In 1996, the third generation Renault Espace appears. Almost immediately after the release, the model came out in its class in first place in sales in France and the second in Europe. Inspired by this success, the French launched in 1997 a new modification - the Grand Espace with a 175 mm longer base. The new minivan is only 27 cm longer than its predecessor, but lovers of traveling with comfort will appreciate it quickly.
If the Espace had only 5 seats and the trunk, in which it was possible to expand 2 more seats to the detriment of luggage, then the Grand Espace freely accommodates 7 passengers with a fairly substantial luggage. Dimensions of this version are 4790x1810x1690 mm. The capacity of the luggage compartment Grand Espace 520 liters. In the double version, the Grand Espace has a trunk volume of 3000 liters. It is noteworthy that the passenger seats in this version are interchangeable: they can be removed - all or as needed. Externally, the car has changed slightly.
Like the previous Espace generations, the Grand Espace body consists of a galvanized space frame, on which the exterior plastic panels are fixed. The only non-plastic exterior is the hood. Torpedo done succinctly - nothing extra before my eyes. Right in the center of the dashboard, the avant-garde dashboard for those times was located. The information display shows the speedometer, on-board computer data and all additional indicators. Data output on the scoreboard is carried out by pressing a button on the end of the right steering column switch, but in the simplest configuration, the button is responsible only for resetting the odometer.
In expensive versions of its sequential pressing displays data on daily mileage, average speed, average fuel consumption. The screen brightness automatically changes depending on the ambient light. In the traditional sense, there is no central console, the gear lever is located on the floor. There is no parking brake lever at all. The parking brake Grand Espace is automatic, it is an electromechanical drive system.
Right on the front panel is a huge “glove box” with a volume of 33 liters, and more than 100 different niches and pockets are scattered around the mini-van. There are five ware boxes ahead, large and not very large. Points and those allocated their place - above the driver's head, on the left. Renault Grand Espace is available in several trim levels. The most economical offers: power accessories, front airbags and ABS.
It is noteworthy that in the cheap versions there is no tachometer. In the most expensive versions of the list of equipment is very impressive: electric seat adjustment, leather seats, climate control, removable sunroofs. At Grand Espace there can be three such hatches.
In 2002, Renault introduced the fourth generation Espace, which is also offered with two base options - standard and extended. In the latest version of the car is the designation Grand Espace. The extended version has an increased base of 7 cm, while the total length of the car has increased by 20 cm. Renault Grand Espace, like its predecessors, has a solid internal space. The car can comfortably carry up to seven people: two in the front, three in the second row of seats and two more in the third. In this case, the central second-row seat can be simply removed by making free access to the rear-row seats.
Installed on the Grand Espace, the third row of seats is two standard seats that are no different from the rest. They provide sufficient comfort, not inferior to that of the front rows. There is even a separate climate control panels. The fact that the third row is not nominal, and is intended for comfortable trips, said the presence of a glove box, coasters, as well as additional deflectors of the climate system.
High seating position provides good visibility. Depending on the configuration, the driver's seat can be adjusted by servo drives, not only in flight and tilt, but also in the lumbar area. Active front head restraints are adjustable in height and angle. The massive steering wheel is upholstered in leather and is adjustable in height and reach. The lineup of the Grand Espace power units is represented by: a 2.0 liter / 136 hp petrol engine, 2.0 l / 165 hp. turbo, 3 liter V6 / 245 hp The latter accelerates the 1.8-ton Grand Espace 100 km / h in 8.1 seconds. The maximum speed of 225 km / h. The engine is aggregated with a gun that works very well and smoothly.
There is also the possibility of manual shifting. Comfortable driving provides adaptive transmission, adapting to the driving style of the driver. The car Grand Espace is a good helper for a large family.
