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Photo of a Renault Espace

Renault Espace

A seven-seat living room: the 1984 Espace had removable rear seats and 180° swiveling front chairs.12

Researched November 9, 2026 from 30 sources

Also called

  • UDORenault's 'unidentified driving object' label for the first Espace when its MPV format was unveiled in 1983.1
  • dessin orangeMatra's early Espace study: both the prototype and the background of its drawing were orange.3

At a glance

0150300
87–242 hpPower
01020
7.6–16.1 s0–100 km/h
0125250
160–225 km/hTop speed
0200400
162–400 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,195–2,010 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.46141517

Engine
I: 2.0–2.2 L; IV: 3.5 L V6; V: 1.6–2.0 L; E-Tech: 1.2 L hybrid41314
Gearbox
5/6-speed manuals; 4–7-speed automatics; E-Tech: multi-mode dogbox4131415
Built at
Romorantin, Sandouville and Douai, France; Palencia, Spain413
Units built
About 1.17 million across generations by the end of 200816

The story

Matra and Chrysler UK conceived a Rancho replacement; PSA rejected it and Renault adopted it. Named for the French word for 'space,' the Espace embodied Renault's 1983 voiture à vivre: a car for living.124

1984: Nine sales, then a 10,000-car breakthrough19841991: PRV V6 joins the second Espace19911994: Williams hardware in an Espace F119941996: Transverse engines for Espace III19962015: Espace V takes the crossover route20152017: Renault Sport's TCe 225 arrives20172023: Espace VI becomes a hybrid SUV20232025: Facelift brings a dimmable glass roof2025 Matra Rancho: 1977–1984Matra RanchoRenault Espace I (J11): 1984–1991J11Renault Espace II (J63): 1991–1997J63Renault Espace III (JE0): 1996–2002JE0Renault Espace IV (J81): 2002–2015J81Renault Espace V (JFC): 2015–2023JFC 19801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones12346814151722
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1977–1984Matra Rancho
1984–1991Renault Espace I (J11)
1991–1997Renault Espace II (J63)
1996–2002Renault Espace III (JE0)
2002–2015Renault Espace IV (J81)
2015–2023Renault Espace V (JFC)
1984Nine sales, then a 10,000-car breakthrough
1991PRV V6 joins the second Espace
1994Williams hardware in an Espace F1
1996Transverse engines for Espace III
2015Espace V takes the crossover route
2017Renault Sport's TCe 225 arrives
2023Espace VI becomes a hybrid SUV
2025Facelift brings a dimmable glass roof
  1. 1984

    Nine sales, then a 10,000-car breakthrough

    Just nine sold in July; sales passed 10,000 by March 1985. The first Espace was 4,250 mm long, with a longitudinally mounted engine.56

  2. 1991

    PRV V6 joins the second Espace

    The second Espace brought a 2,849 cc PRV V6. Quadra four-wheel drive was restricted to the 2.2 L gasoline four-cylinder.4

  3. 1994

    Williams hardware in an Espace F1

    The October Paris show car used Williams FW14 rear hardware. Eric Bernard and Alain Prost later took guests for rides.7

  4. 1996

    Transverse engines for Espace III

    Matra built the third generation with transverse engines. The Grand Espace followed in January 1998, stretching length from 4,517 to 4,787 mm.8

  5. 2015

    Espace V takes the crossover route

    The fifth generation combined crossover styling with 4CONTROL four-wheel steering. Renault had no plans for a right-hand-drive UK version.19

  6. 2017

    Renault Sport's TCe 225 arrives

    Renault Sport developed the new Espace gasoline engine: 225 hp and 300 Nm through a seven-speed automatic, replacing the TCe 200.10

  7. 2023

    Espace VI becomes a hybrid SUV

    The sixth Espace became an SUV with an E-Tech 200 hybrid. In a 1,990 km Techno test, actual fuel use averaged 6.7 L/100 km.41112

  8. 2025

    Facelift brings a dimmable glass roof

    The new front and rear came with a Solarbay roof that can dim nine separate sections. Updated software revised the multi-mode gearbox.13

Every generation

  • Matra Rancho
    Matra Rancho1977–1984
  • Renault Espace I
    J111984–1991
  • Renault Espace II
    J631991–1997
  • Renault Espace III
    JE01996–2002
  • Renault Espace IV
    J812002–2015
  • Renault Espace V
    JFC2015–2023

Power over the years

From 108 hp to 242 hp in 20 years.

