Renault Espace V (Phase II ) 2.0 Blue dCi (160 Hp) EDC

The Renault Espace V (Phase II, 2020) 2.0 Blue dCi (160 Hp) EDC: A European Crossover MPV

The Renault Espace, a name synonymous with the European Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment for decades, underwent a significant transformation with its fifth generation, introduced in 2015. The model under scrutiny here is the Renault Espace V (Phase II, 2020) 2.0 Blue dCi (160 Hp) EDC, representing the mid-cycle refresh of this pivotal vehicle. While never officially sold in the United States, the Espace holds an iconic status in Europe, having pioneered the modern MPV concept in the 1980s. For its fifth iteration, Renault boldly reimagined the Espace, blending the practicality of a minivan with the dynamic styling and elevated ride height of a crossover SUV. This strategic shift aimed to adapt to evolving consumer preferences that increasingly favored SUVs over traditional people carriers. The Phase II refresh, launched in October 2020, brought subtle but impactful updates to design, technology, and powertrain options, maintaining its relevance in a highly competitive European market.

Positioned as a premium offering in its segment, the Espace V (Phase II) continued to cater to families and individuals seeking a versatile, comfortable, and stylish vehicle capable of long journeys. The 2.0 Blue dCi (160 Hp) EDC variant, produced from late 2020 to early 2022, was a key powertrain option, emphasizing efficiency and refinement, characteristics highly valued by European buyers. This particular model combines a powerful yet economical diesel engine with a smooth automatic transmission, underscoring Renault’s commitment to delivering a sophisticated driving experience with reduced environmental impact, especially pertinent given the stringent Euro 6 d-TEMP emission standards it met.

Engine & Performance: The 2.0 Blue dCi (160 Hp) EDC Powertrain

At the heart of the Renault Espace V (Phase II, 2020) 2.0 Blue dCi (160 Hp) EDC lies a robust and efficient 2.0-liter (1997 cm³, or 121.86 cubic inches) inline-four Blue dCi diesel engine. Coded M9R 650, this powerplant is a testament to modern diesel engineering, featuring a turbocharger and intercooler for optimized air intake, and a common rail direct fuel injection system for precise fuel delivery. This configuration allows the engine to produce a respectable 160 horsepower at 3750 revolutions per minute, translating to a power output of approximately 80.1 horsepower per liter. More significantly for a vehicle of this size and intended use, the engine generates a substantial 265.52 lb.-ft. (360 Nm) of torque, available from a low 1500 rpm. This ample low-end torque is crucial for effortless acceleration, strong pulling power, and relaxed highway cruising, even when the vehicle is fully loaded or towing.

Power is delivered to the front wheels via a sophisticated 6-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission. This gearbox is renowned for its smooth and rapid shifts, contributing to both driving comfort and fuel efficiency. The combination of the responsive diesel engine and the quick-shifting EDC transmission allows the Espace to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 10 seconds (0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds), with a top speed of 124.27 mph (200 km/h).

Fuel economy is a strong suit for this Blue dCi variant, a critical factor in the European market. The combined fuel consumption is rated at an impressive 46.1 US mpg (5.1 liters per 100 km). Urban driving yields approximately 41.3 US mpg (5.7 l/100 km), while extra-urban cycles can achieve up to 49 US mpg (4.8 l/100 km). These figures, coupled with CO2 emissions of 135 g/km, highlight the vehicle’s commitment to environmental responsibility, meeting the stringent Euro 6 d-TEMP emission standard. This is further aided by the inclusion of a particulate filter and an AdBlue tank (5.81 US gallons / 22 liters) for NOx reduction, demonstrating Renault’s advanced emissions control technology. With a 16.38 US gallon (62 liter) fuel tank, the Espace offers a considerable driving range, perfect for continental European journeys.

