Skip advert
Advertisement

Renault Grand Espace 2.2 dCi

The original MPV still woos buyers with its great styling, luxury kit and ability to accommodate seven people – and their luggage

The original MPV still woos buyers with its great styling, luxury kit and ability to accommodate seven people – and their luggage. But the Grand Espace’s premium prices reflect that – although shrewd buyers should be able to find one for under £5,000 in the current economic meltdown. We’ve set space as our key criteria, so avoid the cheaper, standard Espace, which struggles to address the problem of where to put loads once everyone is seated. And as all the Grand’s chairs can be switched around, folded, swivelled and slid back or forwards, there’s no limit to carrying options. With the seats down, bootspace is a generous 3,050 litres.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Direct-injection diesels are star performers, with the punchy 150bhp 2.2 dCi just coming into our price radar. This gives a 0-60mph time of 11.5 seconds, yet manages 36.7mpg. Inside, the Renault is quiet and refined, while dual-zone climate control ensures all occupants will be comfortable.

It’s undoubtedly a luxury people mover, and the high spec underlines this
with plenty of gadgets and gizmos, including tyre pressure monitors, bi-xenon headlamps, traction control, eight airbags and parking sensors all standard fit. Engine reliability is good, but if anything goes wrong, tracing an electrical fault could prove expensive. Glass’s Guide suggests £5,000 should get you a 52-plate 2.2 dCi Expression if bought privately. However, we spotted a 54-plate (with high mileage) advertised for £4,499 at a dealer on AutoTrader’s website.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £6,040 off RRP*Used from £12,495
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,670 off RRP*Used from £15,158
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,271 off RRP*Used from £11,595
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £14,800
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK
Toyota GR Corolla - front cornering

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK

The success of the GR Yaris has persuaded Toyota that there’s room in its UK range for the high performance Corolla
News
19 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Blistering BMW M135 for a bargain £301 a month
BMW M135 xDrive - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Blistering BMW M135 for a bargain £301 a month

Not many hot hatchbacks are as complete as BMW’s recently updated M135. It’s our Deal of the Day for 19 June.
News
19 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price
Volkswagen ID.7 GTX - front static

Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price

GTX Plus gives some extra punch to an already excellent electric saloon. It’s our Deal of the Day for 20 June.
News
20 Jun 2025