Renault Espace V (Phase II ) 2.0 BLUE dCi (189 Hp) 4CONTROL EDC

The Renault Espace V (Phase II, 2020): A European Minivan-Crossover Evolution

The Renault Espace has long been a pioneering nameplate in the European automotive landscape, initially defining the modern minivan segment in the 1980s. The fifth-generation Espace, introduced in 2014, marked a significant departure from its predecessors, transforming from a traditional, boxy minivan into a more stylish and dynamic vehicle that blended the practicality of a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with the contemporary appeal of a crossover. The Phase II refresh, launched in October 2020, further refined this concept, enhancing its technology, design, and powertrain options. This particular variant, the Renault Espace V (Phase II, 2020) 2.0 BLUE dCi (189 Hp) 4CONTROL EDC, represents a sophisticated and efficient offering tailored specifically for the European market, where it competes in a segment that values versatility, comfort, and fuel economy, particularly with diesel powertrains.

As a model not distributed in the United States, the Espace’s role in its primary European market is crucial. It caters to families and individuals seeking a spacious and flexible interior combined with a commanding driving position and a more assertive exterior design than conventional minivans. The Phase II update brought subtle but impactful changes, including updated LED lighting signatures, revised grille designs, and a more integrated infotainment system, ensuring the Espace remained competitive and appealing within its segment until its production concluded in April 2023.

Engine and Performance: The 2.0 BLUE dCi (189 Hp) 4CONTROL EDC Powertrain

At the heart of this specific Renault Espace V (Phase II, 2020) model lies a robust and efficient 2.0-liter BLUE dCi diesel engine, delivering a strong 189 horsepower at 3500 revolutions per minute (rpm). This engine is a cornerstone of Renault’s commitment to diesel efficiency and low emissions, meeting the stringent Euro 6d emission standards. The power output is complemented by an impressive torque figure of 400 Nm (295.02 pound-feet) available from a low 1750 rpm, providing excellent pulling power and responsiveness, particularly beneficial for a vehicle designed for family transport and highway cruising.

The 1997 cubic centimeter (121.86 cubic inch) inline-four engine, designated by the M9R code, features a common rail direct fuel injection system and is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler, optimizing both power delivery and fuel efficiency. With a weight-to-power ratio of 9.4 kg per horsepower (105.9 horsepower per tonne), the Espace offers respectable acceleration for its class, achieving 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 10.1 seconds and reaching a maximum speed of 128.62 mph (207 km/h). The engine’s oil capacity is 7.6 liters (8.03 US quarts).

Power is transmitted to the front wheels via an advanced 6-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission. This gearbox provides smooth and swift gear changes, contributing to both driving comfort and fuel economy. The integration of a Start & Stop system further enhances efficiency, automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary in traffic and restarting seamlessly when the driver is ready to move. A particulate filter is also standard, effectively reducing harmful emissions.

Fuel economy figures, measured under the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) cycle, highlight the Espace’s efficiency. The combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers, which translates to an impressive 37.9 US miles per gallon. Even under the more demanding urban conditions, the Espace achieves 30.5 US mpg (low speed WLTP) and 38.6 US mpg (medium speed WLTP), demonstrating its capability as an economical long-distance cruiser. CO2 emissions range from 162-173 g/km, reflecting its Euro 6d compliance.

Design and Features: Blending Form with Function

The Renault Espace V (Phase II, 2020) embodies a distinctive design philosophy that merges the practicality of a minivan with the rugged aesthetic of a crossover. Its body type is officially described as a “Minivan, Crossover,” reflecting its unique market positioning. With five doors and seating for five passengers, it offers ample space and easy access. The vehicle’s dimensions — a length of 191.26 inches (4858 mm), a width of 75.35 inches (1914 mm), and a height of 66.18 inches (1681 mm) — contribute to its imposing road presence while maintaining maneuverability.

Key design elements of the Phase II refresh include full LED Matrix Vision headlights, which provide superior illumination and a distinctive light signature, and a redesigned front grille that integrates seamlessly with the updated bumper. Inside, the Espace offers a refined cabin with high-quality materials and advanced technology. The central feature is often a large, vertically oriented touchscreen for the infotainment system, providing access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Digital instrumentation further enhances the modern cockpit feel.

One of the most significant technological features of this Espace variant is the 4CONTROL four-wheel steering system. This innovative system actively steers the rear wheels, improving agility at low speeds for easier parking and navigating tight urban environments, while enhancing stability and precision at higher speeds. This is a substantial differentiator in its segment, offering a dynamic driving experience atypical of a family-oriented vehicle of its size. The minimum turning circle is a remarkable 36.42 feet (11.1 meters), directly benefiting from the 4CONTROL system.

Practicality is paramount in the Espace. The trunk space is generous, ranging from 24.47 cubic feet (693 liters) with all seats in place to a cavernous 70.42 cubic feet (1994 liters) with the rear seats folded down, making it highly versatile for cargo and passenger needs. The vehicle also boasts a substantial maximum load capacity of 1726.22 pounds (783 kg) and a permitted trailer load with brakes of 4409.25 pounds (2000 kg), underscoring its utility.

Safety features are comprehensive, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard, along with a suite of driver-assistance systems typical of modern European vehicles, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, although specific details on these were not provided in the technical data. The Espace rides on 19-inch or optional 20-inch wheels, shod with tires sized 235/55 R19 or 255/45 R20, respectively, providing a comfortable yet composed ride. The suspension setup features ventilated discs at the front and disc brakes at the rear, ensuring effective stopping power.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact of the Renault Espace V (Phase II, 2020)

The Renault Espace holds a significant place in automotive history as one of the original European minivans, a segment it essentially created when it launched in 1984. The fifth generation, including the Phase II refresh, represents a bold evolution of this legacy. By transitioning from a pure minivan to a “Minivan, Crossover” hybrid, Renault adapted the Espace to changing consumer preferences, which increasingly favored the style and perceived robustness of SUVs and crossovers over traditional MPVs.

In the European market, the Renault Espace V (Phase II, 2020) faced stiff competition from a diverse range of vehicles. Traditional MPV rivals included the Volkswagen Sharan, Ford S-Max, and Seat Alhambra, while its crossover-like styling put it against larger family SUVs such as the Peugeot 5008, Skoda Kodiaq, and even its stablemate, the Renault Koleos. Despite this crowded field, the Espace carved out a niche with its distinctive styling, sophisticated 4CONTROL four-wheel steering system, and comfortable, technology-rich interior.

Its reputation as a comfortable, capable, and efficient long-distance cruiser, particularly with the 2.0 BLUE dCi engine, made it a popular choice for European families undertaking extensive travel. The innovative 4CONTROL system was a particular highlight, offering a level of driving dynamics and maneuverability rarely found in vehicles of its size, enhancing both safety and driver engagement.

The Espace V (Phase II) continued to demonstrate Renault’s engineering prowess and design ambition. While its production run concluded in 2023, paving the way for a new generation that further embraces the SUV identity, the fifth-generation model remains a testament to Renault’s willingness to reinvent its iconic nameplates to meet evolving market demands. It showcased how a vehicle could retain its core values of space and versatility while adopting a more contemporary and appealing form factor, leaving a notable mark on the European family car segment.