Sad that it is no longer MPV?

TopGear has just released the new Renault Espace. Soon you will read our full test report; Now highlights.

test object: Renault Espace
location: Porto in Portugal
weather conditions: Although the outlook is very nice

Renault Espace, that was a truck, right?

yes before. The previous generation was no longer just an SUV, but an SUV. With the new generation, Renault has chosen to convert it into a full-fledged SUV. It has a third row of seats and space for seven people. Or, well, it can legally hold seven people. The back row of seats is for people who once thought there were “no mines in this area”.

Is it equally wide?

This space has the longest cabin of all generations. However, it is less spacious in the back than in the first few generations. This is because the car is less squared. Have a good look, the back (especially in the upper part) is sloping. Renault used to put two full ones in the back Captain’s chairs.

Why don’t they make the new Renault Espace a little squarer?

You might say a little effort. No, because making the body more angular would make the car heavier and less aerodynamic. And then you make the car less efficient for nothing, because according to Renault, no one is waiting for the MPV anymore. If we look at other car brands (almost all of which no longer have an MPV), that should be true.

How is he doing?

So you don’t really want to put the big boys in the back, but as a big SUV the car is fine. The 1.2-liter three-cylinder engines seem a little small for a large SUV, but thanks to the electric motor, you end up with 200 horsepower. With normal use you will not lack anything.

And if you backtrack (a lot), you should be able to get about 1,100km of range on the 55-litre tank. that’s awesome. In addition, the interior is neatly finished and the body is comfortable enough.

Should I buy it?

Can. It costs €46,830, but you’ll want at least the €49,830 Alpine version. You can also see it in the gallery above. Then the rear wheels will drive along and you will have a nicer interior. The price is about the same as other seven-seater SUVs. For the same money, you also have a Volkswagen Multivan, still a full-fledged MPV.

If you don’t need the space but think it’s a nice SUV, you can also buy the smaller Austral. This is almost the same in terms of design in the nose, but it is 21 cm shorter and does not have a seventh row of seats. This way you will save 3000 euros. If you want a spacious SUV, the Renault Espace is definitely not a bad choice.