Renault Espace V 1.6 dCi (130 Hp)

The Renault Espace V 1.6 dCi (130 Hp): A European Crossover-Minivan Hybrid (2015-2018)

The Renault Espace V 1.6 dCi (130 Hp) represents the fifth generation of Renault’s pioneering Espace line, a vehicle that redefined the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment in Europe. Launched in 2015 and produced through 2018 for this specific powertrain variant, the Espace V marked a significant departure from its predecessors. Moving away from the traditional boxy minivan aesthetic, Renault repositioned the Espace as a more stylish, crossover-inspired vehicle, blending the practicality of an MPV with the visual appeal and higher ride height associated with sport utility vehicles (SUVs). This strategic shift aimed to keep the Espace relevant in a European market increasingly dominated by crossovers, while still offering the spaciousness and versatility that families expected from the Espace nameplate. Although never officially sold in the United States, the Renault Espace V played a crucial role in the competitive European family car segment, offering a compelling package of efficiency, comfort, and distinctive design.

Engine & Performance: The Efficient 1.6 dCi Powertrain

At the heart of this particular Renault Espace V variant lies its efficient 1.6-liter dCi (diesel Commonrail Injection) engine, designated with the internal code R9M. This inline four-cylinder powerplant, featuring 16 valves (four per cylinder), was developed to deliver a balance of usable power and impressive fuel economy, crucial for the European market. With an engine displacement of 1598 cm³ (97.52 cu. in.), it generates a respectable 130 horsepower at 4000 rpm. More significantly, the engine produces a robust 236.02 lb.-ft. of torque, available from a low 1750 rpm, which is vital for hauling a family vehicle and its cargo. This early torque delivery, aided by a turbocharger and intercooler, ensures strong acceleration from a standstill and flexible in-gear performance.

Power is directed to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, providing the driver with direct control over the engine’s output. This powertrain configuration allows the Espace V 1.6 dCi (130 Hp) to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a competitive 10.2 seconds, with a top speed of 118.68 mph. Despite its size and capabilities, the vehicle boasts excellent fuel efficiency figures for its class: an estimated 46.1 US mpg in urban driving, 58.8 US mpg on the highway, and a combined average of 53.5 US mpg. These figures underscore the effectiveness of the dCi engine and its adherence to the Euro 6 b emission standard, with CO2 emissions rated at 116 g/km, making it an environmentally conscious choice in its segment.

Design & Features of the Renault Espace V

The fifth-generation Renault Espace represented a bold stylistic evolution. Its design moved away from the traditional “one-box” minivan silhouette, adopting a more dynamic and sculpted form factor that Renault described as a “crossover-minivan.” This aesthetic included a higher waistline, larger wheels, and a more prominent grille, giving it a commanding presence on the road. The body type is officially categorized as both a Minivan and a Crossover, reflecting its dual nature. With five doors and seating for five passengers as standard in this configuration (though 7-seat options were available for the Espace V line), it retained the core family-hauling practicality of its predecessors.

Dimensionally, the Espace V is a substantial vehicle, measuring 191.22 inches in length, 74.33 inches in width (83.78 inches including mirrors), and 66.02 inches in height, with a generous wheelbase of 113.54 inches. This expansive footprint translates into a spacious interior and a remarkable cargo capacity. The trunk offers a minimum of 24.01 cubic feet of space, which can be expanded to a cavernous 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it highly versatile for carrying luggage, sports equipment, or furniture. The vehicle’s kerb weight stands at 3575.9 lbs., contributing to a stable and comfortable ride.

Key technical features include a robust drivetrain architecture where the internal combustion engine drives the front wheels. The suspension system comprises an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar at the front, paired with a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension, designed to offer a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling. Braking is handled by ventilated discs measuring 320 mm at the front and solid discs measuring 290 mm at the rear, augmented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The electric power steering system provides light and responsive handling, making the large vehicle manageable in urban environments. Standard tires are 235/60 R18, mounted on 18-inch wheel rims, further contributing to its assertive stance.

Technical Specifications: Renault Espace V 1.6 dCi (130 Hp)

Legacy & Market Impact of the Renault Espace V

The Renault Espace V, particularly the 1.6 dCi (130 Hp) variant, carved out a distinct niche in the European automotive landscape. Its “crossover-minivan” concept was a direct response to the shifting preferences of family buyers, who were increasingly gravitating towards SUVs for their perceived style, ride height, and ruggedness, often at the expense of pure practicality. The Espace V attempted to offer the best of both worlds: the elevated driving position and bolder styling of a crossover, combined with the unparalleled interior space and modularity that had long been the hallmark of the Espace name.

In its primary European market, the Espace V faced competition from a diverse range of vehicles. Traditional minivans like the Ford S-Max, Volkswagen Sharan, and SEAT Alhambra offered similar levels of practicality, while larger SUVs such as the Skoda Kodiaq or Peugeot 5008 (which also transitioned from MPV to SUV) vied for the same family audience. The Espace V distinguished itself with its avant-garde design, high-quality interior materials, and a focus on comfort and technology. The 1.6 dCi engine, in particular, was lauded for its exceptional fuel economy and low emissions, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and corporate fleets in regions with high diesel fuel taxes.

Its reputation centered on being a comfortable long-distance cruiser, a practical family hauler, and a stylish alternative to more conventional offerings. While it didn’t ignite the same sales frenzy as some of its SUV competitors, it successfully maintained the Espace’s heritage as an innovator and a leader in family transportation design. For the North American market, the Espace V remained an intriguing “what if,” as Renault had withdrawn from the U.S. consumer market decades prior, and the minivan segment itself was in decline, being replaced by larger SUVs and three-row crossovers. However, its influence on global automotive design, particularly in demonstrating how traditional segments could evolve to meet changing consumer tastes, remains a significant part of its legacy.