylinder engine is always dead quiet. Even at full-throttle, engine management keeps it at low revs for torque and fills in with the electric motors.

Reality check?

The new Espace has lost its modularity and capability to transport up to seven adults. However, it has gained in efficiency, and that’s no understatement.

During our test drive in hilly Portugal, ‘our’ Renault Espace, equipped with the large 20-inch wheels, managed to average 5,9 l/100 km after about 250 km. That is no small feat for such a large vehicle with 200 hp. We even matched the 4,6 l/100 km of the homologation on an eco-run at average speeds.

The new Renault Espace might have lost in modularity, but that’s the only thing this generation can envy its predecessors. It’s more comfortable and, most importantly, more economical. All that in a package will surely attract many families.