RENAULT

QUALITY AND QUANTITY Renault’s Espace 2.0dCi 175 is one of those vehicles that makes its rivals look rather substandard. Andy Enright reports

When you team the world’s best full-sized MPV with the most powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine available on the market, you just know the result is going to be something a little special. Renault has done just that, and although the Espace 2.0 dCi 175 is, thanks to the laws of supply and demand, far from inexpensive, it’s nevertheless the yardstick against which all other big MPVs are judged.

The engine itself is a real piece of work. The act of extracting 175bhp from 2.0-litres of common-rail diesel engine is no mean feat but Renault has employed some of the latest developments in engine technology to achieve their goal. Piezo-electric injectors seem to be the must have accessory for any high-tech diesels at the moment. They use a stack of electrodes and ceramic layers which elongate very quickly when an electrical current is introduced. It’s used to instantaneously raise and lower the injector’s needle, allowing the timing and volume of fuel injections into the cylinder to be precisely controlled. Small pre-injections are made at the start of each cycle which heat up the cylinder so the main injection can be burned more efficiently. Then a post injection is introduced to burn off any soot which remains in the cylinder after the main combustion. Finally, there’s the possibility of a second post-injection which is used to burn-off soot particles that have been trapped by the FAP particulate filter. It’s complicated stuff but that’s not the half of it. Factor in the twin balancer shafts which limit engine vibrations, the twin mass damping wheel which also helps improve refinement plus the variable geometry turbocharger and you really do have one highly advanced engine. Most prospective buyers, of course, will be more interested in what it does than how it does what it does. The 175bhp unit produces its maximum output at 3,750rpm and has substantial torque of 360Nm available from 1,750rpm, making for really lively acceleration in the low to mid range. The 0-60mph sprint, not always the best criteria on which to judge a diesel MPV, is nevertheless covered in a rapid 10s and there’s a 117mph top speed.

"This 2.0-litre model elevates itself to the pick of the Espace range"

Given its ample proportions, this Espace is certainly quick but as with all good diesels there’s the capacity to sit back and coast along on that surge of torque. On long open roads, gearchanges will become a distant memory as the diesel engine eases up gradients and dispatches dawdling traffic with distain. Despite the considerable efforts of Renault, the engine isn’t the most refined of its type, especially on start-up, and the power delivery can be a bit abrupt when you’re pressing on. All that torque suddenly kicks in then drops away leaving little point in searing up to the 5,200rpm limiter but keep the engine in the sweet spot and it can really hustle. Cleanliness is next to godliness where modern diesels are concerned and the Espace dCi 175 is impressively clean. With the help of a maintenance-free periodic-regeneration particulate filter, which incinerates the soot it’s trapped at 570 degrees Celsius every 500 miles or so, the car comfortably meets Euro IV emissions regulations. It also emits only 199g/km of CO2 – a creditable performance for a vehicle that weighs in at over 1,800kg. Equally impressive is the combined cycle fuel economy of 38.2mpg. Prices open at £24,835 for the Dynamique model, then you’ll pay from £26,585 for the Dynamique S, in each case adding around £1,200 more if you want the longer wheelbase Grand Espace variant. The flagship Initiale comes only in Grand Espace form and costs £30,935. The headlights are an integral part of what Renault describes as a softer styling theme for the latest Espace. A slimmer bumper and a simpler grille design lose some of the fussy styling of this model’s predecessor. The lights feature Bi-Xenon lamps for better illumination and they also pivot, taking into account steering input and vehicle speed. This helps illuminate roadside obstacles such as pedestrians just beyond the apex of a dark corner or roadside debris that could cause an accident. Chrome-trimmed foglamps are also included with these dCi models and the rear lights have been revised while the interior benefits from a revised range of upholstery choices and trim colours. It’s not all window dressing though. Important safety upgrades have been introduced including rain and light sensors, "See Me Home" lighting, front and rear parking assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system and Emergency Brake Assist to beef up the response of the anti lock brakes. The Electronic Stability Program has also been improved with the addition of understeer control. Otherwise there’s the eight airbags and three-point seatbelts with load limiters and that almost mandatory (for Renault at least) Euro NCAP five-star qualification. This generation Espace is an evolutionary advance over its predecessor rather than anything manifestly revolutionary. What is surprising is that Renault has, if anything, toned down its recent excess of novelty and restored some normality to the Espace. Whereas the Mk III model was built around a radical spaceframe chassis with composite parts, the Mk IV Espace instead opts for a more conventional steel monocoque platform shared with the Laguna and the ill-fated Vel Satis. Only the wings and tailgate are now made of plastic composites, the doors and bonnet being fabricated in aluminium with a steel roof – a roof punctuated by some serious glazing. British customers don’t tend to require a whole lot of nudging to make them buy an Espace. Some have grumbled that prices are high but in this case you do get an awful lot of trick engineering, clever practicality and the reassurance that you’re buying manifestly the best product available. The 2.0-litre dCi 175 engine is, in its own way, even more impressive than the range-topping 3.0-litre diesel. This might just be the Espace to have.

FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Renault Espace 2.0 dCi 175 range PRICES: £24,835-£30,935 the road INSURANCE GROUP: 11 CO2 EMISSIONS: 199g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 10s / Max Speed 117mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 38.2mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, full length curtain bags, lateral airbags, ABS with brake assist, ESP with CSV understeer control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [Grand Espace] length/width/heightmm 4861/1860/1746

SIMPLY THE BEST If you want the best MPV money can buy, the Renault Espace 3.0dCi has a fair claim on your attentions. By Andy Enright…

The problem with being the best is that you’re up there for everybody else to shoot at. Therefore it helps to constantly reinvent yourself in order to keep ahead of the chasing pack. Renault knows a thing or two about this process, having produced a number of generations of Espace since its introduction way back in 1984. With each new Espace, Renault has pushed further and further upmarket, redefining the model as the MPV to have if you’ll accept no substitutes. The latest car is no exception and in 3.0-litre dCi diesel guise, adds what might well be the second most impressive engine ever to grace an MPV.

There aren’t too many V6 diesel engines about, and having driven this one, we have to wonder why. Torque is what this engine’s all about, sheer muscle right from the get go. The peak torque figure of 258lb ft isn’t far shy of what a Porsche 911 Carrera manages and the big Renault feels effortlessly strong when accelerating through the mid range. A maximum power rating of 180bhp combines to propel the 3.0dCi Espace to 60mph in a gnat’s over 10 seconds and on to a 130mph maximum. If you’ve got an especially disciplined right foot, you’ll average a return of nearly 30mpg from it as well. On a long motorway run, expect to see a range in excess of 750 miles due in no small part to the car’s monster 83-litre fuel tank. High speed cruising shows the engine at its best, quiet and able to utilise that supple, elastic power delivery, the standard six-speed flick-shift Proactive automatic gearbox slurring up and down unobtrusively. At idle or at full throttle there is a slight diesel clatter but it’s certainly not intrusive and only serves to remind you that there’s something a little special up front. The price of such progress starts at £29,860 for the Dynamique S trim level in long wheelbase Grand Espace form but if you want more luxury, there’s a Grand Espace Initiale version on offer priced at £33,460.

