RENAULT

Espace Hybrid Esprit Alpine: now a modern hybrid SUV

It happened first with the Scenic, and then with the Espace. The two emblematic Renault models in the minivan segment, launched in the 1980s, have transformed, keeping up with the times, into something among the untouchable SUVs. But that was almost three years ago.

In fact, even before reaching that milestone, Renault had already updated what should now be considered its top-of-the-line SUV, alongside the Rafale. It is the largest (4.75 meters) and the most expensive, with prices starting at just over €40,000. In our case, we will analyze what the intermediate version, Esprit Alpine, offers, equipped with the only engine available in the line: the 200-horsepower E-Tech full hybrid.

This version, the sportiest in the range, has a price €2,700 higher. In addition to the more dynamic design, the Espace Esprit Alpine offers 4Control rear-wheel steering (making it more maneuverable), an exclusive steering wheel... and little else, except for access to more options unavailable on the base model (for example, a large sunroof with variable opacity).

The facelift that the Espace (which, remember, is manufactured in Palencia) is now debuting modifies the front with the new design language of French SUVs, where its original grille stands out with a pattern formed by diamonds and arrow-shaped daytime running lights located in the corners, much more elegant than the previous ones.

Inside, the changes are minor. The two R-Link screens remain, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12-inch vertical main monitor, with a major advantage: the integration of Google Maps and its services. In addition, the center console offers ample storage space.

The details that have been improved in this latest update refer, for example, to the inclusion of a button to customize the performance of the assistance systems (disabling, for example, those with the most irritating audible alerts) and a camera on the inside of the A-pillar that allows driver recognition and the configuration of their personal preferences.

Fortunately, the Renault Espace has not completely lost the identity it had when it was launched as a family vehicle that won over European and Spanish families. It is true that minivans as we knew them have disappeared, but at least it retains some of their virtues.

The fact that the second row of seats still slides (with a 22 cm track) is a great advantage for those who need a spacious car. The legroom in the rear is more than noticeable, even with the seat in the middle position. And in the most rearward position...it's like sitting in the emergency exit row of an airplane. Enormous.

The trunk offers 520 liters of space with five seats in use and 212 liters with seven seats, but the latter... are complicated. As the seats are adjustable, occupants will have more or less legroom, but access is difficult because the space is limited and requires some contortion.

Headroom isn't the best (in fact, the back of the head is quite close to the rear door), but occupants will at least have a cup holder and USB ports to charge their cell phones.

There's only one option: full hybrid...Renault decided to equip the Espace exclusively with the 200-horsepower E-Tech Full Hybrid gasoline engine, combined with a multi-mode automatic transmission (developed based on the French brand's experience in Formula 1). It is, naturally, a conventional hybrid that recharges during driving — through braking and deceleration — and offers a high percentage of electric driving, especially in urban environments.

It's not an explosive engine (although 200 hp might seem like a lot, it's not)... nor does it need to be. It compensates with a better argument: its smooth operation (although this is only true if you're careful with the accelerator). Even if you feel the transitions between the electric motor being on and off, they are controllable and the noise level is quite low.

And, above all, it offers quite moderate fuel consumption for this type of car. In the city, it's very easy to get below six liters per 100 kilometers, and on the highway, at legal speeds, we're talking about just over seven (at least without cargo or passengers), which isn't bad for this type of car.

The Espace offers several driving modes. The Eco mode, in our opinion, is too restrictive (especially with the accelerator pedal) in a car of this size that requires a certain vigor, so we usually opt for Comfort mode. The following modes, Sport and Personal, will be used less.

As a negative point, an important aspect is the brake sensitivity, always a difficult point to adjust in a hybrid model. In the case of the Espace, it's not that there's a lack of power to stop the car—there is power—but the feeling of the system is not ideal for city driving, with its constant stops.

Since the initial pedal travel practically doesn't affect the brakes and then, almost without transition, braking begins, it's difficult to modulate the force, which generates discomfort and harms its overall evaluation. Dynamically, it's a car geared towards comfort, although its chassis effectively controls body roll and doesn't make it feel heavy.

Overall, the Espace made a very positive impression on us, especially regarding its long-distance travel capabilities and, why not say it, because its price isn't exorbitant (considering the general inflation the market is experiencing). Of course, in this scenario, a diesel engine would have been perfect, but... that's a bit much...

Autonews