The fifth-generation Renault Espace launched in late
2014 and it’s high-time it got a
mid-life cycle makeover. Even in its fifth year on the market, the Espace looks fresh, a
testimony of the work the design team put in this project. Blurring the lines
between a conventional minivan and a crossover, it is arguably one of the most
original designs in its category.
Understandably, Renault won’t make radical changes.
As previous sightings of test prototypes have already revealed, the camouflage
only covers the front and rear ends, as those are the only areas of the
exterior that will be redesigned.
Compared to the last time we saw the facelifted
Espace during testing, the camp on this prototype spotted in southern Spain has
become slightly less, allowing us to get a better look at the headlights and
taillights. Both get new LED signatures: at the front and the DRLs are now
fitted to each projector, while at the rear the change is more subtle.
The facelifted Espace will follow the latest look of
new Renault models, meaning it will get a new grille and a restyled front
bumper with repositioned LED turn signals. The rear bumper will also see some
modest updates. We don’t have any photos of the interior just yet, but you can expect
small touches such as an updated infotainment system possibly with a bigger
touchscreen display, as well as new driver assistance systems such as traffic
jam assist.
There won’t be any big news in the engine range
either, as Renault has already updated the range with the addition of a 225 PS 1.8-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and the 1.6-liter dCi
turbodiesel has been replaced with a 2.0-liter dCi available in 160 PS and 200 PS guises. The revamped Espace is expected to debut in September at the
Frankfurt Motor Show.
