Old names, new forms
The Renault Espace was once a large, smart MPV and a Nissan X-Trail was a semi-off-road SUV. Nowadays, however, they are slightly larger variants of existing models. Two models in an identity crisis, how bad is that?
Wait a minute, the Renault Espace is now an SUV and not an MPV?
Beats. In fact, the Espace is now to the Austral what the Nissan Qashqai +2 was to the Qashqai: the same model with a slightly larger rear and therefore room for a third row of seats. And speaking of the Qashqai +2: that model’s role has now been taken by the X-Trail. while it used to be a semi-off-road alternative for all crossovers. So both cars use an old name for a new shape.
And then they are both standard seven-seaters?
Only the Espace, because a third row of seats is optional with the x-Trail. And to order it, you have to get the four-wheel drive version, because the front-wheel drive version is only available as a five-seater. As mentioned, with Renault you get the third row of seats as standard, although you can also order the Espace as a five-seater. Compared to the X-Trail, the third row of seats in the Espace is also slightly more spacious. As an adult you certainly don’t sit there for fun, but if you really have to, it is possible. The X-Trail offers less space and the parcel shelf has to stay at home, because unlike the Renault, there is no recess under the luggage floor.
What engine versions are there?
In principle, both cars are available with one hybrid powertrain. At Nissan you can still choose one or two electric motors, so front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Nissan’s e-Power hybrid system is unique; it is the only purely serial hybrid that we know of. The 1.5-liter turbo engine with variable compression ratio only generates power, but never drives the wheels directly. At Renault, the only option is the Hybrid 200 drivetrain that we also know from the Austral. A 1.2-liter turbo engine drives the front wheels via a clutchless four-speed gearbox and an electric motor with two-speed transmission assists it.
How do both cars drive?
Comfortable. Both cars have nice soft suspension, the X-Trail a bit more so than the Espace. The advantage of the Espace is that most versions have four-wheel steering, making the car a lot easier to drive through urban environments. The nice thing about the X-Trail is that the drivetrain works more smoothly. If you give it a little more gas, you hear the three-cylinder engine a little, but acceleration is seamless. With Renault you have to be gentle with the accelerator, otherwise the hybrid system will chop a bit.
We discuss all the issues in the video and be sure to download the PDF that has been added to this article since Monday, September 11. You must be a logged in user for this.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl