The fifth generation of the Renault Espace could cause a certain shock to the die-hard fans of this founder of the large MPV segment . The "box on wheels" has become a stylish crossover , combining elements not only of MPVs, but also of SUVs. How did the French automaker manage this transformation?
Thanks to its more expressive design , Espace has seen through almost all parts of the body and is very attractive. The chosen color in combination with the wheels (they can be up to 20 inches in size) will do a lot, but Renault's corporate mask with a large logo suits the new crossover probably the most out of all the brand's models. The unique shape of the rear lights reaches deep into the side profile, but the slightly more eccentric concept fits the Espaco and Renault in general. Surprisingly, even a large number of different edges , folds and folds, which are visible especially from the profile, do not interfere.
However, not only the appearance of the body, but also the interior, underwent a revolution. It is now equipped with the R-Link 2 multimedia system , through which the driver or passenger can control all the car's functions. Although we in the editorial office are supporters of a more conservative control using classic buttons, the R-Link 2 responded quickly to finger commands and its control is intuitive. An interesting gadget is the choice of Multi-Sense driving modes , which not only adjusts the driving characteristics of the car, but also adjusts the interior lighting according to one of the five selected modes, from my own experience I can say that the blue backlight works best. But back to the truly revolutionary center panel , which is very thin, so that space has been created under it on the center tunnel. The driver's right knee is, figuratively speaking, in its element. If I have to criticize something about the driver's workplace, it's the digital alarm clocks, which I'll probably never get used to, and the really ugly EDC dual-clutch automatic selector .
While the previous Espace received a classic and an extended version of the Grand, the novelty has to make do with a single version of 4.85 meters in length , which is slightly shorter than the Grand Espace version, but has a 16 cm longer wheelbase. And you can really tell in the second row of seats. There is a lot of knee room here, even if you want to sit "behind yourself". The third row of seats , supplied for an extra charge, will not be a complete win for longer routes, but it is enough for shorter commutes around the city or between cities. But you will have to get rid of the trunk, which is rather symbolic with all seven seats. What is not symbolic, on the other hand, is the folding of the seats . I especially liked the control using the buttons in the luggage compartment. One press was enough and the required seat was down (Espace has all individual seats). The same operation can be done via R-Link or manually, but due to the great interest in the car, there was no time to try these two options. Many people wish for the impossibility of completely removing the seats . However, thanks to the fact that they fit comfortably flush with the floor, there is no need to worry about possible stairs in the trunk.
The new Espace will arrive on the market next year , the French automaker has not yet announced prices. We must not forget the luxurious Initiale Paris equipment level, which was not available for testing in Paris. In any case, the purple paint looked probably the most boring of all the versions available on the stand. And I still owe you an answer to the question from the first paragraph. The transformation was a success for Renault!
Note: The author is not a photographer, so please excuse the possible reduced quality of the images
