Espace the first people carrier

Oct 7 2008 Peter Hayward

ALMOST every car maker now has its large people carrier, with seven seats and all manner of family friendly touches.

But the first in Europe was the Renault Espace with five individual rear seats - a pattern copied by many of the others.

The Espace and Grand Espace - which is longer and gives more luggage space when all the seats are occupied - drive easily despite their bulk and take the corners safely and securely.

The latest series which came out in 2003, is available with 2.0 and 3.5-litre petrol engines.

But, although they are more expensive, the ones to go for are the diesels - a 1.9 with 120bhp, 2.2 with 150 or 3.0-litre V6 with 180.

The 1.9 will even manage close to 40mpg with careful driving, which has to be amazing. Neither of the others can touch it.

Performance is fair to excellent and comfort is marvellous in all.

Interior

Depending on model, standard equipment is good to excellent. All have aircon, six-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox, curtain airbags and CD player.

But all the rear seats have to be taken out for maximum load space and this is a back breaking task which is best avoided. Check all the electrics work properly.

FAST FACTS

Renault Espace

Price : Pay £7,200 for an '03 03-reg Authentique, £9,900 for an '04 54-reg Expression, or £14,300 for an '06 06-reg Dynamique.

Mechanical : 120bhp, 1,870cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 112mph

0-62mph : 12.8 secs

Combined mpg : 41

Insurance group : 10

Marks : 9/10

Main rival : Ford Galaxy, Peugeot 807