1988 Renault Espace I (J11/13, Phase II 1988) Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1988
Production Years:1988 - 1991 discontinued in 1991
1660 - 1670 mm65.4 - 65.7 in5.4 - 5.5 ft
L: 4365 mm171.9 in14.3 ft | W: 1777 mm70.0 in5.8 ft
Length
4365 mm171.9 in14.3 ft
Width
1777 mm70.0 in5.8 ft
Height
1660 - 1670 mm65.4 - 65.7 in5.4 - 5.5 ft
Trunk Capacity
580 liter20.5 cu ft
Technical Details

Exterior Dimensions

Precise measurements of the 1988 Renault Espace I, engineered for optimal performance and comfort

Dimensions
Length:4365 mm171.9 in14.3 ft
Width:1777 mm70.0 in5.8 ft
Height:1660 - 1670 mm65.4 - 65.7 in5.4 - 5.5 ft
Ground Clearance:138 - 150 mm5.4 - 5.9 in0.5 - 0.5 ft
Trunk Capacity:580 liter20.5 cu ft
Trunk Capacity (Max):3060 liter108.1 cu ft
Weight Specifications
Curb Weight:1190 - 1408 kg2624 - 3104 lbs
Maximal permitted Weight:1820 - 2045 kg4012 - 4508 lbs
Roof Load:70 kg154 lbs
Tire Specifications
Rims Size:14
Tire Sizes:185/65 R14 (W:185 | H:65 | D:14)
195/70 R14 (W:195 | H:70 | D:14)
195/65 R14 (W:195 | H:65 | D:14)
Useful Information

About 1988 Renault Espace I

The Renault Espace I Phase II (1988-1991) represents one of the pioneering European multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) designs, marking an important era in minivan evolution. This first-generation Espace is characterized by its versatile and spacious layout tailored for family and utility use, blending practicality with compact exterior dimensions. Measuring 4365 mm (171.9 inches) in length, 1777 mm (69.9 inches) in width, and standing between 1660 mm and 1670 mm (65.4 to 65.7 inches) in height, the Espace I offers a balanced footprint that fits well in urban and suburban environments while maximizing interior space.

The Espace I's curb weight varies between 1190 kg and 1408 kg (2625 to 3104 lbs), depending on the specific configuration and equipment, while the maximum permissible weight ranges from 1820 kg to 2045 kg (4012 to 4508 lbs), supporting a substantial passenger and cargo load. This variation reflects the adaptable nature of the vehicle, suited for different user needs. Its ground clearance lies between 138 mm and 150 mm (5.4 to 5.9 inches), providing decent road handling and ride comfort on various terrains.

One of the standout features of the Espace I is its luggage capacity, with a generous 580 liters (20.5 cubic feet) of boot space available behind the rear seats. When the rear seats are folded down, the storage volume dramatically expands to an impressive 3060 liters (108 cubic feet), making it ideal for transporting large or bulky items. The roof supports a load capacity of up to 70 kg (154 lbs), adding further utility for roof racks or cargo carriers.

The vehicle rides on 14-inch rims, paired with tire sizes ranging from 185/65 R14 to 195/70 R14 and 195/65 R14, which contribute to a balanced ride quality and good road grip. The Espace I’s design philosophy was focused on creating a spacious interior in a moderately sized minivan, pioneering concepts that later became standard in the MPV market.

Overall, the Renault Espace I Phase II remains a significant model in automotive history, notable for its innovation in space utilization and family-oriented design. Its compact external dimensions combined with flexible interior volume make it a relevant benchmark for comparing minivan sizes from the late 1980s to early 1990s.

Exceptional Features

1988 Renault Espace I Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1988 Renault Espace I a leader in its class

Innovative MPV Design

The 1988 Renault Espace I was one of the first multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) on the market, featuring a spacious and versatile interior layout designed to accommodate families and maximize passenger comfort.

Lightweight Fiberglass Body

The Espace used a fiberglass-reinforced plastic body mounted on a steel chassis, which reduced overall weight and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional steel-bodied vehicles.

Flexible Seating Configuration

The interior offered flexible seating with removable and sliding seats, allowing for various passenger and cargo configurations, enhancing utility for different needs.

