The All New Renault Espace...For a New Life

Softer styling, innovative cornering lights, the Carminat Navigation and Communication System and the new 2.0 dCi engine are just some of the features poised to ensure that the leader of the top-of-the-range MPV segment maintains its edge.

Paris - February 22, 2006: With its seductive and aesthetic appeal, dynamic performance, excellence in perceived quality and traveling comfort, New Espace goes further than it has ever done before. The new particulate filter-equipped 2.0 dCi diesel engine delivers 150hp and 175hp and ensures that Espace benefits from exceptional performance for this level of engine size.

A new six-speed automatic transmission is available for the new 3.0 V6 diesel engine, which boasts torque of 400Nm for even more flexibility and driving pleasure. Thanks to a choice of three gasoline and four diesel power-plants, which can be coupled to five- or six-speed manual or Proactive transmission, Espace places the accent firmly on dynamic performance and driving pleasure.

Espace's exterior lines are softer, yet its personality is as distinctive as ever and points clearly to its high-end MPV standing. Espace is also the first vehicle of its class to feature bi-Xenon cornering lights.

Inside, the perceived quality and the sense of warmth and brightness it exudes make Espace an even more pleasurable experience. The new Espace is also available with the latest Carminat Navigation and Communication System which combines voice synthesis with a three-dimensional display. The system comes with a panoramic 7-inch screen built into the new dashboard design, Bluetooth technology for a hands-free telephone and a CD/MP3- compatible player.

Automatically-attaching sliding seats are available in the rear. The seats can be taken out, moved and positioned with ease, thereby enhancing interior modularity.

The softer front styling of the new Espace includes a new headlamp design that prolongs the lines of the hood. The slimmer bumper and simplified grille design reassert the vehicle's top-of-the-range status. The bi-Xenon cornering lights and their ability to pivot as a function of the position of the steering wheel give Espace a unique frontal expression. The fog lamps come with a new chrome trim that discreetly echoes the elegance of the new styling. Two new body colors are also available, namely Sahara Beige and Lumière Blue.

New wheel trims underpin Espace's dynamic design, while the design of the new 17 and 18 inch alloy wheels adds to its refined looks. The form of the rear lights takes its inspiration from the vehicle's overall styling cues and contributes significantly to the harmony of the whole. Although discreet when switched off, the rear lights truly come into their own once illuminated.

For added elegance, the new trim favors dark charcoal tones for the upper part of the interior, while the beige or light charcoal shades favored for the lower part of the dashboard and the door linings contribute to ensuring a brighter, warmer feel. The trimming of the dashboard and center console is in perfect harmony with the interior color scheme. With the exception of the recent Dynamique version, all of the upholsteries are new.

The panoramic glass roof, which can be either fixed or electric, continues to stand out as the market benchmark in terms of its dimensions and comfort. Combined with an electric sliding sunblind, it protects passengers while at the same time giving the impression of traveling in the open air. Other passenger-friendly features of the new Espace include a perfectly flat floor which simplifies the layout of up to five automatically-attaching sliding seats, the positioning of which is very simple. With the seat back folded flat, each seat becomes a highly practical table.

Espace's innovative headlamps contribute to its soothing, reassuring front-end looks. These headlamps also benefit driving comfort and safety by following the vehicle's trajectory when cornering. Inside, the Carminat Navigation and Communication System combines voice synthesis with a three-dimensional display. And for complete ease of mind when traveling as a family, Espace's active and passive safety features place it at the very top of its segment.

The dashboard ensures enhanced display of information, while the new Carminat Navigation and Communication System prompted a rethink of the ergonomics of the driver's seat. Positioned between the two front seats, a single multimedia control provides access to the navigation, Bluetooth telephone and radio/MP3-compatible functions. The panoramic 7-inch color screen permit a three-dimensional display of itineraries, as well as the display of the audio settings and telephone menus. The voice synthesis function, the hands-free Bluetooth controls and steering wheel mounted fingertip controls permit the system to be used in total safety. The radio can be controlled from the dashboard, but is also combined with a remote control for additional comfort.

Espace is equipped with rain and light sensors, "Follow Me Home" lights, front and rear parking assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, Emergency Brake Assist with ABS and ESP with under-steer control. The Renault System for Restraint and Protection comprises eight airbags and three-point seatbelts complete with load limiters. Front seats are equipped with double pretensioners. Espace also offers optimum child safety. All the rear seats can be fitted with Isofix attachments and Sleep Safe convertible child head restraints are available.