Renault Espace may once again become a minivan, and with a retro design

It is expected that such a potential new product from the French brand will have an all-electric “filling.”

History of Renault Espace began in 1984, when the first generation large MPV entered the production line. Over the past years, the model has managed to change generations five times, and the “sixth” Espace, introduced in March 2023, moved away from the minivan format and turned into a crossover. In fact, the current model is an extended version of the compact SUV Renault Austral, which debuted in the spring of 2022.

In the photo: crossover Renault Espace E-Tech Hybrid 1/2 In the photo: crossover Renault Espace E-Tech Hybrid 2/2

It is expected that in the future the Renault Espace may again become a minivan: this is reported by the British Autocar with reference to Olivier Brosset, who is responsible for the Ampr Medium platform. The new MPV is expected to be all-electric and its concept and design will be inspired by the original first-generation model.

A Renault representative noted that the company is still discussing the possibility of reviving the minivan in light of the planned expansion of the “green” line through new segments. “Technically, I think it is possible,” comments Olivier Brosset, “but after that we will have to consider whether the MPV will find demand among European customers.”

In the photo: first generation Renault Espace minivan 1/2 In the photo: Renault Espace minivan first generation 2/2

The publication noted that the potential new Renault minivan may have a different name; For now we'll call it the Espace MPV. It is expected that its interior will be designed for seven passengers, and will be based on the Ampr Medium platform (also known as CMF-EV), which will make the new product similar to the Nissan Ariya, as well as the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric and Scenic E-Tech.

It is assumed that the “green” Renault minivan will be able to compete with the Volkswagen ID.Buzz and Kia EV9, in addition, it will compete for buyers with Chinese passenger vans, for example, with models such as the Xpeng X9 (which went on sale in the domestic market at the beginning of this year) and Zeekr Mix (the appearance of the new product was declassified last month).

In the photo: the new Renault 5 hatchback 1/2 Pictured: new Renault 5 hatchback 2/2

The Espace MPV is expected to follow the example of the future Renault 5, 4 and Twingo, that is, will be decorated in a retro style. If the project is given the green light, it is possible that the new minivan with a single-volume body will differ due to its “squared” shape, short overhangs and a single line of the hood and windshield.

Meanwhile, the French brand does not forget about models with internal combustion engines. So, yesterday the restyled Renault Captur was presented. The subcompact crossover lost the interior leather and chrome elements, received a new “face”, but retained the equipment from the pre-reform version. Sales of the refreshed SUV in Europe will begin this month.