Photo: Automedia
Most MPV models are being phased out in favor of crossovers right now. But then most MPVs don't have 30 years of history behind them like the Renault Espace does. At the Paris Motor Show last year, the French automaker confirmed the development of an all-new model with the Initiate Paris Concept. Its future thus secured, we now peer though our spyglass, looking for signs Renault can revitalize and reinvent the segment.
Today, we think we have some exciting news. While the 2015 Espace prototype has been seen on numerous occasions, it's lost some camouflage recently, allowing us to see more details. In addition, we've spotted a little something while parking maneuvers were being made. The rear wheels are ever-so-slightly turning in the opposite direction to the front ones. That's right, the Espace has four-wheel steering, and you can notice it quite clearly in the last picture.
"What, you mean like the Porsche 991 GT3 and Turbo?" No, like the Renault Laguna 4Control system, as we found out when we tested the sexy coupe version. On that car, below 60 km/h, the rear wheels are designed to turn in the opposite direction from the front wheels, with a maximum angle of 3.5 degrees. This makes parking and maneuvering easier, which is great for a large family car like the Espace.
Above that speed, 4Control gives the driver more precision, by turning in the same direction as the front wheels, resulting in sharper handling. The system also plays a safety role during an emergency situation, making minute changes to ensure stability. Again, this is something that's great to have on a big MPV.
Four-wheel steering is, of course, not a Renault invention. Their partners at Nissan use it as well, including on some Infinitis (G, M, Q45, J30). But we struggle to think of another MPV that uses it.
Another key area where the Espace will be improved is in the powertrain department. A new bi-turbo 1.6-liter diesel with 2-liter levels of power and torque has already been announced. Two major technologies in one car – should that surprise us? No, because the Espace has always been a flagship of sorts for Renault.
In 1984, the first-gen came out with front seats that could be turned 180 degrees. A decade later, the racing driver Alain Prost famously swapped the motor in an Espace for a Formula 1 engine.
"What, you mean like the Porsche 991 GT3 and Turbo?" No, like the Renault Laguna 4Control system, as we found out when we tested the sexy coupe version. On that car, below 60 km/h, the rear wheels are designed to turn in the opposite direction from the front wheels, with a maximum angle of 3.5 degrees. This makes parking and maneuvering easier, which is great for a large family car like the Espace.
Above that speed, 4Control gives the driver more precision, by turning in the same direction as the front wheels, resulting in sharper handling. The system also plays a safety role during an emergency situation, making minute changes to ensure stability. Again, this is something that's great to have on a big MPV.
Four-wheel steering is, of course, not a Renault invention. Their partners at Nissan use it as well, including on some Infinitis (G, M, Q45, J30). But we struggle to think of another MPV that uses it.
Another key area where the Espace will be improved is in the powertrain department. A new bi-turbo 1.6-liter diesel with 2-liter levels of power and torque has already been announced. Two major technologies in one car – should that surprise us? No, because the Espace has always been a flagship of sorts for Renault.
In 1984, the first-gen came out with front seats that could be turned 180 degrees. A decade later, the racing driver Alain Prost famously swapped the motor in an Espace for a Formula 1 engine.
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