This is the facelifted Renault Espace and no, you still can’t have it

It’s only been two years since the Renault Espace morphed into an SUV for its sixth generation, but for some reason Renault has seen fit to facelift it already. And here it is, resplendent in its new Baltic Blue Grey paintwork.

Not so fast, though. If you live in the UK you still won’t be able to buy an Espace – it was removed from sale over here in 2012 and hasn’t been back since. With this update, Renault confirmed to TG that there are still “no plans to sell Espace in the UK”.

It’s based on the same platform as the Austral and the Rafale (both of which we do get in the UK) but true to form the Espace gets the option of seven seats. It gets the same 197bhp hybrid powertrain as those cars too, plus the option of four-wheel steering to reduce the turning circle from 11.6 to 10.4 metres. Oh, and that gearbox has been reprogrammed for smoother changes and a more responsive kick-down.

The main changes are to the exterior design though. Renault said the new look provides the Espace with “a more contemporary style”. The new lights are closer to those on the Rafale, and there’s a new grille with a fancy diamond pattern. The bonnet and tailgate are new too, and round the back there are sharper rear lights which are apparently inspired by tangram puzzles.

On the inside there are new, more supportive front seats, fresh upholstery and improved soundproofing. There’s also a giant 1.7m-long and 1.13m-wide ‘Solarbay’ panoramic roof that features nine segments that can all be switched to opaque with the touch of a button or using the car’s voice-controlled Google Assistant.

A new camera in the A-pillar now recognises the driver of the car too, and provided you’ve got a profile set up it’ll instantly serve you with your favourite radio station, your driving position and the Google apps that you most frequently use.

Three trim levels will be available (Techno, Esprit Alpine and Iconic) and a convertible version will follow shortly.

Alas, we made that last bit up. Great idea, though…