Renault Espace loses length, gains width in new SUV form

PARIS -- Renault’s new Espace midsize SUV will be 140 mm shorter than its minivan predecessor, but will have a slightly wider interior when it is revealed this spring, the automaker said.

Renault released silhouette images of the Espace, which will be available in five- and seven-seat versions. The 4,270 mm long model is expected to be based on the same underpinnings as the new Austral compact SUV, which is 4,510 mm long. Interior width will be 2,480 mm, the automaker said.

The images show that the grille, front fender and rear tail lights will be identical to the Austral’s, but with an elongated rear section. Renault has used a similar formula for the Scenic and Grand Scenic minivans. 

The Espace, which was a pioneering minivan when the first generation appeared in 1983, is being repositioned as a SUV, similar to what Peugeot did successfully with the compact 3008 and midsize 5008.

The coming model will be the sixth generation of the Espace. 

The Austral, launched toward the end of 2022, is based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-C/D platform, and is available in Europe with mild- and full-hybrid powertrains. 

Renault’s compact full-electric offerings are based on the CMF-EV platform, including the new Megane E-Tech hatchback and the coming Scenic, which is also being repositioned as an SUV from a minivan.

The introduction of the revised Espace is part of a new emphasis on compact and midsize vehicles under group CEO Luca de Meo, who is focusing on higher-margin models rather than the smaller segments, where Renault has been among the market leaders in Europe.