Renault Espace Quadra
The Renault Espace is a large MPV (Multi-purpose vehicle) which was originally designed by Chrysler UK in Coventry, in collaboration with Matra of France. It was manufactured by the French company Matra and marketed by Renault from 1984 until today, the fourth generation of the vehicle. With spacious seating for seven, the Renault Grand Espace is an even longer wheelbase version that can carry the passengers' luggage. The Espace, along with the Dodge Caravan, is widely credited as the originator of the minivan.
Espace I (1984-1991)
The story of the Renault Espace's design begins with British designer Fergus Pollock, who worked for Chrysler UK at their design centre in Coventry. Later on, Matra, an affiliate of Simca, the French subsidiary of Chrysler, became heavily involved in the design process. The Espace was initially conceptualized to be sold as a Talbot and to replace the Matra Rancho station wagon. Some of the prototypes for the original model were manufactured from Simca parts and carried the Simca 1307 (Chrysler Alpine) style grille.
In 1978, before the Espace went into production, Chrysler UK and Simca were sold to the French company PSA Peugeot Citroën. PSA opted to give the design to Matra, while PSA themselves ventured into the minivan market 11 years later with the Citroën Evasion/Peugeot 806. With the new Renault affiliation, the Espace was manufactured using the same technique and assembly line that was used for the Talbot Matra Murena. The production of the Murena had to be discontinued to make space for the Espace and its fiberglass body mounted on a warm-galvanized steel chassis.
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