The western coast of Karnataka hides more than just ocean breeze and sandy beaches. A few kilometers inland from the spiritual beach town of Gokarna lies a winding route into the Sahyadri hills that leads to one of India’s most surreal landscapes, the Yana Caves. This stretch, often forgotten by tourists, was the perfect terrain to test Renault’s latest iteration of the Espace. With its efficient hybrid system, roomy interior, and composed dynamics, the 2025 Renault Espace E-Tech Hybrid felt perfectly suited for a refined journey into untamed landscapes. What followed was more than just a drive, it was a dance between engineering precision and the raw beauty of nature.
Before diving into the technical details and the story of this drive, let’s take a look at the specifications of the vehicle that made this adventure as smooth as the coastal wind.
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2025 Renault Espace E-Tech Hybrid: Technical Specifications
We use only the official Renault site to gather technical data, ensuring you get the real numbers.
| Category | Specification |
| Length | 4.75 m |
| Width (without mirrors) | 1.83 m |
| Height | 1.65 m |
| Wheelbase | 2.74 m |
| Trunk Volume (5-seater) | 581–777 L |
| Trunk Volume (7-seater, seats up) | 159 L |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L |
| Tyres | 235/45 R20 |
| Engine Type | Turbo Petrol Hybrid, 3-cylinder |
| Thermal Power and Torque | 130 hp / 205 Nm |
| Electric Motors | 68 hp / 205 Nm + 25 hp / 50 Nm |
| Total Power | 200 hp |
| Battery Capacity (net) | 2 kWh |
| 0–100 km/h | 8.8 seconds |
| Transmission | Automatic multi-mode dog clutch |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
| WLTP Consumption | 4.8–5 L/100 km |
| Maximum Speed | 180 km/h |
Setting Off from Gokarna: A Beach Town Bids Goodbye
Early morning mist hung over the Arabian Sea as I pulled the Renault Espace E-Tech Hybrid out of a quiet coastal homestay. Gokarna was slowly waking up, pilgrims heading to Mahabaleshwar Temple, surfers walking barefoot with boards in hand, and narrow streets just beginning to stir. The hybrid powertrain glided through these lanes without waking the morning stillness.
The all-new front fascia, now sharper and more aligned with Renault’s latest design language, drew curious stares even in this distraction-rich town. And why not? Its presence is both stately and modern, yet never overbearing. The real test, though, would begin once we hit the SH-143 toward Yana, a route known for its elevation changes, inconsistent tarmac, and narrow forested climbs.
But first, I took a detour to the hilltop Mirjan Fort. Climbing its moss-laden steps with the Espace parked against the backdrop of the dense green valley reminded me that sometimes, modern engineering can sit in harmony with centuries of history.
The Climb Begins: E-Tech Hybrid Shows Its Mettle
Leaving the coastal plains behind, the road immediately began to rise and twist. With the Espace’s hybrid system prioritizing electric propulsion in these low-speed climbs, the drive felt effortless. The 68 hp electric motor was surprisingly adept at handling tight inclines on its own. When needed, the 130 hp turbocharged petrol engine kicked in seamlessly, assisted by a smaller generator motor that also worked as a starter.
There was no conventional gearbox at play here, and it showed. The dog-clutch-based transmission handled power transitions smoothly. No lag, no judder, just a continuous push forward. Around the 40 to 80 km/h mark, where most climbs hovered, Renault’s tuning updates for the 2025 model shone through. Acceleration was linear, quick, and predictable, an absolute boon when overtaking crawling trucks on blind corners.
The Espace may not wear the RS badge, but the four-wheel steering system made it pivot like something half its size. Despite being nearly 4.75 meters long, the car hugged switchbacks with uncanny agility. Body roll was minimal, and even in tighter corners, there was no hesitation in direction changes. It felt sure-footed, light on its feet, and delightfully engaged.
Into the Forest: Acoustic Comfort Redefined
Past the village of Apsarakonda, the road gets quieter and narrower, flanked by walls of dense green forest on both sides. With the windows up and laminated glass all around, the cabin of the Espace became a peaceful cocoon. The suspension setup absorbed road imperfections with quiet authority, and the newly revised engine mounts and pulley covers made a big difference. The typical harshness often associated with compact turbocharged three-cylinder engines was surprisingly well subdued.
