Renault : Espace

Model Introduction

The Renault Espace, launched in 1984, is widely credited as Europe’s first true multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), pioneering a format that would dominate family transport for decades. Originally developed by Matra and intended for Peugeot, the project was taken up by Renault, who introduced it with a lightweight fibreglass body mounted on a steel chassis. Its versatile interior featured removable seats and a flat floor, creating space and flexibility unheard of in contemporary passenger cars. Constantly evolving through successive generations, the Espace combined car-like handling with van-like practicality, earning a lasting place in automotive history as the template for the modern people carrier.