Lancia will use some names of its back catalogue to reinvent itself… should we blame Renault for calling the biggest SUV of the range « Espace »? Being brave and living with our times, let’s enjoy a car offering seven seats and an up to the minute powertrain. Even if we still think that a diesel would be best for such a large vehicle.
It’s hard to deny this Espace is just a longer Austral : the difference between them takes place after the rear doors : this one being 20 cm longer in the rear. Therfore, there is a 3rd-row bench which invades the boot and drastically reduces its useful size. For the rest, the interior hasn’t changed much since the launch of the electric Megane. There’s a three-spoke steering wheel that’s easy to get to grips with, a 12.3-inch instrument panel in front of the driver and a vertically-positioned centre console. The fixed panoramic glass roof is a €1,000 extra. It adds a nice touch of brightness inside. The fabric seats are trimmed in Alcantara. The Esprit Alpine version we tested even gets the brand’s logo inlaid in the headrests. The sliding central armrest is a useful and well thought out equipment while a small mirror hidden in the ceiling, in front of the central rear-view mirror allows you to keep an eye on what the kids do.
I like it
The Espace suspension may be on the firm side but it still feels quite comfortable on the road and allows you to plan long journeys in total peace of mind. The driving position is perfect and the controls are easy to monitor, even though the three levers located to the left of the steering wheel occasionally get a little tangled. Between the sound volume, the windscreen wipers and the drive controls, there’s more than a chance to get it wrong if you’re not focused enough on what you do. Rear legroom is good. The bench seat is adjustable : always useful but headroom is at a premium in the third row.
Quite clever
Some punters could be worried by the Espace VI sheer size reducing driving pleasure. However, it’s not the case. The vehicle’s agility is good, especially in town centres : the 4Control Advanced system fitted to the rear wheels works wonder on the turning circle and reduces it to 10.4 m. The Espace hides its bulk pretty well in city centres, and that’s just as well given the only available powertrain available is a small 3-cylinder 1.200 cc lump. Yes, you read that right – and it’s helped by an electric motor to bring the power up to 200 bhp and it’s pretty good downtown. In fact, it’s possible to drive in electric mode in urban areas. Monitoring energy recovery using the steering wheel paddles is easy and allows to restore some range while driving.
I don’t like it
Don’t mention it but it was in my uncle’s Renault Espace III 3.0 V6 that I reached 125 MPH for the first time in my life. At the time, 194 bhp under the bonnet to move a 1,690 kg car allowed such events to take place easily. Today, the new Espace’s 200 bhp means that, at most, you can painstakingly reach 107 MPH. That could be a problem on some German motorways, which remain speed derestricted in many places. So be it, this 1,780 kg handsome machine lacks a bit of grunt and could do with some more power.
Why I buy it
Dutchman Laurens Van Den Acker succeeded to revamp Renault’s range in just a few years. We genuinely appreciate the perfectly contemporary lines. They are not overcomplicated on the sides and still recognisable thanks, in particular, to the head and tail lights shape. Inside, the inverted L-shaped screens have taken over. However, they are easy to use. The satnav relies on Google Maps. Four USB-C sockets are dotted around the cabin and there are storage compartments aplenty to make life on board even more enjoyable. Mind you, the Espace lost some of its former efficiency : these days, the seats are less adjustable. Comfort is quite impressive, despite the size of the wheels (20 inches on our test model), and the suspension does a good job of filtering out road imperfections, while soundproofing is remarkable. In this respect, we won’t regret any Diesel engine ! During our 342 miles test drive, average fuel consumption was 42,8 MPG, with 2/3 of these on motorways.
Why I don’t buy it
The Techno entry-level version is available from €43,900 but you’ll be better off buying the Alpine Spirit version that costs €3,000 more. The more sensible Iconicone is priced at €48,900. That’s over with the bone of contention. Our test car came with the City Premium pack (€1,000), Satin Grey (€2,000) and Advanced Driving Assist1 (€1,000) extras and total price was €54,300. For that money, you’ll have to make do with somewhat limited boot space, a 3rd row seat exclusively for children or young adults, and a transmission that still gives a few jolts when the Espace switches from petrol to electric power and vice versa. Even if one gets used to it in the end, it’s unforgettable considering how complex the multi-mode gearbox.
