Paris LIVE: 2015 Renault Espace

The next-gen Espace is heavily inspired by the Initiale Paris concept.

Renault has traveled to the Paris Motor Show to introduce the all-new 2015 Espace people-mover.

The fifth-gen Espace borrows a sizable amount of design cues from the Initiale Paris concept that was presented last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Features like a large multi-slat radiator grille, stylish curved side windows and an upright rear end have made the transition from concept to production, but the Espace has predictably lost the Initiale Paris' rear suicide doors.

The new Espace is up to 550 pounds lighter than the outgoing model thanks to a number of weight-saving measures inside and out. The diet makes the Espace more nimble to drive while improving fuel economy by around 20 percent.

Inside, Renault's latest people-mover features a well-appointed, high-tech cockpit that helps it move up a notch on the market. Upscale trim levels come with premium features such as full leather upholstery, a tablet-like touch screen that runs Renault's R-Link infotainment system and real wood trim on the dashboard.

Buyers can choose whether they want five or seven seats. The second- and third-row seats can fold flat into the floor at the push of a button when not in use. Interestingly, both the five- and the seven-seater variant have the same wheelbase.

Power comes from gasoline- and diesel-burning four-cylinder engines whose outputs range from 130 to 200 horsepower. Entry-level models are equipped with a six-speed manual, while more expensive variants are available with dual-clutch six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive will be the only configuration available at launch.

After greeting show-goers in Paris, the Espace will go on sale across Europe early next year.

Live images by Ronan Glon.