Flexible friend is now a steel

Renault knows this only too well. Back in 1984, the Espace was truly innovative. Fast, comfortable and dynamically excellent, it was the first seven- seater to offer car-like driving characteristics. Nearly two decades on, however, it is no longer the cream of the crop. Cheaper and more competent rivals such as the Ford Galaxy/SEAT Alhambra/VW Sharan and, more recently, the Citroen C8 and its Peugeot and Fiat brothers, have made the Espace look rather old-hat. So here's Renault's answer: the all-new model. Although its lines are instantly recognisable, it is significantly changed from its predecessor.

While those changes aren't only visual, the striking front end, tall windscreen and steeply raked rear are cer- tainly different. But the biggest departure is in the build methods. Unlike previous Espaces, which have been manu- factured for Renault by coachbuilder Matra and bodied in plastic, the new version is all steel and built in-house on a Laguna/Vel Satis platform.

Five engines are available, including the base 140bhp 2.0-litre petrol unit and a more powerful 165bhp 2.0 turbo, both with six-speed manual gearboxes. Topping the range is a punchy 180bhp 3.5-litre V6, available only with an auto box. As most British Espaces will be oil-burners, there is also a pair of excellent dCi diesels - a 150bhp 2.2-litre lifted from the Laguna and mated to the six-speed manual transmission, plus a 3.0-litre V6 which can be ordered with an optional automatic.

We drove the 2.0t petrol and 2.2dCi. Of the two models, the former impressed us more, thanks to its long-distance refinement and even torque spread. Also used in the Avantime, the engine feels lively and responsive, returning approximately 24mpg. The 2.2dCi will most likely be the UK's best-seller, and the unit is already well proven. But in the Espace it feels out of its depth, struggling to haul the heavy MPV up to speed and demonstrating a nasty thirst for fuel - we managed a mere 22mpg.

The cabin builds on its predecessor's reputation for practicality. Available initially on a short wheelbase only (an LWB Grand will arrive later next year), the Espace still has plenty of room for seven, while the rearmost seats can be stowed flat. That said, removing the middle chairs can be awkward due to the curved door aperture.

The layout is pleasingly similar to the old car's, with a vast dashboard featuring a central digital binnacle. A large central glovebox and two smaller lockers on top of the dash provide plenty of stowage space. But while the interior is cleverly designed, our test car had some disturbing build quality problems. Sharp edges on the dashboard, together with badly fitting door panels, must be looked at before the car goes on sale next year.

Things improve considerably on the road. The Espace is no sports car, but the handling is assured and confident, and it feels much more stable at speed than the previous model. Our only gripe is with the steering, which seems too light and imprecise round town.

Overall, the Espace is a competent MPV contender - but it can no longer guarantee sales on its heritage. Renault needs to make sure final production cars are well built and keenly priced to ensure showroom success in Britain.