2015 Renault Espace... Look at it!
2015 Renault Espace... Look at it!
Author
Discussion

TWPC

Original Poster:

904 posts

191 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
quotequote all
The new Renault Espace looks rather amazing but won't be coming to the UK...

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/renault/espace/88717/...

More detail on the Car website:

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/F...

I have a bugbear about the opportunity missed by car makers unwilling to produce a good looking MPV (i.e. one that doesn't look like a fridge & may look something like a SUV) on the most space- & fuel-efficient platform (FWD monocoque, transverse engine).

Given these constraints, we have a current Volvo XC90 (yawn, but MPV space, doesn't look like an Indesit & is very comfy). If Renault were to import this Espace to the UK I honestly think we would consider buying one to replace the XC90.

I don't like the shallowness of the windows and am sceptical about the large wheels but the concept of a good looking, properly spacious, 7 seat, FWD MPV that is not hampered by the need to accommodate 4WD is absolutely bang on.

Edited by TWPC on Thursday 25th September 15:30

panholio

1,109 posts

178 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
quotequote all
I can see why they aren't bringing it to the UK. Looks great but it wouldn't sell.

Everyone buys an M Class/ X5/ Q7 on PCP or lease.

Or a Qashqai.

Negative Creep

26,095 posts

257 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
quotequote all
Might as well be a 4x4 considering the ground clearance and those stupidly oversize wheels. Anyone see a bit of the old Citroen C4 in the rear end?

Fast Bug

13,594 posts

191 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
quotequote all
It's due over here in 2016

TWPC

Original Poster:

904 posts

191 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
quotequote all
Fast Bug said:
It's due over here in 2016
Really? How do you know?

Bill

58,709 posts

285 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
quotequote all
Looks like an SMax.

Fast Bug

13,594 posts

191 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
quotequote all
TWPC said:
Fast Bug said:
It's due over here in 2016
Really? How do you know?
Because I'm clever biggrin

That and I was told by someone in the know

TWPC

Original Poster:

904 posts

191 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
quotequote all
Fast Bug said:
TWPC said:
Fast Bug said:
It's due over here in 2016
Really? How do you know?
Because I'm clever biggrin

That and I was told by someone in the know
Ah! Good to hear!

flatso

1,365 posts

159 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
quotequote all
Dissapointing! Spme of us actually want real vans/ minivans. This posing into something you are actually not is a joke. Families need space, practicality and generally a vehicle that will make life easier. Roomy minivans like the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey it seems are reserved for the americans. In europe we are stuck with pseudo/ crossover turds with no sliding doors, no usable trunk space when the third row of seats are up and dishonest looks. The alternative is looking into the way overpriced delivery vand ala VW T5 or the V-Klasse from Mercedes. I sincerely hope this flops so that Renault can get back to building minivans.

wildcat45

8,160 posts

219 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
quotequote all

I kind of get what you are saying. The original Espace which is now a 30 year old design by the way was a very practical car.

By the way, to a lot of Brits a Minivan is anything but spacious.

Atmospheric

5,346 posts

238 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
quotequote all
French designs have always been great; its the build quality that sets them back, especially Renault. Hopefully it will be built well enough to back up its looks.

mellowman

352 posts

278 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
quotequote all
I agree! Too lifestyle for me, I'm afraid.

I want a comfy MPV that I can take out seats (without the help of a mate) to fit in a motorbike, or small furniture, with sliding doors.

A while back I was hoping to be impressed with the new-shape Chrysler Voyager until I drove it and couldn't live with that awful tractor-like diesel engine.

I had a VW T4 Multivan that was great, being as versatile as a van, but with a bit of luxury and a great boot, even fully laden with people. It didn't have airbags, ABS or air con so no good for family use. The later T5s are too luxurious and expensive.

flatso said:
Dissapointing! Spme of us actually want real vans/ minivans. This posing into something you are actually not is a joke. Families need space, practicality and generally a vehicle that will make life easier. Roomy minivans like the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey it seems are reserved for the americans. In europe we are stuck with pseudo/ crossover turds with no sliding doors, no usable trunk space when the third row of seats are up and dishonest looks. The alternative is looking into the way overpriced delivery vand ala VW T5 or the V-Klasse from Mercedes. I sincerely hope this flops so that Renault can get back to building minivans.

Urban Sports

11,321 posts

233 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
quotequote all
Looks st and will be st.

Atmospheric

5,346 posts

238 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
quotequote all
US.Make sure you never sit on the fence, ok? hehe

skyrover

12,700 posts

234 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
quotequote all
flatso said:
Dissapointing! Spme of us actually want real vans/ minivans. This posing into something you are actually not is a joke. Families need space, practicality and generally a vehicle that will make life easier. Roomy minivans like the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey it seems are reserved for the americans. In europe we are stuck with pseudo/ crossover turds with no sliding doors, no usable trunk space when the third row of seats are up and dishonest looks.
Indeed... this is a mini-van



as is this


flatso

1,365 posts

159 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
quotequote all
skyrover said:
Indeed... this is a mini-van



as is this

The Kia actually looks pretty good, which isen't necessarily a main buying argument for a minivan. The new S-Max is also out soon, too bad that the sliding doors are not something the european market deserves.