Renault Espace 3.0 dCi
The problem with being the best is that youre 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 youll 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.
| Build |  |
| Comfort |  |
| Depreciation | |
| Economy |  |
| Equipment |  |
| Handling | |
| Insurance | |
| Performance | |
| Styling | |
| Value | |
0dCi Espace to 60mph in a gnats over 10 seconds and on to a 130mph maximum. If youve got an especially disciplined right foot, youll 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 cars 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 its certainly not intrusive and only serves to remind you that theres 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, theres a Grand Espace Initiale version on offer priced at £33,460.
"There arent 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 models 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. Its 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 theres the eight airbags and three-point seatbelts with load limiters that will have Renault executives eating their berets if this car doesnt 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 thats reasonably tight. Only blasting it down a bouncy B-road will find the limits of the Espaces suspension travel. Buyers opting for the latest Espace make a conscious decision. They appreciate that theres 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 and 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
