Espace and Grand Espace parts

Espace was the trailblazer for the European MPV market, introducing the concept of a spacious and versatile vehicle that is safe, stylish, rewarding to drive and easy to live with. Since the debut of the first generation model, the idea has been adopted by many other manufacturers and has evolved – thanks to Renault’s inspired development of the compact MPV with Scénic and Modus – to meet the needs of an even wider range of drivers and their families.

Espace traces its roots back to the P23 prototype, developed jointly by Matra and Renault. Built on the Renault 18 platform and powered by a Fuego engine, this concept sought to update the American minivan for the European market, combining the load volume of a traditional estate, the shared cabin spaciousness of a van and the comfort and road behaviour of a saloon. The two companies signed a partnership agreement in 1983 under which Matra would build the vehicle after a joint R&D programme.

Th e first generation Espace was launched just a year later and notched up more than 190,000 sales through to 1991. It not only offered drivers a new combination of versatility, load carrying and dynamic p erformance, it changed their expectations of what a car could offer. Key features included a flat floorpan, up to seven individual seats, pivoting front seats and aircraft-style folding tables. From 1988, Quadra versions added the option of all-wheel drive.

The momentum of innovation continued with the second generation Espace, which amassed more than 317,000 sales between 1991 and 1996. The front seats could be converted into beds, the air conditioning system was more powerful and narrower A-pillars increased the glazed area and improved all-round visibility.

Espace III made its debut in December 1996, distinguished by a softer, more attractive design, greater modularity and enhanced driving pleasure with the introduction of new V6 petrol and 2.2 dCi diesel engines. It also marked the introduction of Grand Espace, which delivered even more space in its longer body, and the use of rails to create a “slide & lock system” rather than fixed anchoring points to allow a multitude of different seating configurations.

In spite of the arrival on the market of increasing numbers of MPV rivals in the E-segment, Espace retained its position as the leader in its class in western Europe. Up to the end of production in 2002, more than 357,000 Espace and Grand Espace III models were sold.

Launching internationally the fourth generation Espace in Europe in September 2002, Renault set even greater worldwide sales targets, ambitions it seeks to achieve through advances in quality, more sophisticated specifications, more adaptable functions, enhanced dynamic performance and an even stronger line-up of flexible, fuel-efficient powertrains.