The Renault Espace is back – and it’s nudged from a full MPV to a more crossover-influenced people carrier.
The bad news? It’s not coming to the UK. Renault pulled the Espace along with half its British line-up back in 2012 in a drive to boost profitability.
Out went the Espace, Kangoo car, Wind, Modus and Laguna as the UK distributor focused on more profitable smaller cars. A spokesman confirmed to CAR magazine that, sadly, the new Espace is not bound to cross the Channel in the current economic climate.
The UK was the single biggest right-hand drive market and the new one has not been engineered for RHD. Hence no prospect of seeing it here any time soon…
Renault Espace for 2015: what we know
The French have issued just three photos of the new 2015 Espace ahead of its debut next week at the 2014 Paris motor show.
‘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 said in a statement.
Yep, that refers to the 2013 Renault Initiale concept car, that you can read more about here.
The new 2015 Espace will be available as a five- or seven-seater, Renault has confirmed. But only one model will be released this time: the Espace, with no LWB Grand Espace waiting in the wings.
The Espace comes with ‘interior modularity,’ so owners can swap seats in and out to switch between van-spec or Avantime-style limo comfort for those on board.
Inside the new Renault Espace
Although Renault has not yet issued any photographs inside the new Espace, it has told us a few details about the cabin. There is a floating centre console, for example.
Note also the panoramic glass sunroof, bathing the cabin in light.
Spec, engineering story
Despite the crossover tag, the new Espace remains resolutely front-wheel drive, CAR understands.
Downsized engines feature – stretching all the way down to 1.6-litre diesels. More information will be released at the Paris motor show.