"There aren’t too many V6 diesel engines about, and having driven this one, we have to wonder why"

The headlights are an integral part of what Renault describe as a softer styling theme for the latest Espace and a slimmer bumper and a simpler grille design lose some of the rather fin-de-siecle styling of this model’s predecessor. The lights feature Bi-Xenon lamps for better illumination and they also pivot, taking into account steering input and vehicle speed. This helps illuminate roadside obstacles such as pedestrians just beyond the apex of a dark corner or roadside debris that could cause an accident. Chrome-trimmed foglamps are also included with these 3.0-litre dCi models and the rear lights have been revised while the interior benefits from a revised range of upholstery choices and trim colours. It’s not all window dressing though. Important safety upgrades have been introduced including rain and light sensors, "See Me Home" lighting, front and rear parking assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system and Emergency Brake Assist to beef up the response of the anti lock brakes. The Electronic Stability Program has also been improved with the addition of understeer control. Otherwise there’s the eight airbags and three-point seatbelts with load limiters that will have Renault executives eating their berets if this car doesn’t sail through the Euro NCAP five-star qualification. This generation Espace is an evolutionary advance over its predecessor rather than anything manifestly revolutionary. What is surprising is that Renault have, if anything, toned down their recent excess of novelty and have restored some normality to the Espace. Whereas the MKIII model was built around a radical spaceframe chassis with composite parts, the MKIV Espace instead opts for a more conventional steel monocoque platform shared with the Laguna and Vel Satis. Only the wings and tailgate are now made of plastic composites, the doors and bonnet being fabricated in aluminium with a steel roof. In driving the car upmarket, Renault hope to poach sales from not only the better MPV rivals out there but also buyers of executive cars who have become a little jaded at the choice available. With its superior driving characteristics, the Espace leaves behind the image of obligatory MPV lurching and wallowing, instead offering a drive that’s reasonably tight. Only blasting it down a bouncy B-road will find the limits of the Espace’s suspension travel. Buyers opting for the latest Espace make a conscious decision. They appreciate that there’s no such thing in life as a free lunch and if you want the best you need to pay for it. The 3.0-litre dCi models revel in this meritocracy. They offer a unique blend of poise and parsimony that, for the first time, makes an upmarket MPV a viable alternative to a ‘proper’ executive car.

FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Renault Espace 3.0dCi range PRICES: £29,860-£33,460 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 14-15 CO2 EMISSIONS: 252g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 10.4s / Max Speed 130mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 21.2mpg/ (extra urban) 38.3mpg/ (combined) 29.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, full length curtain bags, lateral airbags, ABS with brake assist, ESP with CSV understeer control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4861/1860/1746

BOXING CLEVER A full sized MPV is just a box on wheels, right? Wrong says Renault, as they wheel out the Espace Dynamique. Andy Enright takes a look

If there’s one thing that Renault has consistently excelled at, it’s understanding the market they pitch their Espace into. Where other manufacturers play catch up, introducing long wheelbase versions or developing a competitive range of diesel engines, Renault is there already, mopping up sales across the board. The latest Espace Dynamique S range is evidence that what Renault is doing now, the rest will be trying in a year or so.

Diesel-engined models account for more than 90 per cent of all Espace sales so it’s no surprise that the engine line up of the Espace Dynamique range consists of three diesels and one solitary petrol unit. The Dynamique trim level is generally marketed as having sporting design cues although Renault is smart enough to know that a boy racer Espace isn’t going to fool anyone so has kept the Dynamique-specific bits agreeably restrained. The exterior features 17" high-gloss ‘Tellus’ alloy wheels, a chrome effect bumper strip with optional metallic paint, extra tinted glass on rear windows and tailgate, Climate control with separate driver/ passenger controls, part leather sports style seats with carbon trim and red stitching, heat reflecting windscreen, variable power assisted steering, rear parking sensor and front fog lamps. Prices start at £22,390 and the longer wheelbase ‘Grand Espace’ variants cost £1,200 more, model for model. The Dynamique, like all other Espace models, is first and foremost a family vehicle, and safety is the number one priority. Therefore, it comes as no surprise to find that it includes features such as seats with the safety belt built-in to provide maximum comfort and safety irrespective of the positioning of the seat or angle of recline. Also a standard fitment is the ‘slide and lock’ system, which consists of sliding seat rails set in the floor allowing infinite movement within the cabin to maximise practicality. The Espace ensures you and your family not only travel in comfort but also secure in the knowledge that every model comes with a top five-star crash test safety rating from Euro NCAP. That much is money in the bank.