A redesigned mirror housing and additional door sealing further cut wind noise. Laminated front windows filtered out everything but the song of the jungle. In the background, the hybrid drivetrain shifted between electric and petrol modes with finesse. Even when climbing through broken patches near Vaddi Ghat, there was no intrusive noise or vibration.
The sensation was of isolation, not detachment. The feel of the road remained, but none of the irritants seeped in. For a family SUV, this acoustic engineering is more than just refinement, it becomes part of the vehicle’s character. And out here, in a place where silence is sacred, it felt absolutely in tune with the surroundings.
Through the Twisties: Four-Wheel Steering in Action
If the first half of the route was about scenic climbing, the second half from Devanahalli toward Yana demanded sharper reflexes. Narrow roads, interspersed with fallen leaves and sudden hairpins, meant the Espace’s chassis was truly under scrutiny.
Here, the 4Control system was the unsung hero. Rear-wheel steering turned this long SUV into a curve-carving machine. The system adjusted steering angles dynamically, ensuring tighter turning circles at low speeds and enhanced stability at higher ones. In practical terms, this translated to fewer corrections, more precise turns, and an uncanny feeling of control.
It was during a particularly tight turn past a group of startled langurs that I truly appreciated the technology. Where many SUVs would have needed a three-point turn or screeching tires, the Espace turned fluidly, almost theatrically, as if it had rehearsed this routine. The heavier feel of the steering in Sport mode added to the experience, giving me a sense of connection rather than detachment.
Arrival at Yana: Blending Engineering with Mysticism
Reaching Yana is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one. The twin limestone monoliths, Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara, rise like natural cathedrals from the earth. Parking the Espace near the base and walking up the short trail made me reflect on the balance Renault has struck with this vehicle.
It’s not just about speed or comfort. The Espace E-Tech Hybrid’s achievement lies in how naturally it adapts. Silent in cities, smooth on highways, agile in hills, and composed even in chaos. The journey to Yana felt like the SUV’s design brief had been inspired by this very road, part logic, part myth, wholly immersive.
With its updated identity, better NVH control, more responsive drivetrain, and one of the most refined chassis setups in the hybrid SUV segment, the 2025 Espace is no longer just a practical choice. It has character.
Conclusion: A Hybrid SUV That Understands India
The Gokarna to Yana route was always going to test more than just mechanicals. It tested comfort, usability, ride control, steering precision, and refinement, all under changing topography and surfaces. The Espace E-Tech Hybrid not only passed but often excelled.
This SUV didn’t just take me to Yana. It made the journey memorable, turning potential stress into serene travel. In a market flooded with options, many more powerful or larger, the Espace carves its space by being deeply intelligent in the way it responds to your surroundings.
It is not loud, nor is it fragile. It is, instead, thoughtfully calibrated for drivers who demand both composure and confidence.
FAQs
How does the Espace Hybrid perform in hilly terrain like the Gokarna-Yana route?
Thanks to its electric motor assisting the turbocharged petrol engine and a smart clutchless transmission, the Espace maintains consistent torque delivery even on steep inclines. The four-wheel steering system adds agility on narrow hairpin roads.
Is the Espace comfortable for long journeys with family?
Absolutely. With reclining rear seats, ample legroom, and excellent suspension tuning, it provides limousine-like comfort, especially in the second row.
Does the hybrid system impact luggage capacity?
Not at all. The Espace retains up to 777 liters of luggage space in the 5-seater configuration, and even the 7-seater version offers useful cargo room with the third row folded.
Is the transition between petrol and electric modes noticeable?
Under regular driving conditions, the shift between electric and petrol power remains seamless. Renault has finely calibrated the system to deliver quiet, quick transitions that go almost unnoticed.
Is the vehicle ideal for city use as well?
Yes. The Espace’s electric drive capabilities make it perfect for low-speed urban commutes, and its rear-wheel steering makes tight turns effortless.
