Renault's new Espace: A Compact, Powerful, and Eco-Friendly SUV

Renault has unveiled its latest SUV model, the new Espace, with a full hybrid drive promising a perfect combination of power, economy, and environmental friendliness. The Renault Espace is equipped with a 146 kW/199 hp E-Tech full hybrid powertrain that delivers exceptional performance while consuming only 4.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers and emitting CO2 emissions of 104 grams per kilometer in the lightest version.

According to Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of the Renault brand, the new Espace is "a key model for our rise to a higher class." It carries the DNA of the five previous generations, combined with a first-class appearance, high comfort, and a homely and light-flooded interior. In addition, it meets customers' new requirements through an exemplary hybrid engine and a unique multimedia experience.

The new Renault Espace has an overall length of 4.72 meters, which is 14 centimeters shorter than its predecessor and 32 millimeters lower, but the passenger compartment is 2.48 meters longer up to the third row. The Espace is available as a 5- or 7-seater with passengers in the second row seated on a bench seat that can be moved lengthways by 220 millimeters and is divided into two independent units in a 60:40 ratio. The knee room is up to 321 millimeters, and additional comfort is provided by the backrest, which can be tilted by up to 31 degrees. In the third row of seats for two people, there are 128 millimeters of knee room. This can be expanded by pushing the seats in the second row forward using the Easy Access function.

The new Espace's driving characteristics are exceptional, with the highest level of safety equipment. The new model is based on Allianz's specially developed CMF-CD platform and has up to 32 driver assistance systems. Multi-Sense for customizing the driving experience and interior ambiance, and the 4Control advanced all-wheel steering ensure even more driving pleasure. The clutchless multi-mode transmission has two gears for the electric drive and four gears for the combustion engine. Gear changes take place automatically and without the driver having to do anything. Including idling, the system allows a total of 15 speed and drive combinations.

The basis for the E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 is a 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a displacement of 1.2 liters that delivers 96 kW/131 hp and a torque of 205 Nm. Two electric motors support it: the main unit with 50 kW/68 hp, which also mobilizes 205 Nm of torque, is used for propulsion and is fed by a 2 kWh/400 V lithium-ion battery. There is also a secondary high-voltage starter generator with 18 kW/25 hp (50 Nm) to start the combustion engine and change gears.

The drive system of the Espace has paddles on the steering wheel that can be used to switch between four recuperation levels. Thanks to the high recuperation performance, the drive allows up to 80 percent of all routes in city traffic to be covered purely electrically. The predictive hybrid driving function maximizes the use of electrical energy while driving. The geolocation and networked map data, for example, on the road's topography over the next seven kilometers, provide the battery management system with additional information so that the energy from the electric motor can be used optimally. If no destination is entered, the system calculates the most likely route.