Large crossover leads Renault model overhaul

A crossover that replaces the large Espace people-mover in 2014 will be the first model to debut on Renault’s flexible new modular architecture.

Dubbed CMF1 (short for ‘common module family’), the plug-and-play set of modules is similar in concept to Volkswagen’s versatile MQB architecture and will eventually underpin millions of vehicles produced across the Renault-Nissan alliance line-up of C- and D-segment (small and medium) vehicles.

The plan was confirmed to motoring.com.au at this week’s launch of the Captur mini-crossover in France by Renault’s Deputy Program Director Christophe Pejout (and you can read our first drive review of the Captur here).

“C- and D-segment is now one platform, CMF1 we call it. This is the next main step for Renault and inside this family there will be many, many different bodies; sedan, hatch, station wagon, SUVs, MPV… We are talking Megane and upwards,” he said.

“The first one (CMF1-based) will be new Espace next year.”

The Espace replacement will move from the people-mover category (or MPV, as Renault dubs them) to a crossover theme in the same way the Captur has replaced the mini-MPV Modus in the line-up.

Captur goes on sale in Australia in the first half of 2014 and Renault Australia has also confirmed its preliminary interest in the Espace replacement. Neither the Espace or Modus have been sold in Australia previously.

Pejout said the swap from people-movers to crossovers was being made by Renault as sales of the latter grow appreciably.

“We think it is a strong trend so, yes, there will be a line-up of crossovers,” he said.

“If you look at Espace segment, 15 or 20 years ago it was a very successful segment in Europe and some customers did go to SUV,” Pejout explained. “So yes, the next Espace will have a more crossover look.”

However, he said it would be important the new vehicle retains the interior flexibility of a people-mover even if the exterior look changes: “Customers who want a real SUV can get something else.”

Pejout said he didn’t know if the Espace name would be retained for the new crossover. “It is a difficult question,” he said.

Other new models spinning off CMF1 would include the next-generation Megane small car and Koleos mid-size SUV -- both should appear around 2015. It will also underpin a combined replacement for the Laguna and Latitude large cars.

A larger E-segment saloon is also possible, although a plan to revive the quirky Vel Satis by sharing the Mercedes-Benz E-class platform has been shelved.

On the Nissan side, it would be logical to assume the next-generation X-TRAIL (upon which the current Koleos is based) will use CMF1 modules, as should a Golf rival being developed for the European market.

Outside CMF1, Renault will also launch its rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Twingo replacement in 2014 and Renault Australia is keen to take it.

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