Renault's pioneering Espace minivan gets all jacked up for Paris

Thu, 25 Sep 2014

For roughly the past 30 years, the Renault Espace has been among the definitive European minivans, but the rising tide of crossovers has put that streak to an end. The French automaker has released the first three images teasing the next-gen model, and it has confirmed the van's transformation into a CUV to debut during a press conference at the 2014 Paris Motor Show led by company CEO Carlos Ghosn.

The decision to switch the Espace from minivan to crossover shouldn't come as a complete surprise. At the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault showed off the Initiale Paris concept as a CUV to preview the next Espace. While the plexiglass roof with a map of Paris didn't make it to production, the broad strokes of the shape certainly did.

Like the Initiale Paris concept, the production Espace features a sweeping arc running from its hood to the rear hatch with a fairly large greenhouse by modern standards. A massive Renault emblem dominates the front with lots of chrome accents on the grille and lower airdam. However, the back might be the CUV's best angle because of the unique shape for the rear pillar, visually interesting taillights and exhaust outlets integrated into the rear bumper. Inside, Renault promises to offer five- and seven-seat versions, both with modular layouts to rearrange to the owner's needs.

Renault will almost certainly reveal more details about the Espace at the unveiling in Paris, but the company already says there will no models for right-hand drive markets. Scroll down to read the entire, brief release that teases the upcoming debut.

RENAULT REINVENTS THE ESPACE AT THE 2014 PARIS MOTOR SHOW

The 2014 Paris Motor Show sees Renault take the wraps off the new Espace. 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.

Like previous generations of the model in the course of its 30-year long career, a brightly-lit, comfortable and modular interior are the cornerstones of the new Espace which will also appeal thanks to fluid lines, as well as to its occupant-friendly cabin and floating centre console. Both the five- and seven-seat versions feature ingenious interior modularity and meticulous attention has been paid to detail with regard to the new car's design and build.

The new Renault Espace will make its world premiere at a press conference led by Mr. Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of the Renault Group, at 11.00am on Thursday, October 2nd, on the Renault stand at the Paris Motor Show.

To mark the occasion, Renault and its partners Publicis Conseil and DigitasLBi have created an original digital presentation package which combines both video and 3D elements that will provide internet users with an immersive experience as they discover the new Espace's interior and exterior designs in successive phases.

There are no plans for the New Espace to be sold in right hand drive markets.

The public will be able to access this on-line unveiling at www.crossover.renault.com

By Chris Bruce