0100200300 198519901995200020052010201520202025 hp 1984 · 108 hp · I 2.0 gasoline1988 · 118 hp · I 2.0 injection1991 · 151 hp · II 2.8 PRV V61996 · 168 hp · III 3.0 PRV V62000 · 191 hp · III 3.0 V6-242004 · 242 hp · IV 3.5 V6 Initiale2015 · 197 hp · V 1.6 TCe 2002017 · 225 hp · V Energy TCe 225 EDC2018 · 197 hp · V 2.0 Blue dCi 2002023 · 197 hp · VI E-Tech full hybrid 200 242 hp IV 3.5 V6 Initiale 108 hp I 2.0 gasoline
46891011141518
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1984108I 2.0 gasoline
1988118I 2.0 injection
1991151II 2.8 PRV V6
1996168III 3.0 PRV V6
2000191III 3.0 V6-24
2004242IV 3.5 V6 Initiale
2015197V 1.6 TCe 200
2017225V Energy TCe 225 EDC
2018197V 2.0 Blue dCi 200
2023197VI E-Tech full hybrid 200

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    I 2000 GTS / TSE / TXE / 2000-1

  • II RN / RT / RXE

    Standard

    II RN / RT / RXE

  • Standard

    III RTE / RXE / RXT / Initiale

  • Standard

    IV Expression / Privilège / Initiale / Carminat / Alyum

  • Standard

    V Zen / Intens / Initiale Paris

  • Techno / Esprit Alpine / Iconic

    Standard

    Techno / Esprit Alpine / Iconic

    2023

  • I / II Quadra

    Standard

    I / II Quadra

  • II V6

    Performance

    II V6

    1991–1996

    153 hp

  • Special

    II Cyclade / Helios / Alizé / Grand Écran

  • Special

    III 2001 / Fidji / Taylor-Made / The Race

  • Special

    I 2000-1 Connolly

    1990

  • IV Edition 25th

    Limited

    IV Edition 25th

    2009

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation (1984): a one-box silhouette with vast windows.1
  • Second generation: rounded edges and mirrors set in line with the top of the hood.1
  • Third generation: flowing bodywork, unusual mirrors and headlights shared with the Laguna.8
  • Fifth generation: lower crossover stance and C-shaped light signatures.1422
  • 2023 SUV: vertical grille slats and an extended, more upright rear distinguish it from the Austral.1220

Year by year

  1. 1988

    I gains backward-leaning headlights, clear indicators, a more prominent grille and a rounder tailgate with its handle below the plate.46

  2. 2006

    IV gains a new grille, chrome edging around the fog lights and rear lamps grouping the indicator and reversing-light sections.15

  3. 2010

    IV adds LED lighting and fully black mirrors.15

  4. 2012

    IV receives another redesigned nose, adopting Renault's updated family styling.415

  5. 2019–2020

    V gains Matrix LEDs, a slimmer grille and twin exhaust outlets; cabin gets a 9.3-inch center screen and 10.2-inch digital instruments.142223

  6. 2025

    Half-diamond daytime lights, tapered trapezoid headlights and tangram-pattern rear lamps mark the restyled Espace.13

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Renault Espace
    Espace
    Photo of a Renault Austral
    Renault Austral

    Renault Austral

    The 2023 Espace has vertical grille slats, a longer rear overhang and a more upright rear window area.1220

