Renault Espace V (Phase II ) 1.8 TCe (225 Hp) 4CONTROL EDC FAP 7 Seat

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

The Renault Espace V (Phase II, 2020) represents the refreshed iteration of Renault’s fifth-generation Espace, a model that has significantly evolved from its roots as a pioneering European minivan. Unveiled in 2014, the fifth generation marked a radical departure, transforming the Espace from a traditional multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) into a more crossover-styled offering, blending the practicality of a minivan with the aesthetic appeal and higher driving position of an SUV. This specific variant, the 1.8 TCe (225 Hp) 4CONTROL EDC FAP 7 Seat, produced from February to November 2020, showcases a blend of performance, advanced technology, and family-oriented versatility, firmly establishing its role as a premium family hauler in the European market, where it is not offered in the United States.

The Espace has always been a benchmark for innovation in its segment, and the fifth generation, particularly its Phase II refresh, continued this legacy by integrating sophisticated powertrain options and driver-assistance systems. While the Espace nameplate is synonymous with people-moving in Europe, its modern interpretation as a sleek, seven-seat crossover speaks to evolving consumer preferences for more dynamic styling without sacrificing interior space or comfort.

Engine and Performance: Power and Efficiency in the Renault Espace V (Phase II, 2020)

At the heart of the Renault Espace V (Phase II, 2020) 1.8 TCe (225 Hp) 4CONTROL EDC FAP 7 Seat lies a robust 1.8-liter (1798 cm³) turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine, designated M5P 403. This powerplant is a testament to modern engine downsizing, delivering an impressive 225 horsepower at 5600 rpm and a substantial 221.27 lb.-ft. (300 Nm) of torque from a low 2000 rpm. The combination of direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler ensures both spirited performance and optimized fuel efficiency, generating 125.1 horsepower per liter, a strong figure for a family vehicle.

Power is channeled to the front wheels via Renault’s advanced 7-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission. This sophisticated gearbox provides rapid and smooth shifts, contributing significantly to the Espace’s dynamic character. Performance figures are quite respectable for a vehicle of its size and purpose: acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is achieved in an estimated 7.5 seconds, while the vehicle can reach a top speed of 139.19 mph (224 km/h). This level of performance ensures confident highway merging and comfortable cruising.

Despite its power output, the Espace strives for efficiency, adhering to the Euro 6 d-TEMP emission standard. The combined fuel economy is rated at 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers, which translates to approximately 30.9 US miles per gallon. This is achieved in part by the engine’s particulate filter (FAP), which helps reduce harmful emissions. The urban consumption is 9.9 L/100 km (23.8 US mpg), and extra-urban consumption is 6.3 L/100 km (37.3 US mpg), reflecting a balanced approach to performance and environmental responsibility.

Design and Features: Blending Style with Practicality

The fifth-generation Espace fundamentally reimagined the family vehicle. Moving away from the boxy proportions of traditional minivans, the Renault Espace V (Phase II, 2020) adopts a sleek, almost coupe-like profile, categorized as both a minivan and a crossover. Its exterior dimensions – 191.3 inches (4859 mm) in length, 74.33 inches (1888 mm) in width, and a height ranging from 65.98 to 67.36 inches (1676-1711 mm) – give it a commanding presence on the road. The extended wheelbase of 113.54 inches (2884 mm) is crucial for maximizing interior space and ride comfort.

Inside, the Espace offers a versatile 7-seat configuration, designed to accommodate larger families or those needing flexible cargo and passenger arrangements. The cabin is characterized by premium materials and a modern design, often featuring a large, vertically oriented infotainment screen. Storage solutions are plentiful, with a minimum trunk space of 25.39 cubic feet (719 liters) that expands to an impressive 71.87 cubic feet (2035 liters) with the rear seats folded, making it highly practical for luggage or larger items.

A standout feature of this particular Espace variant is the 4CONTROL all-wheel steering system. This technology enhances agility at low speeds, making parking and maneuvering in tight urban environments easier, while improving stability and handling at higher speeds. This sophisticated system, combined with electric power steering and an independent McPherson front suspension, contributes to a refined and engaging driving experience. Safety features include a robust braking system with ventilated discs at the front (320 mm) and solid discs at the rear (290 mm), complemented by ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard, reinforcing its credentials as a secure family vehicle.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact in Europe

The Renault Espace holds a significant place in automotive history, particularly in Europe, as the progenitor of the modern minivan segment. Its original launch in 1984, co-developed with Matra, revolutionized family transport by offering an unparalleled combination of space, modularity, and comfort. Over the decades, the Espace has consistently adapted to changing market trends, and the fifth generation’s shift to a crossover-minivan hybrid was a bold move by Renault to remain relevant in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs.

The Renault Espace V (Phase II, 2020), with its 1.8 TCe (225 Hp) 4CONTROL EDC FAP 7 Seat configuration, exemplified Renault’s strategy to infuse premium features and dynamic driving characteristics into a family-oriented vehicle. In its primary European market, the Espace competes with a diverse range of vehicles, including traditional large MPVs like the Volkswagen Sharan and Ford S-Max, as well as newer seven-seat crossovers such as the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq. Its unique blend of sleek design, comfortable ride, advanced powertrain, and the innovative 4CONTROL system allowed it to carve out a niche for discerning buyers seeking a sophisticated alternative to conventional family haulers.

While the Espace nameplate eventually concluded its run as a dedicated MPV/crossover in 2023, making way for a new SUV-based model, the fifth generation’s Phase II refresh represented a pinnacle of its evolution. It underscored Renault’s engineering prowess, demonstrating how a vehicle could offer generous interior space and family practicality without sacrificing style, technology, or driving pleasure. Its legacy is one of continuous innovation, adapting to consumer demands while maintaining its core identity as a spacious and comfortable vehicle, a standard-bearer for European family mobility for nearly four decades.