Press Release
High-performance chassis and engines
New Espace boasts a wide range of powerplants, with three petrol engines and four common-rail diesel engines. Powertrain choices include four- and six-cylinder engines mated to six-speed manual or five- or six-speed sequential automatic transmissions. Renault’s new flagship 2.0 dCi engine makes its entry in the New Espace catalogue. Derived from a Renault-led joint Renault-Nissan programme, this 1995cc (M9R) unit features the very latest diesel technologies available on the market, including piezo-electric injectors, 1,600-bar common-rail
injection, variable geometry turbocharger and latest-generation combustion chambers. Silent-running, economical and clean, the 2.0 dCi engine is one of the most efficient of its class. Coupled with the six-speed manual gearbox, it is equipped with a particulate filter in both its 150hp (110kW) and 175hp (127kW) versions. The former boasts 340Nm of torque at 2,000rpm and gives New Espace best-in-class combined cycle fuel consumption of just 7.4l/100km. The 175hp version features 360Nm of torque at 1,750rpm and takes New Espace from standstill to 100kph in less than 10 seconds. In addition to being particularly quiet and fuel-efficient, this engine boasts superb flexibility, revving to 5,000rpm. With CO2 emissions of less than or equal to 200g/km (combined cycle), New Espace is at the very top of its class when it comes to environmental-friendliness.
The six-cylinder 3.0 dCi diesel engine offers a generous 180hp (133kW) at 4,400rpm (a 165hp/120kW version is also available in some markets), while torque has been increased by 50Nm to 400Nm at 1,800rpm thanks to a new injection system. The multi-vane variable geometry turbocharger ensures more precision at mid-range engine speeds and optimized filling of the combustion chamber across the full rev band.
This unit comes with a new Proactive sequential automatic transmission complete with a sixth gear (SU4). Already available in Europe, this transmission reinforces the sensation of driving pleasure behind the V6 3.0 dCi, combining responsive performance with low fuel consumption (9.4l/100km, combined cycle). Other features include a shift-down function under heavy braking and maintenance of the selected gear when lifting abruptly off the throttle. Finally, the flick-shift control enables the driver to change gear manually if required.
The four-cylinder 2.2 dCi 16V engine continues to offer a high level of driving comfort with a power output of 150hp (110kW) at 4,000rpm and 320Nm of torque at 1,750rpm. A further advantage of this ultra-smooth, quiet-running engine is its outstanding fuel efficiency. It can be ordered either with a six-speed manual gearbox or with five-speed Proactive automatic transmission. The 140hp version of the same engine is equipped with a particulate filter.
The entry-level engine is the 1.9 dCi which delivers 115hp (85kW) at 4,000rpm and maximum torque of 270Nm at 2,000rpm. With European combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.7l/100km and an 83-litre fuel tank, the 1.9 dCi New Espace has a range of nearly 1,240km. It is coupled to a six-speed gearbox.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance 24-valve 3.5 V6 (V4Y) combines top-end power (245hp/177kW at 6,000rpm) with low-end response. Some 85% of power is available from 1,200rpm, with maximum torque of 330Nm at 3,600rpm. Acceleration from standstill to 100kph in 8.1 seconds plus its ability to cover the standing kilometre in 28.7 seconds underline New Espace’s credentials as a truly modern grand tourer. Equipped with five-speed sequential automatic transmission, this version hits a top speed of 225kph.
The four-cylinder 2.0 16V Turbo (F4Rt) benefits from a consistent 270Nm of torque over a broad rev range from 2,000rpm combined with a comfortable 170hp (125kW) at 5,000rpm. This performance is due to its Twin Scroll turbo. Its high compression ratio for a turbocharged engine (9.5:1) ensures enhanced efficiency and lower emissions, while the increase in low-down torque permits higher gearing, which in turn leads to even lower fuel consumption.
