The Renault Grand Espace IV (Phase IV, 2012) 2.0 TCe (170 Hp) represents a significant iteration of Renault’s long-running Espace line, a vehicle that pioneered the modern minivan/MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) segment in Europe. Introduced in 1984, the Espace quickly became a popular choice for families seeking a spacious, versatile, and comfortable vehicle. The fourth generation, launched in 2002, continued this tradition, and the Phase IV update in 2012 brought refinements to styling, technology, and efficiency. While not officially sold in the United States, the Espace held a prominent position in the European market as a premium MPV, competing with vehicles like the Volkswagen Sharan and Ford Galaxy. This particular version, equipped with the 2.0 TCe engine, aimed to balance performance with reasonable fuel economy.
Renault Grand Espace IV (Phase IV, 2012) 2.0 TCe: Overview
The Grand Espace IV Phase IV is characterized by its spacious interior, capable of seating up to seven passengers across three rows. It’s a five-door vehicle designed for practicality and long-distance comfort. The 2012 update included subtle styling changes, improved interior materials, and enhancements to the vehicle’s safety features. The 2.0 TCe engine was a key component of the lineup, offering a turbocharged petrol option for drivers seeking more responsive performance than the diesel alternatives available in Europe.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2012 Renault Grand Espace IV 2.0 TCe is a 1.998-liter (121.93 cubic inches) inline four-cylinder engine. This engine, designated F4R, utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to boost power output to 170 horsepower (Hp) at 5000 rpm and 270 Newton-meters (199.14 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3250 rpm. This provides a good balance of power for carrying a full load of passengers and luggage. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.7 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 9.2 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 205 km/h (127.38 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 10.4 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.5 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Renault Grand Espace IV Phase IV maintains the distinctive MPV silhouette of its predecessors, with a long wheelbase and a tall, boxy profile maximizing interior space. The Phase IV update brought minor cosmetic changes, including revised front and rear fascias, updated headlights, and new alloy wheel designs. The interior is designed with family use in mind, offering flexible seating configurations and ample storage compartments. Key features include a spacious cabin with three rows of seats, a large trunk with a minimum capacity of 456 liters (16.1 cubic feet) expanding to 3050 liters (107.71 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded, and a comfortable ride. Safety features, typical for a vehicle of this era, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a robust chassis designed for occupant protection. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4855 mm (191.14 in), width 1894 mm (74.57 in) including mirrors, and height 1801 mm (70.91 in). The wheelbase measures 2868 mm (112.91 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Espace |
| Generation | Grand Espace IV (Phase IV, 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TCe (170 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan, MPV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.3 l/100 km (20.8 US mpg, 25 UK mpg, 8.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 198 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 270 Nm @ 3250 rpm (199.14 lb.-ft. @ 3250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | F4R |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.7 mm (3.26 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.3 l (9.83 US qt | 8.18 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1762 kg (3884.55 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2544 kg (5608.56 lbs.) |
| Max load | 782 kg (1724.01 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 456 l (16.1 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 3050 l (107.71 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 83 l (21.93 US gal | 18.26 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4855 mm (191.14 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1894 mm (74.57 in.) |
| Height | 1801 mm (70.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2868 mm (112.91 in.) |
| Front overhang | 1020 mm (40.16 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 967 mm (38.07 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 120 mm (4.72 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.8 m (38.71 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
The Renault Grand Espace IV Phase IV 2.0 TCe (2012-2013) remains a compelling option for those seeking a spacious, comfortable, and relatively efficient MPV, particularly within the European context where it was originally designed and marketed. Its blend of practicality, performance, and features made it a popular choice for families and those requiring a versatile vehicle.