"Here’s an option for the MPV customer who wants something that looks a little less like your average crew bus"

Important safety upgrades have been introduced to the latest Espace line-up including rain and light sensors, "See Me Home" lighting, front and rear parking assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system and Emergency Brake Assist to beef up the response of the anti-lock brakes. The Electronic Stability Program has also been improved, with the addition of understeer control. Otherwise there’s the three-point seatbelts with load limiters and curtain airbags that cover all three rows of passengers as well as the more usual twin front and side balloons. The four outer passengers in the rear also get chest airbags, making the Espace a vehicle that must be quite magnificent to crash in. Renault has strengthened the range of powerplants on offer with the addition of a punchy 175bhp dCi unit. Able to accelerate a standard wheelbase Dynamique to 60mph in a fraction under ten seconds and on to a top speed of 127mph, this state of the art common rail turbodiesel is also capable of turning in a combined fuel figure of 38.2mpg, quite something when you consider the Espace weighs as much as a Mercedes S-Class. It’s a testament to Renault’s engineering that a vehicle this big and rapid will churn out just 200g/km of carbon dioxide. Two other diesel engines – a dCi 130 and a dCi 150 - are offered at this level. The 170bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol powerplant might prove of minority interest to Espace Dynamique buyers but it’s still an intriguing piece of engineering. Thanks to what Renault call a ‘twin-scroll turbocharger’ which improves efficiency by limiting the re-aspiration of burned exhaust gas, there’s a hefty slug of pulling power (some 250Nm) available from just 3,250rpm. Still, you’d expect a certain amount of noise with all that turbocharger puffing and whirling. In actual fact, it’s not too bad. The acoustic solutions have come courtesy of modified valve timing, a special tensioner for the camshaft drive toothed belt and a twin-mass damper which reduces noise from the rotating assembly. This generation Espace is an evolutionary advance over its predecessor rather than anything manifestly revolutionary. What is surprising is that Renault have, if anything, toned down their recent excess of novelty and have restored some normality to the Espace. Whereas the MKIII model was built around a radical spaceframe chassis with composite parts, the MKIV Espace instead opts for a more conventional steel monocoque platform shared with the Laguna. Only the wings and tailgate are now made of plastic composites, the doors and bonnet being fabricated in aluminium with a steel roof. The Espace Dynamique may be sporty in name only but make no mistake, this vehicle has a lot of substance top fall back on. Whoever said big MPVs had to look like frumpy boxes would do well to run the rule over one of these.

FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Renault Espace Dynamique range PRICES: £22,390-£26,035 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 10-13 CO2 EMISSIONS: 187-252g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.2 dCi 150] 0-60mph 12s / Max Speed 117mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.2 dCi 150] (urban) 27.4mpg/ (extra urban) 44.8mpg/ (combined) 36.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, full length curtain bags, lateral airbags, ABS with brake assist, ESP with CSV understeer control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [Grand Espace] length/width/heightmm 4861/1860/1746

ATTENTION TO DETAILS Another year, another tweak to Renault’s Espace range. Andy Enright fills you in on the details

For many, the Renault Espace is still the default large MPV and, in certain areas, it’s still the best, the French company leveraging its experience in building cars of this type to great effect. The latest range is less focused on the high-end models and therefore better value, though it’s still not that hot to drive in the face of challenges from the likes of Ford’s Galaxy.

