Gets Better With Age
by Ian Lynas (07 Apr 06)

Renault aims to stay at the top of the MPV table with Espace, now available in its 2006 guise. High comfort levels and a super range of engines are the key features of a car which now gets a softer profile, yet remains thoroughly modern and fresh. It has enjoyed for more than 20 years its position as segment leader and a benchmark for other MPVs. Challengers have come, but few have been able to match the all-round package that this handsome French people-carrier delivers.

Apart from its ability to transport in safety, it is a thoroughly versatile vehicle fine-tuned over the years by Renault. The latest example of this is the automatically attaching rear seats. These are easy to position to gain the maximum benefit from the obvious advantages of a totally flat floor and to facilitate access to the third row of seats.

When folded forward each seatback becomes a table for a multitude of uses, a portable office, a picnic table or a child's play area - the choice is yours.

Comfort levels for everyone who travels in Espace are of the highest order, even for those who sit in the third row of seats. Personalised thermal control adds further to travelling pleasure as preferred settings are memorised by each Renault card. Optional independent front and rear controls are in addition to the independent front left and front right controls. The latter gather information from sensors which monitor humidity, outside temperature, sunlight and even exterior pollution levels.

All of this, in combination with the 5.26 square metres of glazed surface, provides the latest Espace with an open feeling; it is simply like traveling in a large convertible, though of course there are blinds to shade occupants when the temperature zooms high.

Produce a vehicle to transport people and consideration must be given to their trappings. Far too many MPVs suffer with inadequate luggage space; not so the new Espace. There is a maximum load capacity of 3050 litres and you can opt for Grand Espace which, at 20cm longer than the standard version, benefits from an additional 190 litres of luggage space.

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