Test drive by Renault Espace since 2006 Minivan

The cult of space

Renault Espace IV got to the Russian market for almost 4 years - the presentation of the car took place last December. Therefore, it can be called a novelty with a stretch. However, despite the solid age by current standards, Espace IV does not look any obsolete. On the contrary, it pleases with the freshness of the approach where it would seem that it would not have to wait for this.
For the test we took the top version. A 3.5 liter V6 V6 with a capacity of 245 hp settled under the hood, which is paired with a 5 -step automatic transmission. By the way, the power unit and a gearbox of non -French origin, but Japanese. Renault borrowed these units from her alliance partner - Nissan. The body of the tested single -coater is elongated, hence the additional word in the title - Grand. Compared to the usual version, the wheel base is increased by 20 cm, so that the machine can be considered a full -fledged 7 local vehicle. The appearance of the minivan is unusual. Designers worked for glory - in the design of a long car there is not a hint of heavyness. Despite the large area of \u200b\u200bglazing, the car is visually light and even dynamic. The image is quite relevant, I can’t even believe that Grand Espace made his debut in 2002.
Once inside, you are surprised even more. If you try to characterize the impression of the cabin with two words, then they will be intricate and stylish. Still desperate guys are these French! Take and so easy to abandon generally accepted standards - not everyone will decide on this. Looking for an alarm button? Cold, cold, even colder now freeze! She is on the ceiling. Now let's try to turn on the music, it is hidden in the depths of the central console; To get access to it, you need to open a special cover, behind which, by the way, there is also a cavity for storing all nonsense! If you study the panel, it turns out that there are four more secret boxes in it. Outwardly, the central console is maximally freed from unnecessary (in the understanding of the designers of Renault) details. If the lids are closed. And if you open them? Then the console will become like a strange piece of furniture of a narrow purpose. For storage, say, jewelry.
It turns out that the creators of Grand Espace wanted to achieve this effect - to create an interior in which passengers would feel at home. Hence the oddities (by car standards) of an ergonomic sense. By the way, their list can be continued. For example, the control climate block has the main control center - on the door under the left hand of the driver and 3 branches in the regions - for passengers. The front passenger can set the temperature, the rear - only the intensity of the blow.
How unusual everything is! However, there is logic in such seemingly chaotic ergonomics. Here, say, the distribution block of the climatic installation is located under a driver's seat. But thanks to this, the front panel design was simplified, which allowed to place additional containers for storing objects in it.
By the way, the creators of the Renault Espace IV are proud of its climatic installation. And there is something. Effective ventilation quickly warms up a spacious salon with large glasses. Nevertheless, the ability to direct the flow of hot air only to the legs is not provided. Together with the blowing of the windshield - please, but only down - no! And for some reason the legs were frozen, warming up slowly. However, maybe the matter is in light boots? Who asked to wear them in winter frost? Review in Grand Espace is ideal - not an example of modern machines with an intricate design. I was even surprised, turning my head back. The racks are thin, the windows are wide, everything is visible in the palm of your hand. Ring to maneuver is a pleasure! And Espace also has the most nice and convenient chip key of all that I have seen. Looks like a plastic card. Significantly simplifies life - unlocks and locks the doors, allows you to press the key with pressing the key. I also liked the gas tank cover with an integrated cork - opened the lid, and you can, without unscrewing anything, insert a gun.
It’s nice to be driving this car. He is extremely friendly, tries to create a maximum of comfort. The view from the driver's seat is panoramic. High landing, huge windshield and already mentioned thin racks. The chair grinds the body tightly. The steering wheel is not bad too. But to the cunning information display in the center of the panel you will have to get used to it. There are many different inscriptions, numbers and designations on a small area. While the eye shoots to the right information windows, several days will pass
Renault emphasizes that its cars are one of the most quiet in the corresponding classes. Espace can serve as proof - it’s really quiet! The noise of the engine penetrates into the salon in that quantity, so as not to annoy, but to give pleasure. Nothing creaks, does not knock. The sounds of the street are almost not heard, only the most sharp. Conducted the quality of the assembly of the car as a whole. Still, it stands on the conveyor of the 4th year and all quality problems have been identified and cured. And the materials inside are cool. The textures are unusual, but pleasant to the touch. The color scheme combines light gray and dark blue shades-very pleasant to the eye.
