Renault Design Chief Says Espace MPV will be Replaced by a Large Crossover

Europe's first modern-day minivan (there had been previous attempts like the 1956 Fiat 600 Mulitpla) will soon be put to rest, at least in its current form, according to Renault design chief, Laurens van den Acker, who told Autonews Europe that the French carmaker will replace the Espace with a crossover model combining styling and practical elements from SUVs and MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicle).

What this means is that the Espace's successor will attempt to keep the interior spaciousness and practicality of the current model while placing it under a more SUV-like body with a higher driving position.

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Renault Confirms New Versions of the Laguna, Espace and Scenic

While PSA is announcing the closing of one factory after the other, local rivals Renault are doing nothing of the sort. In fact, Renault announced that it will be investing €420 ($542) million for the preparation of the Douai factory, in France, for the production of no fewer than five different cars at the same time. Three of them have been announced for 2014: the all-new Laguna, Espace and Scenic. Read more »

2013 Renault Espace Minivan gets a Little Nip and Tuck

French carmaker Renault plans to extend the life of its fourth generation Espace MPV for at least a year or so with a minor update that brings its front-end styling in line with the rest of the brand while also improving the 7-seater model's environmental and fuel economy credentials.

On the outside, the 2013 Espace adopts Renault’s new styling identity up front with a more prominent and upright logo set against a new broad black grille bar with chrome trim, and a newly styled bumper. The only other change on the exterior is the introduction of new alloy wheel designs.

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Renault Gives Espace People Carrier Another Light Makeover

Nine years is a long time to stay in the market with the same model but Renault does not seem ready to replace its Espace full-size minivan yet, the fourth generation of which has been with us since 2003.

Instead, the French carmaker is polishing up the Espace with another subtle facelift, some two years after it refreshed MPV's exterior styling and engine range.

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