Renault Unveils E-Space Concept Vehicle
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Renault has reintroduced its E-Space electric vehicle concept, featuring six seats arranged across three rows, at a time when SUVs and crossovers are dominating the market and pushing multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) out of favour.
Top Gear reported on Monday (12 October), local time, that the concept was designed to prioritise cabin spaciousness and passenger comfort within a relatively compact vehicle.
Renault has yet to confirm whether the E-Space will enter production, but the concept reflects the company’s efforts to revisit the MPV character that once played an important part in the brand’s history.
The E-Space was designed under the direction of Alexandre Malval, who was appointed Renault’s head of design in January, replacing Gilles Vidal. Malval previously worked in design at Citroën and Mercedes-Benz.
The concept car is 4.72 metres long and has three rows, each with two seats. The seats can slide and swivel, while the cabin floor is flat to give passengers more room.
The cabin also features a minimalist design and a projected panoramic display, a feature that could be incorporated into future Renault production vehicles.
The elevated seating position, low window line and slim pillars are intended to create a spacious feel and improve outward visibility.
The shape of the rear side windows also recalls the third-generation Espace, launched in 1996. The front design has been said to resemble France’s TGV high-speed train.
Laurens van den Acker, head of design at Renault Group, believes developments in autonomous vehicles could create new opportunities for the MPV concept.
He said these changes could allow passengers to use their journey to carry out other activities rather than having to focus constantly on driving.
In his view, a vehicle concept centred on space and the passenger experience could become relevant again as cars evolve beyond being merely a means of transport.
Renault was previously known for its range of single-volume vehicles, including the Twingo, Modus, Scenic and Espace.
However, the market’s shift towards SUVs has made it challenging for the MPV concept to regain consumers’ attention.