The flat floor is a thing that has proved the very first Espace back in 1984. By the way, it is he, in fact, is the ancestor of family minivans (like the famous Golf, which gave rise to the class of the same name). In the 4th generation, the model received even wider possibilities for transforming the salon. The front seats can be expanded by 180 and arrange a round table with sitting in the 2nd row. If it is cramped, we remove the chairs of the 3rd rows and push the far back by those that were in 2 m. We had lunch, talked
I try to get behind. The passage to the 3rd row is quite wide - an increase of 30% relative to the third Espace. In principle, even an adult can stand normally from behind. There is a personal blanket of blowing, an armrest with a niche and a cup holder. But in this case, there will be very little space for baggage. All chairs are easily dismantled, and weigh within the rational - about 25 kg. Therefore, there are no problems when transforming the salon.
The movement of a large car, oddly enough, is fulfilled by lightness. The engine cheerfully spins to the limiter, the gearbox smoothly and clearly counts the steps. The machine adapts well to my driving manner, no disagreement arises. An adaptive hydraulic power steering is installed by the machine. At the parking speeds, the steering wheel is spinning in almost one finger, with an increase in speed, the force on the steering wheel grows and it is enough in all modes of movement. In general, the machine very clearly performs the driver’s commands. The gas pedal is sorted minimally, the reactions to the rotors of the steering wheel are sharp and clear. And it slows down minivan excellently. There are no complaints about the running qualities.
And what an assertive acceleration! Grand Espace reaches 100 km/h in only 8.1 seconds, maximum speed is 225 km/h. Having accelerated properly, the car remains obedient, does not go astray. True, with strong gusts of lateral wind, you will have to compress the steering wheel tighter - you will not leave the laws of physics. By the way, minivan passenger behavior is explained by the presence of an appropriate suspension: in front - a classic MacPherson, borrowed from Vel Satis, behind - a torsion beam with longitudinal levers and traction of Panar.
I liked how CSV works - a help system for insufficient rotation. She gracefully flies the nose of the car inside the turn, slightly throwing the rear axle. A little more, and gliding will begin! But here ESP is already watching, by the way, it is not difficult to provoke a skid by turning off the stabilization system. In sliding, Espace behaves as a predictable front -wheel drive passenger car (with a slight adjustment to a high center of gravity).
It turns out that everyone is good delayed novelty from Renault. Despite the fact that the Russian market has not yet matured for the mass consumption of minivans, buyers on the Renault Espace IV are found. After all, this is not only a high -class vehicle for a large family, but also a convenient corporate car. In any case, Espace IV is a high -quality, original and comfortable car with good handling. These are the sensations from the dough.
Renault Espace IV prices and equipment
Espace IV is delivered to Russia in three versions. The most affordable option is called Expression - this is a short version of a minivan with a 2.0 liter engine (turbo, 170 hp) and a mechanical 6 -step checkpoint. Such a car costs from $ 38,000. The machine includes: 8 airbags, ABS, AFU (emergency braking system), EBV (brake force distribution), ESP, CSV, ASR, anti -theft system, gur, automatic parking brake, on -board, on -board computer, headlight washer, fog, chip key, rain sensors and turning on the headlights, front and rear electric windows, separate climate control for front passengers, removable front seats, laid out in a berth, 17 inch light -luminous discs.
Version of Privilege 2.0t Long (2.0 turbo, 5 -step automatic transmission, elongated body) is estimated at $ 41,999. Adaptive GUR, climate control with front and rear doors, 2 sunscreen curtains, anti -war -windshields, roof rails, bixenon headlights, villous rugs, an audio system with a CD player, preparation for HANDS FREE. The top version with 3.5 l V6 is called Privilege 3.5 Long and costs $ 53,000. The price difference is determined by the engine, according to the list of options, this machine is identical to the turbocharged Grand Espace. A number of options are provided for the car. For example, the opening rear window, 6 sunscreen curtains turning on 180 front seats, additional rear seats (for elongated versions).
Model/Modification Renault Grand Espace 3.5 Long
Manufacturer Renault
Model year 2005
BODY
Type minivan
Construction/Material/Steel, aluminum
Number of doors/places 5/7
ENGINE
Basin type with injection
Working volume (see cubic meter) 3498
Number/location of the cylinders 6, V-shaped
The degree of compression is 10.3
Power (L.S.) 245 (6000 rpm)
Moment (Nm) 330 (3600 rpm)
TRANSMISSION
Front drive
Automatic gearbox 5-speed
Dimensions/volumes/weight
Wheel base (mm) 2868
Length/width/height (mm) 4861/2104/1746
The track front/back (mm) 1574/1556
Road clearance (mm) 120
Dry mass (kg) 1825
The volume of the fuel tank (L) 83
SUSPENSION
Front Independent, such as Mcphereson
The back with a torsion beam, longitudinal levers and traction of Panar
STEERING
rack, with an adaptive amplifier
The diameter of the turn (m) 11.4
Brakes
Front disk ventilated
The rear disc
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed (km/h) 225
Acceleration to 100 km/h (sec.) 8.1
Economy
Fuel consumption (l/100 km): according to the combined cycle: 12.4
Text: Leonty Tyutelev
 

Source: Motor magazine [February 2006]