New Renault Espace SUV previewed
Replacement for Renault’s big people-mover to evolve into three-row SUV to sit above the new AustralFresh images of the sixth-generation 2023 Renault Espace have been released, revealing the all-new mid-size SUV's silhouette and tail-lights.
Looking more like a stretched version of the recently-revealed Renault Austral, the new Renault Espace is claimed to measure in at 4720mm long – a substantial 140mm shorter than the people-mover it replaces but 190mm longer than the Austral.
That also makes it bigger than the Mazda CX-5 (4550mm) but smaller than the Mazda CX-9 (5075mm)
Despite being more compact, actual interior space is said to be longer than in the old Espace, even though it can still accommodate three rows of seats and up to seven people.
Based on the Nissan X-TRAIL, the new Espace shares the same Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-CD platform architecture and will also be offered in a five-seat configuration that maximises luggage space.
Beneath the bonnet it's a safe bet that the new Espace will share its electrified powertrains with the Austral. That means the most expensive E-Tech hybrid versions will be powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, combined with an electric motor to produce either 118kW or 147kW.
More affordable mild-hybrid versions will also be available – at least in Europe – offering either 103kW or 118kW.
Within the cabin, expect a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, large 9.3-inch head-up display and a 12-inch Renault OpenR infotainment system.
Likely to be a replacement for the current second-generation Renault Koleos, the new Espace with therefore be a natural rival for top-selling medium SUVs like the CX-5, X-TRAIL and Toyota RAV4, as well as the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace seven-seaters.
The new seven-seat SUV has already been ruled out for the UK market, but at this stage it's not yet known whether or not the new Espace will be produced in right-hand drive.
“We are looking at any product that is made available to us in right-hand drive and works from a business case point of view,” a spokesperson for Renault Australia told carsales.
All is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, when the French car-maker pulls the drapes off the new Espace to coincide with the nameplate's 40th anniversary.
Related: Next Renault Espace to evolve into flagship SUV
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