1998-2000 Renault Grand Espace III (JE) 2.2 TD 12V (113 Hp)

The Renault Grand Espace III (JE) 2.2 TD 12V, produced between 1998 and 2000, represents a significant iteration in the Espace lineage, a vehicle that pioneered the modern multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment in Europe. While not officially sold in the United States, the Espace held a prominent position as a family-focused vehicle in the European market, known for its spacious interior, innovative design, and practical features. The “Grand” designation indicates a longer wheelbase version offering seven-passenger seating, catering to larger families. This generation built upon the success of its predecessors, offering improved refinement and a more powerful diesel engine option.

Renault Grand Espace III: A European Family Hauler

The Grand Espace III was designed to address the growing demand for versatile vehicles capable of transporting families and their belongings comfortably. It distinguished itself from traditional station wagons and vans by offering a more car-like driving experience combined with the practicality of a spacious interior and flexible seating arrangements. The JE series introduced subtle styling updates and focused on enhancing the overall passenger experience. It was a key player in Renault’s lineup, demonstrating the company’s commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of European drivers.

Engine & Performance

The 2.2 TD 12V engine powering the Grand Espace III is a 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine equipped with a turbocharger and precombustion chamber fuel injection. This configuration allowed for a balance between fuel efficiency and respectable performance for its time. Producing 113 horsepower (Hp) at 4500 rpm and 250 Newton-meters (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2000 rpm, the engine provided adequate power for highway cruising and carrying a full load of passengers. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 51.6 Hp/l. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 14.8 seconds, while reaching 0 to 60 mph takes 14.1 seconds. The top speed is rated at 178 km/h (110.6 mph). Fuel economy figures are 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg) combined, 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg) in urban settings, and 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. The engine meets Euro 2 emission standards.

Design & Features

The Renault Grand Espace III is a five-door minivan (MPV) designed with practicality and comfort in mind. Its elongated body accommodates up to seven passengers across three rows of seating. The interior is characterized by its modular design, allowing for various seating configurations to maximize cargo space. The rear seats can be folded or removed entirely, creating a substantial cargo area of up to 3075 liters (108.59 cu. ft.) with all rear seats down, or a minimum of 520 liters (18.36 cu. ft.) with all seats in place.

Features included hydraulic power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and drum brakes on the rear axle. The suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a semi-independent coil spring arrangement at the rear, providing a reasonable level of ride comfort. Safety features for the era included seatbelts for all passengers, though advanced safety systems like airbags were not as prevalent as in modern vehicles. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4787 mm (188.46 in.) in length, 1810 mm (71.26 in.) in width, and 1775 mm (69.88 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2874 mm (113.15 in.).

Technical Specifications