Design & Features: Blending Versatility with Style

The fifth-generation Renault Espace, including the Phase II refresh, marks a radical departure from its predecessors’ purely minivan aesthetic. It embraces a “crossover” design philosophy, combining the spaciousness and practicality of an MPV with the rugged styling cues and elevated stance of an SUV. This particular model, designated as a minivan-crossover, features a five-door body and a comfortable five-seat configuration. Its exterior dimensions are substantial, measuring 191.3 inches (4859 mm) in length, 74.33 inches (1888 mm) in width (83.78 inches or 2128 mm including mirrors), and a height ranging from 66.18 to 67.36 inches (1681-1711 mm), depending on trim and suspension settings. The generous 113.54-inch (2884 mm) wheelbase contributes to a stable ride and expansive interior volume.

Inside, the Espace V (Phase II) prioritizes comfort, technology, and versatility. The cabin is designed to feel airy and premium, with high-quality materials and thoughtful ergonomics. Despite its five-seat layout, the Espace offers exceptional cargo capacity, with a minimum trunk space of 27.72 cubic feet (785 liters), which can expand to a cavernous 74.2 cubic feet (2101 liters) with the rear seats folded. This flexibility makes it ideal for large families, active lifestyles, or transporting bulky items.

Key features for the 2020 model year included advanced infotainment systems, driver-assistance technologies, and signature Renault design elements. The exterior received subtle updates in the Phase II, such as revised headlights and taillights, new wheel designs (standard 235/60 R18 tires on 18-inch rims), and refreshed front and rear bumpers to enhance its contemporary appeal. Safety systems are comprehensive, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard, complemented by robust front (ventilated discs, 320 mm) and rear (disc, 290 mm) brakes. The independent McPherson front suspension ensures a comfortable and composed ride, while electric power steering provides light and precise control. The vehicle’s kerb weight stands at 3902.18 lbs (1770 kg), with a maximum permissible weight of 5630.61 lbs (2554 kg), allowing for a substantial maximum load of 1728.42 lbs (784 kg). It also boasts impressive towing capabilities, rated at 4409.25 lbs (2000 kg) with brakes and 1653.47 lbs (750 kg) without brakes.

Technical Specifications

Legacy & Market Impact

The Renault Espace, particularly its fifth generation, represents a pivotal moment in the brand’s history and its adaptation to a shifting automotive landscape. From its inception in 1984, the Espace was a trailblazer, essentially inventing the European MPV segment and offering unparalleled practicality and modularity. However, by the 2010s, the traditional MPV market was in decline, overshadowed by the surging popularity of SUVs and crossovers. Renault’s audacious decision to transform the Espace into a crossover-MPV hybrid for its fifth generation, rather than discontinuing it, was a bold gamble that largely paid off in its primary markets.

The Renault Espace V (Phase II, 2020) 2.0 Blue dCi (160 Hp) EDC, with its blend of SUV aesthetics, generous interior space, and car-like driving dynamics, found its niche among European buyers who still valued the versatility of a large family vehicle but desired a more contemporary and stylish package than a conventional minivan. Its competitors in Europe included other large MPVs that had also adopted crossover elements, such as the Ford S-Max/Galaxy, Volkswagen Sharan/Touran, and Peugeot 5008 (which itself fully transitioned to an SUV). The Espace stood out with its distinctive design language, premium interior ambiance, and sophisticated powertrain options like the efficient Blue dCi diesel.

The 2.0 Blue dCi (160 Hp) EDC variant specifically contributed to the Espace’s reputation for long-distance comfort and impressive fuel economy, making it a popular choice for families undertaking extensive road trips across the continent. Its adherence to Euro 6 d-TEMP emission standards also ensured its viability in increasingly regulated urban environments. While its production run concluded in January 2022, marking the end of the Espace as a distinct model before its reintroduction as a stretched version of the Austral SUV in 2023, the Phase II of the Espace V remains a significant chapter. It showcased Renault’s ability to innovate and adapt, delivering a vehicle that bridged the gap between two popular segments and maintained the Espace’s legacy of family-focused transportation with a modern twist. Its market impact solidified Renault’s presence in the upper-midsize segment, offering a compelling alternative to both traditional people movers and burgeoning SUV lineups.