Renault Espace line: owner reviews, description

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

"Espace" is a front- or all-wheel drive French minivan class car, which has been mass-produced since the 84th year. This machine is produced to this day, but, of course, in a completely different guise. In total, five generations of the French minivan can be counted. In today's article, we will take a closer look at the technical specifications and features of each of them.

First Espace

It is worth saying that it was Renault Espace that became the first minivan with a single-volume layout. Prior to this, such machines were not produced. As for the design, it was familiar to the 80s. These are square headlights, a simple grille and an angular body. The windshield is tilted at the same angle as the hood. The car turned out to be very stylish for the mid-80s and at the same time it was distinguished by good aerodynamics.

What's under the hood?

Under the hood of the first "Espace" a variety of power plants could be placed. Amonggasoline - units with a volume of 2 to 2.8 liters with a capacity of 103 to 153 horsepower, respectively. Note that these engines were already injection, not carbureted. Also, a “solid fuel” unit was installed on the Espace. He was one in the line. With a volume of 2.1 liters, the internal combustion engine developed 88 horsepower. The motor had direct injection and a turbine.

The first "Espace" was built on a front-wheel drive platform. The body has a galvanized frame with plastic parts. Among the advantages of the Renault Espace car, owner reviews noted good corrosion resistance, a large trunk and excellent visibility for the driver (due to the huge windshield). Among the shortcomings are high fuel consumption, poor dipped beam and poor sound insulation.

Espace 2

The second generation of Renault debuted in the 91st year. The French reworked the design, while the platform remained the same. The machine has become more modern.

Gradually, designers moved away from angular shapes in favor of smoother ones. In technical terms, there are also changes. So, both in-line four-cylinder and V-shaped engines for six “boilers” could be installed under the hood. With a volume of 2 to 2.8 liters, these internal combustion engines developed from 103 to 150 horsepower. the diesel engine has not changed. This is still an 88-horsepower unit with an 8-valve timing mechanism and a displacement of 2.1 liters.

Unlike the first generation, the second "Espace" was equipped with an automatic transmission. It was a classic 4-speedtorque converter. But also the usual five-speed mechanics were available for buyers. Due to the multi-plate clutch, torque could be transmitted not only to the front, but also to the rear wheels.

Pros

Among the advantages of the second generation of Renault Espace, diesel owner reviews note:

• Good looks.
• Spacious interior and convertible seats.
• Easy handling.

Cons

Of the shortcomings - low ground clearance, as well as still poor sound insulation and high consumption. In addition, it will be expensive to maintain this “Frenchman” now - spare parts for it are expensive and mostly only on order.

Espace third generation

The third generation minivan debuted in '96. Serial production of the car continued until 2002. The car has not changed significantly externally, but technically there are much more changes. Speaking briefly about the design, the model received narrower headlights, a slightly modified grille and bumper. The design of the rest of the body remained unchanged.

Under the hood could be both diesel and gasoline power units. The choice of transmissions is small - a five-speed mechanics or a four-speed automatic. The line of gasoline units includes engines with a displacement of 2 to 3 liters. ICE power - from 114 to 190 horsepower, respectively. From diesel - turbocharged four-cylinder units with an 8- or 16-valve head. Max Powervaries from 98 to 130 horsepower.

The third generation Renault Espace is built on a front-wheel drive bogie with a plastic body plumage (due to which the car does not rust over the years). Front - suspension "MacPherson", rear - multi-link. There are two anti-roll bars. Steering - rack with hydraulic booster. Brakes - fully disc (front ventilated). Regularly installed ABS system.

As noted by the reviews, the third generation Renault Grand Espace has the following advantages:

• Thoughtful and ergonomic interior.
• Productive motors.
• Good handling.

Among the main disadvantages are the high cost of maintenance and low ground clearance.

4th generation Renault Espace

New generation cars were released in the same 2002. The machine was mass-produced until 2014. It should be noted that the French did a good job on the design. They managed to significantly modernize the car, while maintaining the concept of the legendary minivans of yesteryear.

As noted by the reviews, Renault Space 4 is one of the most attractive minivans in the entire line. In front - large triangular headlights, a radiator grille divided by the company logo into two parts and a neat bumper. The glazing area has also increased. And an unusual plastic spoiler appeared on the roof.

