Renault Espace (03-12) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
The Espace is one of the most spacious people carriers around and makes an ideal car for larger families. The looks disguise its size well - it's more than 4.5 metres long - while inside it's roomy and versatile. It does most of the things you'd expect a people carrier to do, like have seats that fold and remove, lots of clever storage bins and the ability to carry seven people. But newer alternatives are even better and the fact that the rear seats in the Espace don't fold flat into the floor means overall practicality is somewhat limited. Changes for 2006 included a potent new 2.0-litre diesel plus interior upgrades.
4 out of 5

Other Renault reviews

4 out of 5

Performance

The bulk of Espace models are chosen with a four-cylinder diesel engine. Choices when this generation was launched included a 120bhp 1.9 dCi or a 150bhp 2.2 dCi, and the 2.2-litre is the more satisfying drive, offering smooth performance and a decent turn of speed when needed. All four-cylinder models come with six-speed manual gearboxes. Automatic transmission is also offered on the 2.2 dCi, and both petrol and diesel V6 models are auto-only. Petrol engines comprise both normally aspirated and turbo-charged 2.0-litre units, as well as a 245bhp 3.5-litre V6 - a detuned version of the engine used in the Nissan 350Z. Changes for 2006 include a new 2.0-litre dCi available in 150bhp and 175bhp versions. The higher power version feels almost as quick as the V6 diesel while the 2.2 dCi remains in the line-up fitted with an automatic transmission. The V6 diesel is also upgraded for 2006 with a slight increase in power and torque plus a six-speed automatic transmission.

3.5 out of 5

Handling

Although the Espace excels on the motorway, it is not as unwieldy on twisty roads as you might expect. The comfort-biased ride soaks up bumps on all but the worst roads and the light steering makes it easy to keep the Espace on its set course. There isn't much to delight the driving enthusiast, but it is safe and composed.