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Renault Espace MPV 2.0 dCi 150 Team

For:
A stylish reinvention of Europe's first MPV that manages to hide its greater size. Packed with safety kit, it picked up a maximum five-star verdict from crash test organisation Euro NCAP. Full range of seating permutations.

Against:
Even in long-wheelbase Grand form, the Espace struggles to take seven passengers and their luggage. Kneeroom tight in rearmost seats.



Performance

A 2.0-litre unit kicks off the petrols, followed by a 2.0 turbo and a 3.5 V6. The diesels make more sense, though. Cheapest is the 130bhp 2.0, while a 3.0 V6 tops the range, but it's hampered by its auto 'box. The 175bhp 2.0 diesel is strong, but only comes in higher trims, so the 150bhp 2.0 is the best compromise.

Ride & handling

Newer rival MPVs have all impressed on the road, so it's a compliment to say the larger Espace feels just as nimble as they do. The Renault favours comfort over sharp handling, but copes admirably well with bends. The ride is supple over most surfaces, so even those in the back get a smooth journey.

Refinement

The 3.0 TD is more refined than the smaller diesels, but is hamstrung by a slightly confused automatic gearbox. A new six-speed auto has replaced this. The smaller diesels and the 2.0 petrols get vocal under hard acceleration, but the TDs' pulling power means this is rarely necessary. Wind and road noise occur at speed, but not overly intrusively.

Buying & owning

As long as you steer clear of the V6 petrol models, you should find a car that's relatively cheap to run. Diesels tend to hang on to their value better than petrol models, as well as having benefits in terms of fuel economy and lower tax bandings for business users.

Quality & reliability

The majority of the engines are already proven elsewhere in the Renault range. Inside, likewise, there are no complaints about the way the Espace is built. However, some of the plastics, mainly on the swooping dashboard, don't have the quality we expect of such an expensive car, while the latest Espace needs to improve on the poor reliability record of the previous model.

Safety & security

Excellent safety features include ISOFIX child-seat mounts on every rear seat, anti-lock brakes and an electronic stability programme. Twin front and side airbags are also standard, plus side 'bags for the centre-row seats and curtain airbags. All have deadlocks.

Behind the wheel

The Espace has large, thickly padded seats, plus a wide range of adjustment on the steering wheel. Both front seats can swivel to face the rear. The dash and digital instruments look stylish and futuristic, but aren't terribly easy to use. Visibility is excellent for an MPV.

Space & practicality

The five rear seats can all be removed, and each has a three-point seatbelt. However, access to the rearmost seats is not as good as in some rivals, because the Espace lacks sliding doors. The outer seats of the middle row slide back and forwards and there's plenty of head- and legroom for passengers. The low-slung seats force occupants into an awkward high-kneed position, however, and even the long-wheelbase Grand struggles with seven and their luggage.

Equipment

Specs are generous across the range, every model coming with air-con, a CD player, front and rear electric windows and remote central locking. Higher-spec models gain climate control, alloy wheels, sat-nav and leather trim.

Running Costs

Town mpg

31

Out of Town mpg

44.8

Average mpg

39.2

Tank Capacity (gallons)

18.3

CO2 Rating (g/km)

191

Insurance Group

11

Typical Insurance Quote

£489

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

31

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£483

Pence Per Mile

52.79

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£1121

Servicing Intervals

18,000

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 12yr Perforation + 3yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

MPV

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

7

Engine (cc/type)

1995/4

Fuel Type

Diesel

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

148/4000

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Front

Length (mm)

4656

Width (mm)

1860

Height (mm)

1728

Boot Space (min ltr)

291

Boot Space (max ltr)

2860

Turning Circle (m)

11

Towing Weight(kg)

2000

Kerb Weight (kg)

1757

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