Technically, the car received a wide range of powerful engines that are paired with:

• Five-speed manualbox.
• Six-speed automatic.

Due to the "six-speed" it was possible to significantly reduce fuel consumption, as the owners have repeatedly said in the reviews. Gasoline "Renault Espace 2.0" spends about 9.5 liters per hundred in mixed mode. As for reliability, both transmissions are very resourceful - reviews say. But still, only mechanics can rightfully be called a long-liver. And in order not to "sentence" the machine, you should regularly change the ATP-liquid - the owners note.

Gasoline range includes in-line four-cylinder and V-shaped six-cylinder engines ranging from 136 to 240 horsepower. The working volume ranges from 2 to 3.5 liters.

Diesel engines with a volume of 1.9-3 liters develop a power of 117-180 horsepower. each motor is equipped with a turbine and has a battery injection system. By the way, the smallest unit from the line has a consumption of 6.8 liters. And as the reviews note, the Renault Espace diesel 3.0 consumes at least ten liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. And Renault-Espace 2.2 diesel spends only half a liter less. Reviews say that it is better to choose the top version with the most powerful diesel engine. She will ask for a little less money for fuel, but the return in terms of acceleration dynamics will be maximum.

Platform, pros and cons

The fourth generation Renault Espace is built on a front-wheel drive platform. Body - steel. The doors and hood are made of aluminium. Front - classic MacPherson strut suspensionrear - dependent design with traction "Panhard". Steering - rack with hydraulic booster. Brakes - only disc, with ventilation (for the front wheels). Also in the basic configuration there are ABS systems, brake force distribution and other electronics.

Among the advantages of the updated Renault Espace minivan, reviews note:

• Stylish design.
• Functional salon.
• Good level of equipment.
• Good performance.
• Low fuel consumption.

Of the shortcomings of the Renault Espace, reviews note the high cost of the car itself. Also a serious disadvantage is the lack of specialized service stations that deal specifically with French-made cars.

The Fifth Renault Espace

This minivan was presented to the public in 2014 at the Paris Auto Show. The machine surprised many with its progressive design.

Now the Espace looks more like a bloated station wagon with a pronounced sideline and muscular wheel arches. The design has been radically changed. There was a new optics, bumper, other fog lights, grille, hood. The angle of inclination of the windshield has changed, as well as the dimensions of the side pillars. The design of mirrors, alloy wheels and rear lights has changed. A lot of work has been done, and as a result - a stylish, sometimes aggressive "Frenchman" with a comfortable interior and a good level of equipment. Already in the basic configuration here you can find:

• Auto folding rear rowsseats.
• Climate control.
• Adaptive cruise control.
• Projection on the windshield.
• Bose acoustics with twelve speakers.
• And even an automatic parking system.

The base for the new Renault was a 1.6-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 130 horsepower. Next in the line is a 160-horsepower engine with the same displacement. In luxury versions, a 1.6-liter gasoline engine is available. No need to be surprised at such a small volume, because this motor is equipped with a turbine. Thanks to it, the maximum power of the power unit reaches two hundred horsepower.

From gearboxes available for buyer:

• Six-speed manual.
• Six-speed dual clutch robot.
• Seven-speed robot.

As noted by the reviews, Renault Espace has changed a lot not only externally, but also in terms of handling. So, the car was built on a new 4Control all-wheel drive chassis. The modular CFM platform was taken as a basis. Due to this, the engineers managed to reduce the curb weight of the minivan by 250 kilograms.

Of the advantages of the Renault Space 2.2, reviews note good design, stylish interior and powerful engines. Among the disadvantages are expensive maintenance and unreliable robotic boxes. The cost of replacing the clutch is comparable to the German DSG, which not every owner will be able to afford. Yes, and you need to change the disks every 90 thousand.

Conclusion

So, we have examined what the French Renault Espace minivan is like. Based on the above, one canthe conclusion is that the fourth generation Espace with a powerful diesel engine or the fifth generation Renault with a manual transmission and without a turbocharged gasoline engine will be the best option for buying. In pursuit of power performance, engineers forget about the resource. Therefore, it is worth choosing those boxes and engines that do not yet have such a complex device and configuration.