Based largely on the concept that was first shown a year ago at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, a year ago, the new Espace will be introduced to the world on 2 October by Renault/Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn.
The 2014 Paris Motor Show sees Renault take the wraps off the new Espace. This large, elegant and innovative crossover, which combines a strong design and seductive appeal, is based largely upon the concept car that was revealed a year ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Renault has shied away from giving us any details before Paris, the only tangible piece of information being that five- and seven-seat versions will be available. Build quality will also be improved. Just from the photos though, we can tell you that the 2015 Espace will have all-LED taillights, something we've already seen on the Scenic. The individually shaped lenses in the headlights also lead us to believe they too will be full-LED, perhaps as an option.
Platform-wise, the Espace will share Renault-Nissan alliance’s new CFM1 scalable platform architecture with the Qashqai and Pulsar. The French have even readied a special downsized engine just for the occasion, a small 1.6 biturbo diesel making 160 PS, 30 more than a standard dCi of this size.
From being the name of a preview concept, 'Initiale Paris' will become the Espace's top trim level. This will bring the overall experience of owning a French MPV in line with the expectations of buyers of German cars. Leather seats, large alloys and ivory metallic paint will all be part of the Initiale ensemble.
Like previous generations of the model in the course of its 30-year long career, a brightly-lit, comfortable and modular interior are the cornerstones of the new Espace which will also appeal thanks to fluid lines, as well as to its occupant-friendly cabin and floating centre console. Both the five- and seven-seat versions feature ingenious interior modularity and meticulous attention has been paid to detail with regard to the new car’s design and build.
The new Renault Espace will make its world premiere at a press conference led by Mr. Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of the Renault Group, at 11.00am on Thursday, October 2, on the Renault stand at the Paris Motor Show.
To mark the occasion, Renault and its partners Publicis Conseil and DigitasLBi have created an original digital presentation package which combines both video and 3D elements that will provide internet users with an immersive experience as they discover the new Espace’s interior and exterior designs in successive phases.
The public will be able to access this on-line unveiling at www.crossover.renault.com