Renault has released some shadowy images of the new-generation Espace ahead of its reveal in the northern hemisphere spring (March to May).
As previously reported, the Renault Espace is turning 40 years old this year and is morphing into a SUV with either five or seven seats in its sixth generation.
Using these latest teaser photos as a guide, it appears the new Espace is a stretched version of the Austral SUV.
Renault has previously confirmed the new Espace will be based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi CMF-CD platform, which is also used on vehicles including the Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail, and Renault Austral.
Espace teaser 
Austral
This architecture is also used on the outgoing, fifth-generation Espace, a people mover with some SUV-esque design cues.
The teased Renault Espace and Austral appear to share similar side profiles, though the former has a longer and flatter roofline to compensate for the extra seats. The headlights and tail lights also look virtually identical.
Renault claims the new Espace is 14cm shorter than the outgoing model, though its interior room is “slightly more” at 2.48m.
The outgoing Espace is only built in left-hand drive, and it’s not yet clear if this will change with the new higher-riding model.
When the Austral was revealed early last year, a spokesperson for local distributor Ateco said “we will be putting our hand up for any right-hand drive product and then evaluating it for our market”.
Renault has yet to release any information about the new-generation Espace’s powertrains. It’ll likely be available with a range of mild-hybrid and hybrid powertrains like the Austral.
On the local front, Renault currently offers the Captur, Arkana, Koleos, Kangoo, Trafic, Master, and Megane R.S.
Outgoing Espace
The latter of these models is set to be discontinued in Australia this year. The brand recently confirmed 40 examples of the Megane R.S. Ultime final edition are due mid-year.
Renault will soon offer the all-electric Kangoo E-Tech van, as well as the Megane E-Tech Electric crossover locally. These are both currently slated to join the Australian range this year.
In the longer term, the upcoming Renault 4 and 5 electric vehicles (EVs) are understood to be on the cards for Australia.
“Any new product that’s announced from the EV side, we have our hands up for,” Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey told us in May last year.
4Ever Trophy 
5 concept 
Megane E-Tech
