Renault's pioneering Espace has set the benchmark in the large MPV market now for over 20 years and the latest version introduced a couple of years ago only confirmed its lead over the competition. Espace IV provides levels of technology, equipment, refinement and style that stand comparison with any mid size "Executive" car, even leading CAR magazine to call it "the Rolls-Royce of MPVs".Providing 5 star EuroNCAP crash test safety levels and features such as seats with the safety belt built-in to provide maximum comfort and safety and sliding seat rails set in the floor to maximise practicality doesn't come cheap however. The best-selling Espace is the mid-range 2.2dCi 150 Dynamique priced at £24,800 so MPV buyers with a strict eye on the budget have to buy, how shall we put this kindly, older less sophisticated cars.However, all is not lost for those who have always aspired to an Espace as Renault are introducing a new entry-level special edition called Espace Rush. Even though the Espace's share of the large MPV market has gone up this year, Renault are keen to attract buyers shopping at the sub-£20,000 level at a time when most of the competition like the Ford Galaxy, VW Sharan, SEAT Alhambra and Kia Sedona is aging, having been around since the '90s. Value for moneyNew Espace Rush is available in two engine choices, one petrol 2.0 16V 140 priced at just £18,995 and one diesel, the acclaimed whisper-quiet 1.9 dCi 120 at £19,995.These prices are £655 less than the entry-level Authentique yet that's not the end of the good news as extra equipment is also fitted - to the tune of £1,250 worth.The Espace is only available in these two engines, there are no long wheelbase Grand or Automatic versions offered, keeping the range simple and prices lower. There is also a customer finance offer available at 0% APR with a 30% deposit making the monthly payment even lower. Lower prices do not mean giving up the luxuriesBased on the entry-level Authentique, Espace Rush comes packed full of core features included on all versions of Espace such as air conditioning with separate temperature controls for the driver and front passenger (again another reason why Espace is a cut above normal cars), 60W single CD RDS radio with six speakers and fingertip remote control, electric / heated door mirrors, height / reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, automatic parking brake for easier hill starts, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and Brake Assist, ESP, anti-whiplash front head rests and R.A.I.D. (Renault Anti Intruder Device) locking the doors on the move.New Espace Rush also comes with following equipment as standard; 17" alloy wheels, extra tinted glass on the rear windows and tailgate, roof bars / rear roof spoiler, leather steering wheel, and 'Sam' upholstery in carbon with carbon/ beige trim. New 'Slide and Lock' seat rail systemNew Espace Rush has in its core features the innovative new 'Slide and lock' seat rail system which has a rail and runner system allowing the sliding seats to automatically and simply 'click' into position.Seats can be easily placed into the floor runners at any location on the rail - they no longer have to be attached onto hooks in the runners - and then slid into their ideal position. The seats can also be tilted or removed easily in a simple operation using the pull hooks on the rear of the seats - making it easy for third row passengers to exit the vehicle themselves.This is all in addition to the existing outstanding features of the Espace seats - integrated seatbelts for each individual seat (so you can move the seat exactly where you want in and the passengers are still in the best level of safety & comfort) and the almost endless configuration options to allow you to travel however you wish.
