The Renault Espace VI 1.2 E-TECH (199 Hp) Full Hybrid represents the latest iteration of a vehicle with a significant history in the European market. Introduced in April 2023, this sixth-generation Espace departs from its predecessors’ minivan roots, transitioning into a modern, seven-seat SUV. While the Espace was never officially sold in the United States, it’s a prominent vehicle in Europe, known for its spaciousness, practicality, and innovative features. The Espace VI specifically emphasizes fuel efficiency and technology, leveraging a full hybrid powertrain and advanced systems like 4Control four-wheel steering.
Renault Espace VI: A Modern SUV
The Espace has undergone a dramatic transformation with the sixth generation. Historically a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) – a segment less popular in the US market – the Espace now competes in the SUV segment, appealing to a broader audience. This shift reflects changing consumer preferences towards larger, more versatile vehicles with a higher ride height. The Espace VI maintains the brand’s commitment to providing a comfortable and practical vehicle for families, now packaged in a more contemporary and stylish design.
Engine & Performance
Powering the Renault Espace VI 1.2 E-TECH is a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) system. This powertrain delivers a combined output of 199 horsepower and 230 Nm (169.64 lb.-ft.) of torque. The internal combustion engine itself produces 131 Hp at 5600 rpm, with a power-to-liter ratio of 109.3 Hp/l. The electric motor contributes 68 Hp and 205 Nm (151.2 lb.-ft.) of torque, integrated directly into the transmission.
The hybrid system utilizes a 2 kWh lithium-ion battery, providing a limited all-electric range for short distances and assisting the gasoline engine for improved fuel economy. The Espace VI can achieve speeds of up to 130 km/h (80.78 mph) in electric mode. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 8.8 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 8.4 seconds. The vehicle has a top speed of 174 km/h (108.12 mph). Fuel consumption figures, measured using the WLTP cycle, range from 4.6 to 4.9 l/100 km (51.1 to 48 US mpg), with CO2 emissions between 105 and 110 g/km.
Design & Features
The Renault Espace VI adopts a sleek SUV body style with five doors and seating for up to seven passengers. Its dimensions are 4722 mm (185.91 in) in length, 1843 mm (72.56 in) in width, and 1645 mm (64.76 in) in height. A key feature is the 4Control system, Renault’s advanced four-wheel steering technology, which enhances maneuverability at low speeds and stability at higher speeds.
Inside, the Espace VI offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The trunk space is highly versatile, ranging from 159 liters (5.62 cu. ft.) with all seats in use to a maximum of 1714 liters (60.53 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1698 kg (3743.45 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 2360 kg (5202.91 lbs). The Espace VI is designed to balance practicality with a modern aesthetic, offering a comfortable and technologically advanced driving experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Espace |
| Generation | Espace VI |
| Type | 1.2 E-TECH (199 Hp) Full Hybrid 4Control Multi-Mode 7 Seat |
| Start of production | April, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | FHEV (Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 3.8-4.5 l/100 km (61.9 – 52.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 4.2-4.4 l/100 km (56 – 53.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 5.6-5.8 l/100 km (42 – 40.6 US mpg) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 4.6-4.9 l/100 km (51.1 – 48 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 105-110 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 174 km/h (108.12 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d Full |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.4 kg/Nm |
| Gross battery capacity | 2 kWh |
| Battery voltage | 400 V |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery location | Below the floor, under the front seats |
| Max speed (electric) | 130 km/h (80.78 mph) |
| Electric motor power | 68 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 205 Nm (151.2 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor location | Integrated into the transmission |
| System power | 199 Hp |
| Power | 131 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1750 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine displacement | 1199 cm3 (73.17 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Cylinder Bore | 75.5 mm (2.97 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89.3 mm (3.52 in.) |
| Kerb Weight | 1698 kg (3743.45 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2360 kg (5202.91 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 159 l (5.62 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1714 l (60.53 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4722 mm (185.91 in.) |
| Width | 1843 mm (72.56 in.) |
| Height | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2738 mm (107.8 in.) |
The Renault Espace VI 1.2 E-TECH represents a significant evolution for the model, embracing the SUV format and prioritizing fuel efficiency through its advanced hybrid powertrain. While not available in the US market, it remains a popular and versatile vehicle in Europe, offering a compelling blend of space, practicality, and technology.
