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Renault Espace III (JE) 3.0 V6 (167 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Renault Espace:
The Renault Espace is a series of automobiles manufactured by Renault since 1984. For its first five generations, the Espace was a multi-purpose vehicle/MPV , but it has been redesigned as a mid-size crossover SUV for its sixth generation.
The first three generations of the Espace were amongst the first contemporary minivans or MPVs, and were manufactured by Matra for Renault. The fourth generation, also an MPV, was manufactured by Renault. The Renault Grand Espace is a long wheelbase version with increased rear leg room and boot size. The fifth generation is introduced with a crossover SUV-styled while keeping its MPV classification and body style. Renault described the fifth generation Espace as a 'crossover-style MPV' which combines elements of saloon, SUV and MPV, while retaining interior space and practicality of the latter. The sixth generation debuted in 2023 as a 7-seater SUV based on the Austral....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III (JE) Overview:
Renault Espace (III (JE)). With 235 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1650 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11 s). The top speed reaches 195 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. A multi-purpose vehicle designed to transport passengers with ample interior space. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
3.0 V6 (167 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Delivers smooth and comfortable power, but acceleration is not particularly quick, focusing more on refinement than outright speed.
Fuel Economy
Suffers from very high fuel consumption, making it an expensive option to run, especially with frequent use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Extremely spacious and versatile interior with removable seats
- • Comfortable and compliant ride quality, ideal for long journeys
- • Excellent visibility due to large glass areas
- • Distinctive and innovative design for its time
- • Strong V6 engine options provide effortless cruising
Cons:
- • Some petrol engines (especially 2.0 auto) can feel underpowered for an MPV
- • High fuel consumption for the V6 petrol variants
- • Potential for electrical issues, common in French cars of this era
- • Dated safety features compared to modern standards
- • Large turning circle can make city maneuvering challenging
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (J63): 1991 - 1996).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Renault |
| Model: | Espace |
| Generation: | III (JE) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.0 V6 (167 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan, MPV |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 167 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 56.4 Hp/l [88mm more] |
| Torque: | 235 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | Z7X More details about the engine Z7X |
| Engine displacement: | 2963 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7 l |
| Coolant: | 10 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 93 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 72.7 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 21 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 13.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 2 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 195 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.9 kg/Hp, 101.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7 kg/Nm, 142.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1650 |
| Max. weight: | 2400 |
| Max load: | 750 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2850 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 275 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1800 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 78 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4517 mm mm [88mm more] |
| Width: | 1810 mm mm [15mm more] |
| Height: | 1773 mm mm [80mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2702 mm mm [122mm more] |
| Front track: | 1534 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1540 mm |
| Front overhang: | 929 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 886 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 110 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.4 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
Does the Renault Espace live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!