Inspired by the Renault Initiale Paris concept, the new Renault Espace has evolved to adorn a crossover guise as both the five and seven-seat versions feature clever interior modularity and meticulous attention to detail with regard to the new car's design and build.

Driving enjoyment has been boosted thanks to the new Espace's agile, dynamic performance which can be attributed to, among other factors, a weight saving of up to 250kg and the Renault Multi-Sense system.

The muscular impression exuded by the new Renault Espace's profile view is heightened by its pronounced wheel arches which house a range of standard wheels up to 19-inch in size.

The new Renault Espace measures 4,850mm in length, sits 1,870mm wide and stands 1,680mm tall. A 2,880mm long wheelbase - 16mm longer than the current Grand Espace - contributes to a more spacious interior.

The focal element of the cabin is its floating console, which was deliberately designed to be simple and uncluttered. It houses all of the essential controls: a multi-function rotary control, the Multi-Sense system's shortcut key, the push-button assisted parking brake and the cruise control/speed limiter switch.

The cabin's high-tech feel is further accentuated by a choice of four trim decor overlays and the integration of the large 8.7-inch vertically positioned display for the standard fitment R-Link 2 multimedia system. Within the driver's line of vision lies a colour head-up display that projects current speed, navigational information, speed warnings and diverse driving aids.

Aural delight is provided by Bose - long time partners of Renault - via a bespoke audio system which, for the first time, offers surround sound, courtesy of Bose Centerpoint 2 technology.

The 4Control chassis (four-wheel steering) is a Renault innovation which controls the angle of the rear wheels and Renault credits this technology for the Espace's small turning radius. Renault is also the only manufacturer to offer this system in the crossover segment.

The new Espace houses a choice between three 1.6-litre turbocharged engines - one petrol and two diesels - and sees the introduction of two new gearboxes - the six or seven-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmissions.

The petrol powered ENERGY TCe 200 EDC power unit - which is adapted from the Clio RS - for an output of 200bhp and 260Nm of torque, married to a new close ratio seven-speed EDC transmission.

The diesel powered ENERGY dCi 160 EDC, with twin-turbo technology, offers 160bhp and 380Nm of torque and is linked to a six-speed EDC transmission. Meanwhile, the ENERGY dCi 130 offers 130bhp and 320Nm, transferring the power to the tarmac via a manual six-speed shifter.