The first generation of the Renault Espace minivan made its official debut in 1984, and for its time it embodied the most creative and daring ideas. At the same time, the French company Matra (specializing in aerospace equipment, weapons and vehicles) was engaged in the development and production of a car under the Renault brand.
In 1988, the one-volume vehicle underwent a slight modernization, having received improvements in the exterior and interior, and continued its "life path" until 1991.
"Espace" of the original generation is a minivan with a five-door body and a seven-seater cabin layout, which reaches 4520 mm in length, 1660 mm in height and 1777 mm in width. The distance between the wheelsets and the clearance under the "belly" of the car do not exceed 2580 mm and 150 mm, respectively.
For the "first" Renault Espace, a solid range of power plants was envisaged, which worked together exclusively with a 5-speed "manual" transmission and front or automatic all-wheel drive:
- The petrol "team" is represented by atmospheric "fours" with a volume of 2.0-2.8 liters with an 8-valve arrangement and distributed fuel injection, developing 103-153 horsepower and 157-235 Nm of torque.
- The diesel engine is only one - a turbocharged "8-valve" with a volume of 2.1 liters with the Common Rail "power" technology, the potential of which fits into 88 "horses" and 184 Nm of ultimate thrust.
The first generation Espace is based on a front wheel drive bogie with a transverse motor. The car has a galvanized metal body frame, on which plastic panels are hung.
An independent suspension with classic MacPherson struts is used on the front axle of the monocab, and a multi-link system on the rear.
"Frenchman" is equipped with a steering complex without power steering, and its braking center is formed by disc front and drum rear brakes.
The "first" Renault Espace has a number of positive qualities - strong and reliable design, roomy interior, moderately powerful power plants, excellent visibility, large trunk and accessible content.
However, some disadvantages are not alien to the car - high fuel "appetite", poor sound insulation, low level of safety and poor light from headlights.
