Renault continues the development work on the
facelifted Espace, the company’s biggest MPV in the range and one of the
founding members of the segment. The French carmaker will limit the design changes on the front and
rear, giving the fifth-generation Espace a more modern look to go with its
flagship status in the range. New LED lighting signature for the headlights and
a revised front grille, as well as revised bumpers front and rear will
apparently make the cut.
The engineers seem to
have way more fun with their duties than the last time. Performing
well-controlled skids isn’t high on a MPV-crossover’s agenda however, with the
drivers most likely testing the safety systems of the vehicle. There’s even the
possibility of a new all-wheel drive option, but we still can’t tell for sure.
The changes of the 2020 Renault Espace are expected
to be more important under the skin; Renault is expected to add the new “Blue
dCi” diesel engines into the Espace’s range, starting with the 1.7-liter
four-cylinder unit that produces 148 hp.
Other options will include the also new 2.0-liter
diesel that will replace the 1.6 dCi, offering the same 158 hp but
adding an extra 20 Nm of torque, for a total of 360 Nm. The same
engine will be offered in the range-topping diesel version, offering 197 hp and 400 Nm of torque.
The Alpine-sourced turbocharged 222 hp 1.8-liter
four-cylinder petrol unit will be also available, only now it will be updated
with a particulate filter in order to comply with the latest emission standards
in Europe. The cabin is also expected to get a revised infotainment system with
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the range of active safety systems will
gain a few new members as well.
The latest reports talk about Renault bringing the
updated 2020 Espace to the Frankfurt Motor Show this September for its world
debut, so stay tuned.
