The Renault Espace is a passenger vehicle in the MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) segment and is widely regarded as the first European minivan. Originally designed in 1970 by British designer Fergus Pollock, a graduate of the Royal College of Art, the Espace pioneered a new class of family vehicles. While other manufacturers didn’t enter this segment until the 1990s, the Espace established a strong market presence early on, benefiting from the extensive experience of its creators.
The official debut of the Renault Espace took place in 1984, with production entrusted to Matra (Mécanique Aviation Traction). The initial engine lineup included the R4 2.0L and R4 2.2L units. A facelift followed in 1988, and the second generation was introduced in 1991. This version featured more aerodynamic body lines, advanced safety systems, an optional automatic transmission, and a broader range of engines. Competitors such as the Citroën Evasion and Peugeot 806 entered the market a few years later.
The third generation launched in 1997, showcasing a futuristic design and earning a four-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests—one of its standout features. It was also the last Espace model produced by Matra.
The fourth-generation Renault Espace was introduced in 2002 and marked the first model to be entirely designed and manufactured by Renault. Its steel body is 90% recyclable, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. This generation achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, making it the first MPV to receive the highest score. A facelift followed in 2006, and a larger Grand Espace version was also made available. The most powerful version, equipped with a 3.5L engine, uses 225/55 R17 tyres.
The fifth-generation Renault Espace debuted in 2014, transitioning from a traditional MPV to an E-segment crossover. Factory tyre sizes for this generation include 195/65 R15 and 225/60 R16, with optional sizes such as 205/60 R15, 215/55 R16, and 225/55 R16 also available.