Next Generation Espace to Be Large Crossover

RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
6052 photos
17 videos
has confirmed rumors that the next generation EspaceRenault EspaceFrance, 1984 > 20065 series
78 versions
99 photos
will eschew its MPV roots in factor of becoming a large crossover, according to Renault design head Laurens van den Acker. The choice was made because the MPV market is shrinking while the crossover market is growing quickly.

A concept of the new show is scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The production version will go on sale in 2014, and it may also be sold in China.

The design is not as brutal as today's cars. They are becoming very military, which might be OK for the EvoqueLand Rover Range Rover EvoqueUnited Kingdom, 2011 > present128 versions
206 photos
2 videos
or Range RoverLand Rover Range Rover (modern) Gen.3 [L405]United Kingdom, 2012 > present13 versions
30 photos
but it's maybe not the direction we are going," said Renault concept car director Axel Breun.

The current Espace was introduced in 2002 and sales have been falling. It has sold 3,014 Espaces in Europe through April, down 35% from the previous year.

“The Espace is a respected vehicle. It is one Renault you'd likely see on a driveway alongside a VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
9654 photos
31 videos
or a MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
9852 photos
33 videos
but we've let it live for too long," said van den Acker.

The EspaceRenault Espace Gen.1France, 1984 > 199110 versions
12 photos
basically invented the European MPV segment when it went on sale in 1984. Since then, there have four generations.

Source: Automotive News Europe