2002 RENAULT Grand Espace 3.5L V6 5AT FWD (241 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Renault introduced the fourth generation of the Espace in 2002 and offered it in two lengths, with seating for six and a larger trunk for the long-wheelbase version.

The Espace was the first successful minivan built by a European carmaker, and it was based on a project made for Matra in the late ’70s and rejected by Peugeot for being too bold. Renault bought it and hit the jackpot with it. It took its competitors almost a decade to catch up. In 2002, the Espace reached its fourth generation, and it was already playing in the VIP Shuttle segment, especially in the long-wheelbase version named Grand Espace.

By 2002, the new-edge design was already embraced by most European carmakers, and the Espace showed that on its front fascia. The angular-shaped headlights flanked a clear-cut grille which sported the “bird-beak” slat in the middle, like its stablemates Laguna and Clio. On the sides, the Grand Espace featured a longer rear overhang and a wider third set of windows behind the rear doors. The only downturn for the vehicle was the lack of sliding doors, which Renault considered too expensive.

Inside, the Grand Espace cabin received three rows of seats. It was available either in a 2-3-2 configuration or a 2-2-2 system. The latter left some passage area for the rear-seat passengers. The Espace sported a mid-mounted instrument panel with a green and black LCD on its long and wide dashboard. Thanks to the high-mounted seats, there was plenty of legroom for all the occupants on board, even for those seated in the last row.

Under the hood, Renault installed a choice of two gasoline and three turbo-diesel engines, paired with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic for most of the range. The 3.0-liter V-6 received a standard six-speed automatic.