Front-Wheel Drive Layout

Equipped with a front-wheel-drive drivetrain, the Espace provided better traction in poor weather and improved cabin space due to the compact layout of the mechanical components.

Range of Inline-Four Engines

The 1988 Espace I Phase II came with several inline-four petrol and diesel engine options, balancing performance with economy suitable for family and daily driving.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

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The Renault Espace I Phase II, produced from 1988 to 1991, measures 4365 mm (171.9 inches) in length. Its width is 1777 mm (69.9 inches), and height ranges from 1660 mm to 1670 mm (65.4 to 65.7 inches). These dimensions are typical for minivans of that era, offering a spacious interior while remaining maneuverable in urban settings.

The curb weight of the 1988 Renault Espace I Phase II ranges between 1190 kg and 1408 kg (2623 to 3104 pounds), depending on specific configurations and equipment. The maximum permissible weight varies between 1820 kg and 2045 kg (4012 to 4509 pounds), which accounts for passengers and cargo load. This weight allows for a sturdy build while maintaining efficient handling and fuel consumption for its class.

This generation of Renault Espace offers a generous luggage capacity. With all rear seats in use, the luggage space is 580 liters (20.5 cubic feet), which is suitable for daily errands and moderate family trips. When the rear seats are folded down, the capacity expands substantially to 3060 liters (108 cubic feet), making it highly versatile for transporting larger items or extensive luggage, which enhances its practicality as a family minivan.

The ground clearance of the Renault Espace I Phase II varies between 138 mm and 150 mm (5.4 to 5.9 inches), which is adequate for city driving and light off-road conditions typical for a minivan. The roof load capacity is rated at 70 kg (154 pounds), allowing users to fit roof boxes, luggage racks, or small sports equipment, expanding its utility without sacrificing safety.

The 1988 Renault Espace I Phase II, with a width of 1777 mm (approximately 1.78 meters or 69.9 inches) and a height reaching up to 1670 mm (65.7 inches), typically fits into a standard residential garage. Most garages provide at least 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) in width and 2 meters (6.5 feet) in height clearance, comfortably accommodating the Espace and allowing room for opening doors and maneuvering. However, owners should always measure their garage specific to clearance needs, especially considering roof racks or other extensions.

The Phase II of the Renault Espace I, introduced in 1988, maintained very similar overall dimensions to the Phase I model, which debuted in 1984. Both versions share close length and width measurements—around 4360 mm in length and about 1775 to 1777 mm in width—and a comparable height near 1660 mm. Phase II featured minor refinements primarily in styling and mechanical reliability rather than size changes, keeping the interior spaciousness that defined the Espace's innovative minivan design.

Compared to its contemporaries like the Chrysler Voyager or the Volkswagen Transporter of the late 1980s, the Renault Espace I Phase II offered a slightly more compact yet comfortably spacious design. Its length of 4365 mm (171.9 inches) was moderately shorter than some competitors, facilitating easier urban navigation. The width at 1777 mm (69.9 inches) was competitive, offering sufficient interior space without the bulk. Moreover, its versatile interior with configurable seats and large cargo capacity put it ahead in terms of practicality within European markets.

The Renault Espace I Phase II commonly used 14-inch rims fitted with tire sizes such as 185/65 R14, 195/70 R14, and 195/65 R14. These tire sizes balanced ride comfort, road grip, and load capacity fitting for a minivan. The slightly varied tire profiles allowed for customization depending on driving conditions and preferences, supporting stable handling, efficient braking, and passenger comfort on both urban roads and highways.

The ride height or ground clearance of the Renault Espace I Phase II ranges from 138 mm to 150 mm (5.4 to 5.9 inches). This moderate clearance level helps the vehicle maintain good stability during everyday driving on paved roads while allowing the driver to comfortably navigate speed bumps, minor road debris, and uneven surfaces common in residential and suburban environments. It strikes a balanced approach between accessibility and avoiding road damage.

The Renault Espace I Phase II was pioneering in modular interior design for families, offering configurable seating arrangements with foldable rear seats that transform the interior space. With standard luggage capacity at 580 liters (20.5 cubic feet) and an expanded volume up to 3060 liters (108 cubic feet) when rear seats are folded, it enables transport of everything from groceries and sports equipment to bulky furniture. This flexibility, combined with comfortable passenger seating for up to seven, makes it extremely practical and family-friendly.

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