Spotted: a 1998 Renault Espace
You still see large MPVs driving regularly, but in new sales they have now completely lost out to SUV models. Some models have been completely replaced by an SUV, in other cases the new model generation was given an SUV shape. For example, there is still a Renault Espace, but it is now a seven-passenger SUV. The other day we pitted the recently updated Espace against the Dacia Bigster in
The spotted specimen
In Sint-Michielsgestel, we saw this 1998 Renault Espace. By now, this model generation has also become a spotlight. In addition, this particular example also looks very nice. By the way, we see that it changed hands shortly after being spotted. So you see: there is still a demand for practical MPVs.
The importance of the Renault Espace
The Renault Espace has been a familiar name in car land for decades, especially within the MPV segment. The first model in 1984 was therefore a revolutionary car. Together with a few other models, you can see the Espace as the founder of the (large) MPV segment. We already told the detailed version of that story last year, when we spotted a first-generation Espace.
The third generation Renault Espace
The Renault Espace that takes center stage this week is one of the third generation. Released in 1996, it was the first truly all-new model generation. In terms of concept, the car was an evolution of the previous models, including plastic body panels on a steel chassis. As the last Espace, the third generation was still built by Matra. Renault did opt for a very futuristic design. Most notable are the side mirrors, which seem to emerge fluidly from the fender. There is even an air vent in the mirror base.
Inside, the Renault Espace was even more futuristic if possible. Up front you found a wide and almost symmetrical dashboard, with centrally placed digital instrumentation. Instead of a conventional glovebox, there was one very large one centrally located. Depending on the version, the cabinet was a bit smaller, to accommodate a radio with CD player above it.
Engines Renault Espace
In terms of engines, too, there was mostly evolution, although there was more choice than with the previous model. There were a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a 1.9- and 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel, and at the top of the chain was again a V6 gasoline engine, this time with a capacity of 3.0 liters.
New: the Renault Grand Espace
For those who still did not find the standard Espace spacious enough, an additional body variant was introduced in 1998. This was the Renault Grand Espace, which was about 20 cm longer. The extra space did not provide extra seats, but it did provide more legroom in the rear and a larger luggage space.
Facelift and follow-up
In 2000, the Renault Espace underwent a very subtle facelift, only to be relieved again in 2002 by a completely new model generation. This in turn lasted until no less than 2015. That was also the last Espace that was still a “real” MPV, as subsequent models slowly but surely moved toward an SUV form.