Photo: SB-Medien
Europe's car testing facilities are currently a hive of activity, as automakers are racing to take advantage of the recovering market. Originally delayed by the arrival economic crisis, French company Renault are on track to deliver a replacement for the Espace large MPV, the current generation of which has been in production for 11 years.
With design inspired by he Initiate Paris Concept of last year, this is unmistakably the new Espace we are looking at here. Last time we saw this prototype, we discovered that Renault is secretly working on an all-wheel steering system to improve handling and now, part of the interior is being shown.
This is our first glimpse of the driver's side door. Not much is going on in terms of tech, as we can't even see the mirror controls. However, the trim pieces are nicely sculpted and the door opening handle looks to be metal. There's no rubber seal on the door itself, which is a bit of a shame. Seems Renault might be up to its cost-cutting shenanigans again. We do, however, see an interesting A-pillar glass system like on the C4 Picasso, which is great for visibility.
It's also worth noting that the prototype appears to have all-LED taillights and we're 90% sure there are all-LED headlights as well, something no other production Renault boasts. On the Initiate Paris concept, the daytime running lights enclose each headlamp in parentheses and this seems to be the design chosen here.
At 4.85 meters long, this is one of the largest French cars around. It will boast crossover-like elements, such as a relatively high ride and probably the all-new Extended Grip system. This advanced traction control enables the vehicle to grip under more difficult conditions (snow, mud, sand) using the brakes to simulate a diff.
As we've mentioned in our previous reports, the new Espace will be built on Renault's next modular toolkit, the CFM1. It's already underpinned the new Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail, to be followed by the new Megane and Laguna. Power will come exclusively from four-cylinder engines, ranging from the 130 horsepower version of the 1.2-liter TCe turbo to a range of new 1.6-liter dCi diesels, including a twin-turbo with 160 hp. Together with the usual manuals, the French are very likely to offer the six-speed twin-clutch EDC gearbox.
A public debut of this new family car will take place at the Paris Motor Show this fall. Production is going to take place at the Sandouville factory in France somewhere in mid-2015.
This is our first glimpse of the driver's side door. Not much is going on in terms of tech, as we can't even see the mirror controls. However, the trim pieces are nicely sculpted and the door opening handle looks to be metal. There's no rubber seal on the door itself, which is a bit of a shame. Seems Renault might be up to its cost-cutting shenanigans again. We do, however, see an interesting A-pillar glass system like on the C4 Picasso, which is great for visibility.
It's also worth noting that the prototype appears to have all-LED taillights and we're 90% sure there are all-LED headlights as well, something no other production Renault boasts. On the Initiate Paris concept, the daytime running lights enclose each headlamp in parentheses and this seems to be the design chosen here.
At 4.85 meters long, this is one of the largest French cars around. It will boast crossover-like elements, such as a relatively high ride and probably the all-new Extended Grip system. This advanced traction control enables the vehicle to grip under more difficult conditions (snow, mud, sand) using the brakes to simulate a diff.
As we've mentioned in our previous reports, the new Espace will be built on Renault's next modular toolkit, the CFM1. It's already underpinned the new Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail, to be followed by the new Megane and Laguna. Power will come exclusively from four-cylinder engines, ranging from the 130 horsepower version of the 1.2-liter TCe turbo to a range of new 1.6-liter dCi diesels, including a twin-turbo with 160 hp. Together with the usual manuals, the French are very likely to offer the six-speed twin-clutch EDC gearbox.
A public debut of this new family car will take place at the Paris Motor Show this fall. Production is going to take place at the Sandouville factory in France somewhere in mid-2015.
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