In 1983, Renault presented the first car that anticipated the later claim "Cars for life". The new and iconic name "Espace" has gone down in Renault history and continues to shape it to this day. Traveling in a Renault Espace has always been a unique experience, as each generation has responded to a changing world and made long journeys a pleasure. Forty years on, the sixth-generation Espace remains true to its original concept, combining comfort, spaciousness and top-of-the-range equipment.
The model name 'Espace' is well known in France and around the world.
1983: Espace I - the road to innovation
In 1983, Renault presents the first multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and triggers a tremor on the European automobile market. Renault also turned its back on the alphanumeric naming strategy of the time when the company named this UDO (Unidentified Driving Object) "Espace". Sylvia dos Santos: "The word 'Espace' is very interesting from a semantic point of view, as it sounds similar in some other languages. It is therefore easily understood by many people. It sounds soft and pleasant and immediately brings to mind comfort and technology on board."
The French advertising slogan "Renault Espace, la route de l'innovation" refers to the model's unique one-box design - similar to that of the first French high-speed train, the TGV, which had entered service a few years earlier. The market launch of the unmistakable first-generation Renault Espace finally followed in 1984.
The MPV offered a high degree of modularity with variable and removable seats. The two front seats could be rotated 180 degrees, while the five rear seats could be removed to increase load capacity - a first for a vehicle of this type. The large windows ensure that the passenger compartment is flooded with light, making it appear even more spacious and comfortable. With handling similar to that of a saloon and equipped with Renault's most powerful engines, the Espace positions itself as a top-of-the-range family car suitable for long journeys.
All these innovative features will become the hallmark of the next generations. They are decisive for the model's success and help to make the name "Espace" known throughout the world.
1991: Espace II - the first place on earth is space
The second generation of the Espace is a more mature version of its predecessor. It ensures that the Espace soon becomes an integral part of the street scene and quickly gains popularity.
The angular shapes give way to curves, while the exterior mirrors extend the area above the hood, giving the vehicle an aerodynamic look. The interior has also been redesigned and offers additional storage space. In addition, the "Quadra" version is an Espace with all-wheel drive and a 2.8-liter V6 engine with 153 hp as the brand's top model.
More than ever, the word "Espace" stands for comfort and tranquillity. This characteristic is also the inspiration for the French advertising slogan "The best place on earth is outer space", in French "Espace" and synonymous with silence.
1996: Espace III - what if space was the real luxury?
In its third generation, the Espace finally establishes itself as the epitome of all MPVs and continues to dominate the segment it once founded. For the first time, it is available as a 5-seater or as a 27 centimeter longer 7-seater version called "Grand Espace".
The interior is characterized by curved shapes, the speedometer moves to the central position of the dashboard and uses LCD technology. Heating and air conditioning modules on both sides of the vehicle further enhance comfort. The French advertising slogan from 1997 - "What if true luxury were Espace (space)?" - is another play on words that underlines the positioning of the Espace in the luxury class. This claim is also emphasized by the "Initiale" equipment variant with interior design in leather and high-quality materials.
2002: Espace IV - the modern interpretation of a van
With a wider track, larger dimensions and clear lines, the fourth generation of the Renault Espace is also a leader among MPVs. Like its predecessor, it is available as a 5- or 7-seater "Grand Espace". The name also continues to suit the family vehicle, which is more spacious than its competitors.
In the most luxurious "Initiale" trim level with a 2.16 square meter glass roof, the Espace IV resembles a living room on wheels in which passengers enjoy unparalleled comfort.
2015: Espace - make your time great
The generation presented at the 2014 Paris Motor Show demonstrates once again that the Espace moves with the times.
The advertising slogan "make your time great" underlines the 7-seater crossover's virtue of offering every passenger plenty of space. With a center console in the style of a tablet computer, a MULTI-SENSE system and 4CONTROL four-wheel steering, the latest Espace sets strong technological accents.
2023: Espace VI - the new large SUV model
The sixth generation of the Espace meets the requirements of a large family SUV and will be available as a 5- and 7-seater. It marks the start of a new chapter in the history of the Espace, reflecting the transformation of the Renault brand. Like its predecessors, the new Espace offers comfort, innovation and top equipment. The interior of the vehicle has all the features associated with the name "Espace". Like the previous models with the unmistakable name, the next Espace generation is recommended for long journeys.
The new Renault Espace is also an exception among the "Voitures à vivre", a 7-seater that offers comfort, spaciousness, top equipment and handling like no other family vehicle. It also stands for continuity and longevity - provided that each generation is open to consistent change that brings concrete benefits to customers. The story of the aptly named model is not yet finished.
