Renault is set to abandon the minivan typology for its next generation Espace people hauler, according to design director Laurens van den Acker.
The new car will blur the boundary between minivan and SUV typologies in order to appeal to a new, younger demographic that favors the high driving position of an SUV but still requires the space and functionality of an MPV.
The first-generation Espace blazed the MPV path in Europe when it launched in 1984. Brimming with innovation and apealing to larger families, it became a very successful model in the lineup. The current model, however, was first introduced in 2002 and is now more than 10 years old, falling out of favor with current customers. Market researcher JATO Dynamics recorded a dramatic 35 percent decrease in Espace sales in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.
The new model, which is expected to appear in concept form at the forthcoming Frankfurt motor show in September, will feature more luxury features – in line with the French automaker’s plans to push the larger vehicles in its range upmarket.
According to insiders, the new Espace’s design will adopt some of the more voluptuous forms and design cues of the Scenic Xmod crossover (pictured), which Renault is calling “a standard-setting minivan with crossover attributes.”
The new Espace will be the first Renault built on the new CFM1 modular platform developed in collaboration with alliance partner Nissan.
We’ll aim to bring you additional information and photos of the new concept once information becomes available.