When it comes to building large MPVs, Renault has effectively written the book on the art. Although it can’t claim to have originated the people carrier, it has done more than any other manufacturer to populate Western Europe with the things, taking the Japanese model of ‘borrowing’ somebody else’s original idea and refining it to devastating effect. Since 1984, when the first Espace was launched, Renault has gradually edged the range upmarket to the extent where this model is seen as a real premium product. The rise of seven-seat MPVs that offer a lot more badge equity has seen this market rather shrivel of late and the 2007 Espace retrenches and takes the fight to the volume manufacturers with the focus on well-equipped, sensibly priced models and more efficient diesel powerplants. The challenge in doing this is to offer all the cachet of Espace ownership without compromising on quality or safety yet keep prices sharp and Renault looks to have pulled it off. The Espace has never been about a sharp drive, instead letting its practicality and styling do the talking. Should handling and performance be priorities in your large MPV buying decision, go for a Ford Galaxy or S-MAX. If, on the other hand, you feel that family duties don’t jibe with cornering like Lewis Hamilton, there’s little that you won’t like about the latest Espace. The big news is the addition of a pair of diesel engines that are now mated to butter-smooth six-speed automatic gearboxes produced by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Both are 2.0-litre dCi units and are available in either 150 or 175bhp power outputs and both feature FAP particulate filters. Renault claims that both of these engines are quicker and more economical than the Chrysler Voyager 2.8 CRD’s unit.

"If you liked last year’s Renault Espace, you won’t find anything that grates here…."

As before, it’s possible to buy the Espace in regular length, which is still hardly insubstantial, as well as a stretched Grand Espace model. Both cruise very nicely at speed, with excellent refinement, but are a little less composed if you’re hustling through corners. Still, horses for courses and all that. You probably wouldn’t expect a Lotus Exige to be much cop at driving the family to EuroDisney and back. Given that the Espace was treated to a rather extensive facelift in 2006, Renault has wisely left well alone when it comes to exterior styling. At that juncture, it got a slimmer bumper and a simpler grille design. Swivelling Bi-Xenon headlights debuted and the rear lights were revised. One theme that was introduced with the 2006 car and carries on with latest version is a more restrained approach to technology and innovation. Renault have, if anything, toned down their recent excess of novelty and have restored some normality to the Espace. Whereas the MKIII model was built around a radical spaceframe chassis with composite parts, the MKIV Espace instead opts for a more conventional steel monocoque platform shared with the Laguna. Only the wings and tailgate are now made of plastic composites, the doors and bonnet being fabricated in aluminium with a steel roof. The interior is as spacious as ever with plenty of space for seven. Need more room? In return for increasing the size of your cheque to your Renault dealer by about £1,000 for a ‘Grand Espace’ model, you get substantially more luggage space. Over 165 litres more to be exact when all the seats are in place, making a total of 456 litres which could make the difference between having to use a roof box or trailer and not having to bother. Should you be able to get ride of all the seats bar those at the front, the total carrying capacity rises to removal van standards, up by 190-litres to 3050-litres. As well as having revised the engine line up, Renault has performed some major surgery on the model range. Out go the old Authentique and Expression trim levels, replaced by the current entry-level trim, dubbed ‘Team’. Above that are Dynamique, Dynamique S and the long-wheelbase-only Initiale. Team trim nets you dual zone air conditioning, seven individual seats, a CD stereo with eight speakers and fingertip controls, carbon cloth upholstery and multi adjustable Captain’s chairs with armrests. Move on up to the big selling Dynamique model and you’ll get 17" alloys, chrome door handles, chrome roof bars and the option of that 175bhp dCi diesel engine along with the 170bhp turbocharged petrol. Dynamique S effectively replaces the old Privilege trim and adds a six-disc CD changer with remote, leather/Alcantara sports seats, the hands-free Renault card entry, rain sensing wipers, cruise control and dusk sensing headlamps. If you’ve got the means to stretch to the range-topping Initiale model, which is only offered in long-wheelbase ‘Grand Espace’ form, there’s an additional front parking sensor, softer Vogue full leather upholstery, a 3D Bluetooth Nav Com system with a 6CD changer that’s also MP3 compatible with remote control. With the 2.0-litre 16v 140bhp petrol model in Team trim starting at £18,595, Renault look to have aced the opposition when it comes to value for money but closer inspection of the price lists shows that this is indeed the only Espace under £20,000. This is also the only petrol-engined Espace in Team trim and the emphasis is very much on diesel models (costing from £21,005) which tend to retain their value better when the time comes to sell. Cleanliness is next to godliness where modern diesels are concerned and the Espace dCi 175 is impressively clean. With the help of a maintenance-free periodic-regeneration particulate filter, which incinerates the soot it’s trapped at 570 degrees Celsius every 500 miles or so, the car comfortably meets Euro IV emissions regulations. It also emits only 199g/km of CO2 – a creditable performance for a vehicle that weighs in at over 1,800kg. A combined fuel economy figure of 34.4mpg for the 2.0-litre dCi FAP engine is not to be sniffed at either. Go for one of the petrol-engined models and you’ll pay a lot more, with the Grand Espace 3.5 V6 Initiale costing a small fortune to run. If you liked last year’s Renault Espace, you won’t find anything that grates here. The range has been made slightly easier to understand and there are more choices available to buyers of diesel-engined models at the budget end of the line up but aside from that. it’s business as usual. This means that if you want the Definitive Article when it comes to large MPVs, the Renault is still the primo pick. Resting on laurels is not an option for Renault, though, and over the past couple of years the clear superiority the Espace used to justify its premium pricing has diminished. Ford in particularly has upped the ante and if the Blue Oval continues to improve at this rate, Renault will need to act and fast. The gravy train has left the station and Renault is standing on the platform.

FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Renault Espace range PRICES: £18,595-£33,460 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 10-16 CO2 EMISSIONS: 187-292g/km PERFORMANCE: [3.0 dCi] 0-60mph 10.4s / Max Speed 130mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [3.0 dCi] (urban) 21.2mpg/ (extra urban) 38.3mpg/ (combined) 29.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, full length curtain bags, lateral airbags, ABS with brake assist, ESP with CSV understeer control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [Grand Espace] length/width/heightmm 4861/1860/1746

THE LAST WORD IN FAMILY TRANSPORT Models Covered: 5dr, 5 & 7-seat, 2.0 16V, 2.0T, 3.5 petrol, 1.9, 2.0, 2.2, 3.0 dCi turbo diesel [Authentique, Team, Dynamique, Expression, Privilege, Initiale, Tech Run]

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

With every successive generation, Renault’s Espace has become bigger, slicker and more sophisticated, Scenic and Grand Scenic models filling the vacuum it left beneath it. The 2002 model fourth generation Espace was a big reach upmarket and whilst Renault realised that sales volumes would never replicate the Espace’s glory days of the late eighties, it nevertheless meant that they possessed the MPV that all the rest had to look to in terms of style leadership and prestige. A used Espace lands you these attributes at more manageable asking prices.

Renault, it seems, have an infinite ability to surprise us industry watchers. The Espace came straight out of the blue when it was launched in 1984, and few recognised the potential of the mini-MPV market that Renault so cannily cornered with their Scenic. Latterly, Renault have been growing increasingly bold, with the adventurously styled Megane II and the flights of fancy that are the Vel Satis and Avantime models. Therefore, it would be reasonable to assume the latest Espace, launched in November 2002, would be something radically different to its predecessor. The New Espace, as Renault prefer to call this fourth generation car, is an evolutionary advance over its predecessor rather than anything manifestly revolutionary. What is surprising is that Renault have, if anything, toned down their recent excess of novelty and have restored some normality to the Espace. Whereas the outgoing model was built around a radical spaceframe chassis with composite parts, the Espace instead opts for a more conventional steel monocoque platform shared with the Laguna and Vel Satis. Only the wings and tailgate are now made of plastic composites, the doors and bonnet being fabricated in aluminium with a steel roof. The choice of engines was also widened with a superb 3.0-litre diesel and a punchy 2.0-litre turbo petrol unit being standout units. A mild facelift was carried out in early 2005 followed by a more far-reaching one in early 2006. The later set of changes brought a 175bhp 2.0-litre dCi diesel engine to the line-up, introduced swivelling bi-xenon headlamps that turn with steering inputs to illuminate round corners. You’ll spot the post facelift Espace by its thinner bumpers and simpler grille. The trim levels were re-jigged at the start of 2007 with the Team model taking over from Authentique and Expression at the bottom of the range. There was also a Tech Run special edition.

