Renault details 2013 Espace facelift with revised styling and technology
The 2013 Renault Espace receives updated exterior styling, new cabin technology and a choice of petrol or diesel engines as Renault extends the MPV’s lifespan.
Renault has released full details of the 2013 Espace facelift, updating its long-serving MPV with refreshed styling, new interior technology and a revised engine line-up. The facelifted model was previewed in May 2012, but the company has now confirmed the main changes ahead of its European launch.
Exterior and interior updates
The most obvious changes for the 2013 Espace appear at the front. Renault has fitted a larger badge, a revised grille and a reshaped front fascia, bringing the car closer to the brand’s latest design language. Minor tweaks to the lights and bumpers complete the exterior update, though the overall silhouette remains unchanged from the previous model.
Inside, the Espace facelift introduces a suite of new technology features. The MPV now offers Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity, GPS navigation, and a seven-inch display for rear-seat entertainment. Renault has also added Teflon-coated upholstery, designed to repel water and oil-based liquids, and offers Alcantara or leather seat options. A rearview camera is available for easier parking and manoeuvring.
Engine choices and efficiency
Renault continues to offer the Espace with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, which delivers an official combined fuel consumption of 8.5 litres per 100 km (33.2 mpg UK) and CO2 emissions of 198 g/km. The 2.0-litre dCi diesel engine is available in three power outputs: 128 hp, 148 hp and 173 hp. Buyers can choose between manual and automatic transmissions on the diesel variants.
No major changes have been made to the Espace’s chassis or overall dimensions, as the facelift is focused on design and equipment updates rather than a full mechanical overhaul. The model remains one of the few large MPVs on the European market, competing with rivals such as the Ford Galaxy and Volkswagen Sharan.
Position in Renault’s range
The Espace has been a mainstay of Renault’s line-up since the 1980s, and this facelift extends the current generation’s life as the company prepares for a future replacement. The update brings the Espace in line with other recent Renault facelifts, such as the Scénic and Grand Scénic, which also received revised styling and new technology. For a look at the next-generation Espace undergoing testing, see Next-generation Renault Espace caught winter testing.
The 2013 Espace facelift is expected to reach showrooms in the second half of 2012, with further details on pricing and equipment to follow. The update aims to keep the Espace relevant in a shrinking, but still competitive, European MPV segment.
