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Renault Espace
Fergus Pollock · 1984
The Renault Espace is a long-running series launched in 1984, evolving from a pioneering MPV—first built by Matra—through successive generations to a modern SUV. Its design origins trace to British designer Fergus Pollock in the 1970s, later developed by Matra and adopted by Renault. Early generations featured innovative construction (fibreglass body on galvanised steel spaceframe), longitudinal engine layout, and flat-floor interiors. Later generations shifted to transverse engines, Renault-led development, and increasingly crossover styling—culminating in the sixth-generation SUV launched in 2023.