The 2.0 16V engine (F4R) boasts 140hp (100kW) at 5,500rpm and torque of 191Nm available from 3,750rpm. This engine benefits from variable valve timing and camshaft variator which permits two types of use: one calibration for idling or when running partially loaded at mid and high revs for maximum power, and a second calibration which permits a bigger overlap between the intake and exhaust strokes for a torque gain of between 5 and 10Nm.
Handling worthy of this openinvitation to travel
The McPherson front suspension has been developed to match the demands of an MPV. From the middle of the range, the combination of variable-assist power steering and New Espace’s front suspension with high transverse stiffness gives excellent stability. Its properties permit the use of highly flexible joints without detracting from the effective filtering out of low frequency vibrations for comfortable, noise-free running, while losing nothing of the car’s outstanding steering precision. New Espace continues to benefit from the patented Multi Layer Energy Absorber concept which absorbs all vibrations produced by the engine before they get a chance to spread to the structure of the vehicle. The rear suspension features a torsion beam with high-strength steel trailing arms and a Panhard rod.
In addition to ensuring first-class comfort and handling, this remarkably compact set-up permits a flat, functional floor. Its disassociation from the body shell allows it to filter out road-generated vibrations efficiently while carrying heavy loads. The use of spring/damper units combined with a load and ride-height sensing device completes the picture.
On the active safety front, New Espace is equipped as standard with ventilated 308mm- or 324mm-diameter front discs, and 300mm plain discs at the rear. ABS, Emergency Brake Assist, EBD, ESP and CSV understeer control are all fitted as standard. In emergency situations, the ESP acts directly on the engine management system and on one or more wheels in order to regain control of the car and bring it back into line.
New Espace also comes with ASR traction control for enhanced pull-away on low-grip surfaces. The cruise control/speed limiter and tyre pressure monitoring system are standard from the Privilège level up and are optionally available on all other versions to round out New Espace’s long list of safety features.
New Espace provides optimum passive safety for all passengers. The structural zones of the body employ very high-strength steel which is capable of absorbing more energy in the event of an impact. Occupant protection is enhanced by padding in crucial areas such as the lower part of the dashboard and doors (which are also reinforced with aluminium bars). New Espace is equipped with up to eight airbags that minimize the risk of injury, plus even more efficient anti-submarining systems for all seats.
Renault’s third-generation System for Restraint and Protection for front passengers comprises dual seat-belt pretensioners and latest-generation headrests. The rear seats come with Isofix child seat anchorage points and three-point seat-mounted seatbelts with load limiters. These features combine to make New Espace one of eight Renault models to have been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.
Accessories available for New Espace include “Sleep Safe” convertible child head restraints. For complete ease of mind when travelling as a family, New Espace’s active and passive safety features once again make it the benchmark in its segment.
20 years at the top
Espace alone accounts for more than 4.63% of E-segment sales in Western Europe (E-segment TIV: 265,570 units in 2005). With 48,877 cars registered in 2005, it took an 18.5% share of the top-range MPV market to consolidate its lead. The millionth Espace was sold 20 years after the model’s launch in 1984. Assembled at Renault’s Sandouville factory in France, which produces three different top-of-the-range Renault models – Laguna, Vel Satis and Espace – New Espace represents a programme outlay of €121 million.
Respecting the environment
In addition to the low fuel consumption and emissions of the 2.0 dCi engine, New Espace builds on the strengths of Espace IV, employing recyclable materials which reduce the vehicle’s overall mass. Use of alumiium for the doors and bonnet has produced a 20kg weight saving compared with steel.
The wings are made of Noryl, a flexible plastic which has the capacity to revert to its initial form and therefore shrug off minor knocks. The rear hatch is made from SMC thermoplastic which allows weight savings to be achieved by permitting the integration of functions such as fixations. It also offers a broader choice of forms. Meanwhile, the seat brackets, rear seat angle brackets and steering wheel frame are made from magnesium. Like the rest of the Renault range, more than 90% of New Espace is recyclable by weight, while the model also incorporates recycled materials.
