The Renault Espace is the latest vehicle to be accused of exceeding allowed emissions standards, according to a report by German environmental lobby group Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH). In its report, DUH claims that the 1.6 litre turbodiesel in the Espace emitted up to 25 times more NOx than allowed under Euro 6 limits.
The green lobby group stated that it detected the excessive emission levels while testing the Renault Espace diesel under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). In total, five separate tests with a warm engine were carried out by the University of Applied Sciences in Bern, Switzerland.
However, Renault has disputed DUH’s findings, reiterating that the Espace “complies with applicable regulations, just as all its vehicles.” The French carmaker also claims that the test procedures employed by the University are not all compliant with European regulations.
In a press statement, it says that the report “shows important variations in test findings which are not conclusive and require additional measurements.” Renault also cited earlier findings by an independent German institute ADAC, which tested the Espace and concluded that it met regulatory requirements.
“Renault is attempting to fully understand the tests in detail especially in light of the findings published in August 2015,” the French marque stated in its response. With the recent dieselgate scandal, other automakers and their respective products are being scrutinised for emission levels.
The Renault Espace was re-introduced as an all-new crossover model at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF (Common Module Family) platform. Its engine line-up includes three 1.6 litre mills, with two diesel and one petrol powerplant.
Recently, Renault’s counterparts, PSA Peugeot Citroen, announced that it will publish fuel economy figures for its “main vehicles” based on actual real-world testing conditions as a pre-emptive measure. It also said that none of its vehicles have ever been fitted with emissions “defeat devices.”
GALLERY: Renault Espace at the 2014 Paris Motor Show
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Sounds like a VW. So what must we do? Simple. Stay away from VW and Renault. And also cars like Audi, Skoda and even Porsche.
Cannot trust big liars anymore.
You are one of those brainless malaysians that believe everything you read instantly!
LOL basher spotted
What do you mean by liar? The scandal only happen in us but not in Malaysia. They have paid for the price and wow they are cooperating to solve the issue.