For him new Espace, Renault decided to take over the base Australian. Finished silhouette family minivan, a design that was no longer popular with customers in the D segment. The Espace is now a true SUV, affordable 5 and 7 seats depending on the configuration.

But while the family model inherits all aspects of the Austral, the engine choices are different. The Espace VI will only be offered with one engine at launch, while its younger sibling has opted for three different engines. The latter does start with a 3 cyl. Full hybrid E-Tech with 200 hpand two classic essences: a 3 cyl. soft hybrid Advanced 48V from 130 hp in a manual transmission and a 4 cyl. soft hybrid 12V with 160 hp in an automatic transmission. For the Espace, Renault decided to offer only a hybrid gasoline unit with a capacity of 200 hp. But is this a good strategy? What about the competition?

Only one engine is available at launch

This is the sixth generation Espace takesFull hybrid E-Tech with a capacity of 200 hpinaugurated together withSouthern. But what about the details? Behind this scientific name actually hides a classic thermal block associated with several light electric motors. A 1.2-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged small-block gasoline engine is under development 130 horsepowerand suggestions Torque 205 Nm. Then the magic works with the installation of two homemade electric motors from 50 kW (70 hp), which allow driving on 100% electricity at low speed. They are powered by a large 400 V battery (Lithium-ion battery for 2 kWh) placed on the floor. The new CMF-CD modular platform of the Renault-Nissan Alliance provides enough space to accommodate such a battery. Finally, a secondary electric motor HSG (High voltage starter-generator 25 hp and 50 Nm), integrated into the thermoblock, optimizes and assists with starting and shifting gears. Very useful for saving a few precious liters per 100 km. This hybrid cavalry is associated with a 7-speed automatic transmission (with dogs), and allows, according to Renault, to consume 4.6 l/100 km according to the WLTP standard. Figures that we will, of course, test in the AutoPlus lab. With its own tank 55 liters and his 1.587 kg on the scale (up to 1698 kg in 7 seats and a higher finish), Renault also announces almost Range of 1100 km.

Why this unique hybrid unit?

With this hybrid engine, Diamond engineers interviewed at the Espace presentation are unanimous. According to them, this is the best possible compromise for both display a very reasonable consumption for this size but also provide a dynamic driving. We will also confirm these comments from today until the trials planned for the summer! Renault also claims that this engine is the most economical alternative to diesel units, which, we remind you, are absent in the Austral and Espace lines. To develop your engine E-Tech Full Hybrid, the French manufacturer also requisitioned its best engineers in charge of the group’s diesel technology. Thanks to the electric motors, Renault claims that 80% of driving time in the city will be spent on electricity alone, and thanks to the integrated hybridization, it will save up to 40% on fuel.

How much is this full hybrid E-Tech unit on the Renault Austral?

As mentioned above, this hybrid gasoline unit was inaugurated Renault Australia. Criticized in the beginning for an unreliable gearbox and an engine that was sometimes too loud, Diamond engineers say that all the problems in this Espace have been fixed. The dog box took a few jolts and wobbled when the right pedal was suddenly pressed, often leaving a noticeable “half” despite the advertised 200hp. Renault explains this by the fact that the box strives for maximum efficiency, at the expense of raw power. From now on, when the acceleration is frank, all 200 hp are really felt, allowing for more dynamic driving. It remains to be seen whether this will be felt in motion. On Austral (similar weight from 1694 kg) 200 hp. allow you to reach the maximum speed measured by our laboratory at 178 km/h, and the real combined consumption is 6.4 l/100 km, discharged batteries. Consumption in the city even falls to 6 l/100 kma good result against the 8.4 l/100 shown on Citroen C5 Aircross and Peugeot 3008. Logically, consumption with a space should be closer to these values.

What does the competition offer?

• Peugeot 5008

Its direct competitor, the largest model from Peugeot, offers only two identical engines from 130 hp on gasoline or diesel (PureTech BVM6 or EAT8 and BlueHDi in EAT8). THE 5008 will be renewed next year, Leo is preparing a model also equipped with a 48V hybrid engine. 5008 is available from 36,220 euros in ActivePack.

• Skoda Kodiaq

THE Skoda Kodiaq available with several engines: 150 hp/ 245 hp essentially and 150 hp/ 200 hp in diesel. The model is available from 37,190 euros with 1.5 TSI 150 hp. in the 7-seat version.

• Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

THE Tiguan All Space equipped with a gasoline unit with a capacity of 150 hp. and two diesel engines with a capacity of 150 hp. and 200 hp It starts with 48,200 euros with Life Plus coverage.

The new Renault Espace will be available this summer

The French manufacturer has not yet announced prices for its new large family SUV. As a reminder, the Austral is currently available with a 200 hp hybrid engine. 41,500 euros. With its unique engine and three trim levels (Techno, Esprit Alpine and Iconic), the Espace should logically start at a price close to that amount. The final prices must be known fromApril is the month here for marketing by this summer!