Skip advert
Advertisement

Renault Grand Espace DCi Privilege

Car fans who visit any French city can't help but notice a strange phenomenon. High-flying executives have shunned their posh saloons and instead are being driven around in MPVs.

Renault's latest heavyweight MPV is stylish and well equipped, with bags of character. The price will deter many, but there's room for seven in the Grand and the driver soon gets used to the size. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel feels like a smooth performer, but with poor economy and high CO2 emissions, it might not make financial sense.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Car fans who visit any French city can't help but notice a strange phenomenon. High-flying executives have shunned their posh saloons and instead are being driven around in MPVs. Often used as mobile creches on this side of the Channel, people movers over there are appreciated for their space, and are loaded with extras to become limos.

Renault caught on to this trend early on, and has always marketed the Espace as a cut above more mainstream rivals. The fourth-generation model has got even posher, so has it become just too swish for the British? We climbed behind the wheel of the first right-hand- drive version in the UK to see if the chic looks and comprehensive equipment could become part of family life here.

The first thing to hit you is the Grand Espace's size. It's immense, but clever styling - especially at the rear - means it looks clean and well finished. Our test car boasted a sliding panoramic sunroof that makes the roomy interior feel even more airy. However, at £1,200, it's strictly for those with deep pockets.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

UX 300e

2021 Lexus

UX 300e

25,972 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £14,600
View UX 300e
CLA

2022 Mercedes

CLA

21,157 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £23,500
View CLA
Discovery Sport

2023 Land Rover

Discovery Sport

36,613 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £27,500
View Discovery Sport
Sportage

2023 Kia

Sportage

55,816 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £19,500
View Sportage

Once inside, you realise the imposing dimensions make for a thoroughly usable seven-seater cabin. The Espace wrote the book on MPV design, and it shows. All five rear seats slide back and forth and lift out to reveal a vast load area for when you leave your passengers at home. There's enough room for adults, too, so the Espace is a sensible choice for anyone who regularly needs to carry tall occupants.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The dashboard is equally impressive, with the centrally mounted digital pod giving clear readouts and adding to the symmetry of the smooth cabin. Due to their unconventional location, some of the controls take some getting used to, but it works fine with a bit of practice.

The engine line-up is strong, with three petrol units and three diesels. A 16-valve 2.0-litre powers the entry-level model, while other petrol versions get a 2.0 turbo or a 3.5 V6. The diesel trio kicks off with the 1.9 dCi, followed by a 2.2 oil-burner, but we tried the flag- ship 180bhp 3.0 V6 to see if it can tempt conservative petrol buyers. The Isuzu unit already powers Saab's 9-5 and is destined for Vauxhall's Vectra and Signum. Performance is good, and while there is a clatter in the background, refinement is a step forward for Renault.

Economy is in the region of 29.7mpg, which is poor, and the on-board computer said we were getting less than 20mpg on our largely city-bound test. A 252g/km CO2 figure is equally horrific, and is sure to deter company car buyers with a 35 per cent tax rating.

But the ride is much improved, with an underlying firmness that does wonders for the handling. Steering is precise, too, which makes it easier to steer the Espace through tight city streets. Our model's five-speed auto gearbox is well matched to the engine, although the sequential manual override offers little advantage and you soon find yourself leaving it in auto and enjoying the ride.

Prices reflect the car's elevated status, and range from £19,130 to £33,735. Both Espace and Grand Espace will be offered in four trim levels, with our Privil

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £14,295
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,549 off RRP*Used from £11,890
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,800
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,670 off RRP*Used from £16,745
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025