Spaceship with new propulsion
RENAULT ESPACE In 2015, Renault launched the fifth generation of the Espace and upgraded it considerably for the 2017 model year. This included a new 1.8-liter gasoline engine: the Energy TCe 225 EDC produces 225 hp (165 kW) and delivers a maximum torque of 300 Newton meters. It is driven by the automatic 7-speed EDC dual-clutch transmission. The Espace was [...]
The Espace has always been the epitome of the upper-middle-class family car: spacious, innovative, stylish and very French. Climbing into the current generation feels more like being in a spaceship than a car. The floating, curved center console with futuristic automatic selector lever is framed by a colored band of light (depending on the driving mode), and small lights in the same color glow on the sides of the headliner. The nappa leather seats in our test version are also futuristically cut and offer various massages in addition to heating and ventilation functions at the front. Everything is controlled via the large, central touch display, which is also used to extend and retract the head-up display as needed. Our test version also had the optional panoramic glass sunroof, which, together with the Bose surround sound system, turns the Espace into a light-flooded cathedral with great acoustics. With all the technical highlights and postmodern design, the Renault Espace does not neglect one of its greatest virtues: it offers plenty of space. When you open the tailgate at the touch of a button on the key card, it reveals a huge trunk with a third row of seats hidden under the floor. If you also fold down the second row - which can be done from the trunk at the touch of a button - the family van becomes a small van.
Thrust from the sports department
The Energy TCe 225 engine developed by Renault Sport, with an output of 225 hp and a maximum torque of 300 newton meters, offers faster throttle response and more powerful, agile acceleration. Compared with the previous TCe 200 engine, this corresponds to an increase of 25 hp and 40 Newton meters. This was achieved by optimizing the turbocharger and direct injection. Consumption is quoted at an average of 6.8 l/100 km (CO2: 152 g/km according to the NEDC driving cycle).
The Renault Espace with the new Energy TCe 225 gasoline engine and 7-speed EDC dual-clutch transmission is available in Switzerland from 43,400 francs. The price of our test car (Initiale Paris with various options) was 56,800 francs. On board the Initiale Paris version - in addition to various safety assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control or parking assistant - is the 4Control all-wheel steering system, which depending on the speed and driving mode steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction or in the same direction as the front wheels. And all this is not science fiction: in the Renault Espace you already drive with seven seats in business class.