Prices

Value today $3.3K–$5.5K28

Price when newValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 1990200020102020 Value today: $3,300–$5,500 1984 · $12,414 · France TSE; approx. FRF8.74/$11985 · $13,189 · UK GTS; approx. £1=$1.301985 · $15,022 · UK TSE; approx. £1=$1.302015 · $38,850 · France Life dCi; approx. €1=$1.112017 · $45,878 · France base; approx. €1=$1.132022 · $53,445 · France base; approx. €1=$1.052023 · $48,060 · France Techno; approx. €1=$1.082023 · $51,300 · France Esprit Alpine; ~€1=$1.082023 · $53,460 · France Iconic; approx. €1=$1.08
510111422
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1984Price when new$12,414France TSE; approx. FRF8.74/$1
1985Price when new$13,189UK GTS; approx. £1=$1.30
1985Price when new$15,022UK TSE; approx. £1=$1.30
2015Price when new$38,850France Life dCi; approx. €1=$1.11
2017Price when new$45,878France base; approx. €1=$1.13
2022Price when new$53,445France base; approx. €1=$1.05
2023Price when new$48,060France Techno; approx. €1=$1.08
2023Price when new$51,300France Esprit Alpine; ~€1=$1.08
2023Price when new$53,460France Iconic; approx. €1=$1.08
2026Value today$3,300–$5,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “Sandouville's Espace scored 35.11 out of 37”
    • “Williams hardware, Prost and Bernard at the wheel”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 30 sources
  1. The Espace, the name of Renault's 7-seater family car for 40 years renaultgroup.com
  2. Renault Espace Mk1 buying guide, history and review - Octane Magazine octane-magazine.com
  3. Matra Rancho - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Renault Espace - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. 40 FACTS ABOUT THE RENAULT ESPACE by Andrew Roberts | Lancaster Insurance lancasterinsurance.co.uk
  6. Renault Espace I — Wikipédia fr.wikipedia.org
  7. Espace F1 - Renault Classic en.renaultclassic.com
  8. Renault Espace III — Wikipédia fr.wikipedia.org
  9. New Renault Espace 2015 review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  10. Introducing Renault ESPACE model 2017 with the new TCe 225 EDC petrol engine - Site media global de Renault media.renault.com
  11. Nouveau Renault Espace 5 et 7 places est proposé à partir de 44 500 euros - Site media global de Renault media.renault.com
  12. Essai Renault Espace hybride (2023) : notre verdict après 2 000 km - L'argus largus.fr
  13. New Renault Espace: a modernized design for the most efficient family hybrid on the market - Renault global media website media.renault.com
  14. Renault Espace V — Wikipédia fr.wikipedia.org
  15. Renault Espace IV — Wikipédia fr.wikipedia.org
  16. Espace „Edition 25th“: Luxuriös und elegant - Renault Deutschland Presse-Service presse.renault.de
  17. Renault Espace II — Wikipédia fr.wikipedia.org
  18. 2004 Renault Espace V6 3.5 In i t iale - Aguttes aguttes.com
  19. No reserve artcurial.com
  20. Al volante del Renault Espace 2023: Un siete plazas muy emocional caranddriver.com
  21. Renault Espace The Race - L'Auto-Journal autojournal.fr
  22. Un Renault Espace 5 en occasion : bonne idée ou catastrophe annoncée ? caradisiac.com
  23. The New Renault ESPACE, even more sophistication and technology - Renault global media website media.renault.com
  24. Philippe Guédon — Wikipédia fr.wikipedia.org
  25. 1987 Renault Espace 1 Turbo D artcurial.com
  26. No reserve artcurial.com
  27. Hot Wheels Is Making the V10-Powered Renault Espace F1 Minivan thedrive.com
  28. Et si vous achetiez un Renault Espace 1 ? - PDLV pdlv.fr
  29. Renault Espace 4 d'occasion : des affaires en or ? - L'argus largus.fr
  30. Cote Renault Espace : prix du marché · IAutos iautos.fr
  • renaultgroup.com
  • octane-magazine.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • lancasterinsurance.co.uk
  • fr.wikipedia.org
  • en.renaultclassic.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • media.renault.com
  • largus.fr
  • presse.renault.de
  • aguttes.com
  • artcurial.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • autojournal.fr

Photo credits

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