RENAULT Espace 1991-1997 Photos, engines & full specs

Renault launched the second generation of the Espace MPV in 1991 and proved that it was the car to beat in that segment.

Even though in other segments, Renault was not a tough competitor, the Espace was the best European minivan since its production started in 1984. With the 1991 model, the French automaker really killed its competition and, furthermore, made the American minivans look outdated and outplaced in Europe.

With a design that resembled a TGV's engine (French High-speed trains), the raked front fascia formed an almost continuous curved line between the bumper and the car's roof. The small rectangular headlights looked like they were carried over from a sedan. On the profile, the bodywork showed an almost equal area of glass and metal parts, while the back showed a vertical drop for the tailgate.

Inside, due to the vast glass area, the Espace offered a fish-tank experience to its customers. Besides the thicker D-pillars, there were almost no real obstacles to block the passengers' view. In addition, the driver also had an excellent view of the road thanks to the low-mounted dashboard and high-mounted seats. There was plenty of legroom and headroom for the first and second rows of seats, while the third row was good enough for teenagers, not just for children.

Under the hood, Renault offered a wide choice of engines, both gasoline, and a fuel-efficient turbo-diesel.