The exterior styling is a little more angular than the outgoing Espace, although few will have any cause for complaint. The detailing is very neat, with rakish scalene triangles formed by bevelled front and rear wings. The interior will be largely familiar but Renault have taken the concept of hiding all the major instruments and controls to extremes. A single central digital display shows most of the main functions, but the stereo controls are hidden under one of a multitude of flaps, as is the optional satellite navigation system. The controls for these features are a little fiddly, although the door-mounted air conditioning and ventilation controls are well executed. The Espace has gained an additional 57mm of rear headroom and a not inconsequential 225mm of length behind the front pair of seats. Unlike the Citroen C8 and Peugeot 807 with which it will compete for the bulk of its business, the Espace does without sliding doors or eight seat options and instead offers five stand alone rear seats that are identical, each incorporating its own seat belt, which means that they can be repositioned anywhere on the four full length or four 225mm semi tracks. Safety has been well attended to, with curtain airbags that cover all three rows of passengers as well as the more usual twin front and side balloons. The four outer passengers in the rear also get chest airbags, making the Espace a vehicle that must be quite magnificent to crash in.

Although certain Espace models have become popular with importers and car supermarkets, prices have largely held up well. £11,225 will buy you a 2.0T Expression on an 03 plate but to land one of the 2.2-litre diesel versions you’ll need at least £11,000. 3.0-litre versions aren’t that common due to their comparatively high fuel consumption. The Grand Espace versions attract considerable demand and are tough to find in an exact spec/colour combination. Insurance ranges from Group 12 for the 2.2-litre dCi up to Group 15 for the 3.5-litre V6 versions.

Check for worn suspension and tired clutches and gearbox. Also make sure that the car you're looking at has a service history and hasn't had a company background or, worse, been used as a taxi. Fourth generation cars have no major faults but check for interior wear and tear and exterior parking scrapes. Look for damage to the composite body panels, as repairs can be expensive.

(approx based on a 2003 Grand Espace 2.2dCi) Expect to pay around £275 for a front bumper assembly and £165 if one of the headlamps goes on the blink. The Michelin Pilot original equipment tyres are £155 each.

Three petrol engines are available, a 140bhp 2.0-litre 16v, a 165bhp 2.0-litre 16v turbo and then a big step up to the 245bhp 3.5-litre V6. Three diesel engines are also offered, a 120bhp 1.9-litre dCi, a 150bhp 2.2-litre version and the mighty 180bhp 3.0-litre dCi unit. Truth be told, there isn’t a bad engine here, and the diesel models are superbly economical. There aren’t too many V6 diesel engines about, and having driven this one, we have to wonder why. Torque is what this engine’s all about, sheer muscle right from the get go. The peak torque figure of 258lb ft isn’t far shy of what a Porsche 911 Carrera manages and the big Renault feels effortlessly strong when accelerating through the mid range. A maximum power rating of 180bhp combines to propel the 3.0dCi Espace to 60mph in a gnat’s over 10 seconds and on to a 130mph maximum. If you’ve got an especially disciplined right foot, you’ll average a return of nearly 30mpg from it as well. On a long motorway run, expect to see a range in excess of 750 miles due in no small part to the car’s monster 83-litre fuel tank.

If you want the best MPV money can buy, here’s a great place to start looking. Our pick would be the 3.0-litre dCi diesel version but there’s really not a bad pick in the entire range. Most of the time the Espace is driven and serviced responsibly so it’s not as if there’s a huge welter of rogue cars to avoid either. Just make sure you pick one that hasn’t been too worked over by unruly kids.