Monospace

Definition

A monospace (also called monovolume ) is a Véhicule Automobile comprising one volume, i.e. deprived of differentiation between the front, central and back parts. This type of design, introduced by Renault Spaces on the particular vehicles, is at the origin of the word " monospace". Indeed, it was then a question of describing a vehicle " monocorps" or " monovolume" who " resembled Renault Espace".

By extension, and abuse language, this word indicates from now on more imposing vehicles (as well in height as width) as the station-wagons resulting from the same models and, parfois-même of the vehicles not having anything " monovolume" but having important characteristics in terms of modularity (" monospaces" Chrysler To travel and Mazda MPV - " Multi Purpose Vehicle" , the Anglo-Saxon term for " monospace") for oldest, were " bivolumes" insofar as the front windshield is in setback compared to the line of the cap).

A contrario, of the vehicles monovolumes such as Renault Twingo, Daewoo/Chevrolet Matiz, etc is not considered commes monospaces, even if, in the case of Twingo, the modularity is, more or less, present. The fact is that in the extension of its definition first, the " monospace" is a vehicle family, not a vehicle " citadin". Thus, smallest vehicles recognized as being " monospaces" nowadays are size of Opel Meriva (for example) and seldom smaller.

In addition, many manufacturers propose in their respective ranges of the " ludospaces" , vehicles generally derived from light utilities and " singeant" monospaces (Renault Kangoo and Citroen Berlingo, for example).

Specifications

The generally accepted idea wanting that the engine of a monospace belongs to the livable cell is false insofar as the engine, even if the cap does not present setback with the windshield, is, in the major part of the separate cases of the cockpit, just like is, for example, the exchange-back engine of many sport scars. In addition, there exist examples of monospaces with establishments engines varied enough, such as the Toyota Previa which presented an engine flat, under the floor, between the two axles.

Origins

The ancestor of the monospace is the van , commercial vehicle light (Camionnette) whose interior space was arranged for the transport of people. The " monospace" is at the base a smaller, less utility, and family alternative of the van. The term van or minivan is always used besides in the Anglo-Saxon countries to indicate the light commercial vehicles being able to transport under improved conditions of comfort, of the passenger (Volkswagen Transporter, Nissan Vanette and Mercedes Vito for example). (To the Quebec, one says mini-light van ). Two vehicles can assert the title of precursor of the monospace: the Chrysler/Plymouth Voyager and the Renault Espace, created by Matra even if in the case of the first, it acts of a vehicle " bicorps" or " bivolume".

The originator of Space, Philippe Guédon/Matra, really created it in 1979, for then proposing it with PSA (refusal of the project), then with Renault, which will market it at the end of 1983. Besides the prototype of Renault Espace time lets appear much similarities with the grill of Peugeot 604. The idea is a consequence of similar concepts imagined at Toyota (1975) or Nissan (1978) (which gave the Nissan Prairie in 1983), themselves taking again the principle launched by Volkswagen in 1950 with the Caravelle which was, for the blow, a " minivan". Of a gauge similar to that of a minivan, it is amusing to note that the basic idea of the design of the " monovolume" of Renault Espace is rather similar to that of the TGV of the time. Just as Nissan Prairie presents obvious similarities with the Japanese equivalent of the TGV. Space was distinguished from the minivans of the time by an important internal modularity. Conceived at the origin in the line of the Matra Rancho (preceding collaboration of Matra with Simca), the project is given up and Guedon turns then to Renault which insufflates an orientation plus high-of-range to him. After a launching in half-tone in 1984 the vehicle manufactured by Matra and marketed by Renault conquers the European market and creates a segment with whole share.

Evolution

Gradually, the majority of the manufacturers general practitioners pack to them Gamme with a model of this type. The niche is all the more enticing that the Valeur perceived is raised and consequently the Marge S supérieures.
Renault preserves nevertheless its advance while continuing to take again on its account innovations other marks:
  • creation of the Minispaces to reduced dimensions and urban vocation with the Renault Twingo in 1993, inspired by the Honda Jazz of 1982;
  • creation of the compact Monospaces presented like an alternative to the traditional trucks and the station-wagon S with the Renault Scenic in 1996, after the Nissan Meadow of 1983;
  • creation of the Coupéspace Renault Avantime in collaboration with Matra (the only commercial failure of the manufacturer in this field) in 2000, of in particular with its many technical defects, and with the concept too avant-gardist and a discussed design.

Representing hardly more than 1% of the sales of private cars in France in 1990, the monospaces add up in 2004 more than 20% of this market. This tendency continues a little everywhere in Europe but the American market yet does not allure, where SUV are more popular.

External bond

  • comparative Assessment of 10 monospaces on Caradisiac.com

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