Renault Espace (2002 – 2012) Review
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Renault Espace (2002 – 2012) At A Glance
Full of kit, comfortable and refined. Very versatile seven-seat layout. Excellent crash test rating.
Not very agile on country roads. Diesels can give trouble. Transmission problems.
The best thing about the Renault Espace is the view. You sit behind a panoramic windscreen, broken only by two slim screen pillars. (The strength is in the pillars behind them.) And you look out over the most stylish instrument display of any car you can buy.
Reviews for Renault Espace (2002 – 2012)'s top 3 rivals
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Renault Espace (2002 – 2012) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.9 dCi 130 to 3.5 V6 Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 22–45 mpg
The new 175PS 2.0 litre EU4 FAP engine is the most powerful diesel of its size. But inevitably turning up the wick has left a black hole in the power delivery up to around 1,500rpm. Drop below that and you can spend anxious seconds entering roundabouts or turning onto main roads waiting for the acceleration to begin.
And it's a soft, roly-poly old thing. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than handling so press on hard and you can expect understeer by the armful. So you don't.
It's also huge. So you have to keep telling yourself that if people can drive trucks on the same roads as you, then you can drive the Espace. However, these are points, not criticisms, because it's amiable. Like many a school run mum you rapidly get used to the size. It's also reasonably economical. I didn't do a brim to brim but the ladder type digital gauge seemed to lose rungs very slowly and the readout said 33.5mpg, which I can believe.
All Renaults these days come with optional or standard cruise control combined with a speed limiter, which is helpful for motorway contra-flows even though the on/off switch requires you to lean forward and grope under the dashboard. The mirrors are huge so you can easily keep track of everything coming up behind to pass you.
Safety should not be forgotten either. The Espace has a 5 Star NCAP Occupant crash safety rating and in an independent test where it was crashed against a Land Rover Discovery II, both the Espace and its occupants fared by far the best.
In conclusion then, though the Espace has its virtues, it is starting to slip behind the pack in terms of practicality. The new Galaxy and the Chrysler Grand Voyager with ‘Stow & Go' beat it dead in that respect. Yet it's still easy to get on with and by far the most stylish MPV. And, because it's not far off the end of its model life, it's available for some fantastic discounts. Which keep it well worth considering.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 dCi 130 | 39 mpg | 13.5 s | 188–191 g/km |
| 2.0 16V | 30 mpg | 12.5 s | 223 g/km |
| 2.0 dCi 150 | 38–44 mpg | 10.6–11.5 s | 170–196 g/km |
| 2.0 dCi 150 Automatic | 34 mpg | 12.4 s | 217 g/km |
| 2.0 dCi 175 | 37–39 mpg | 9.8–10.0 s | 193–200 g/km |
| 2.0 dCi 175 Automatic | 34–39 mpg | 11.1 s | 189–217 g/km |
| 2.0T 16V | 29–30 mpg | 9.7–9.9 s | 224–227 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Renault Espace (2002 – 2012)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
92%
Real MPG
22–45 mpg
MPGs submitted
95
Renault Espace (2002 – 2012) interior
- Boot space is 291–3050 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4661–4861 mm |
| Width | 1860 mm |
| Height | 1728–1746 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2803–2868 mm |
Digital speed display, digital rev counter and satnav display are all right in front of you in line of sight at the base of the screen. While the dash itself is a Chinese puzzle of opening compartments in which to store gloves and knick-knacks.
But what Renault didn't do is create a nice tray anywhere near your hands on which to lay your phone. Possibly because they expect you to use the car's own Bluetooth phone system.
Being big, there is bags of room for seven adults and their bags. However the five back seats are where the Espace is starting to show its age. I know Renault invented the concept of an MPV with five individually removable rear seats. But it has stuck to that and the seats don't do anything more clever, like disappear into the floor. If you want to carry anything really big you have to leave them all behind in your garage (or lounge if you haven't got a garage), Renault should do a special base unit so you can use the seats at home like the old car seats they sit on in Top Gear.
Sensible options include a new integrated ISOFIX child seat with side arms to keep the youngster's head from flopping over while he or she sleeps. While bi-Xenon cornering headlights turn to peep round bends instead of pointing at the hedgerows. A 3.0 V6 EU4 diesel with 6-speed automatic transmission. And, of course, 90% of the vehicle is recyclable.
Renault Espace (2002 – 2012) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4661–4861 mm |
| Width | 1860 mm |
| Height | 1728–1746 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2803–2868 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1665–1890 kg |
| Boot Space | 291–3050 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 9000–18000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £19,825–£36,200 |
| Insurance Groups | 17–28 |
| Road Tax Bands | H–L |
| Official MPG | 24.0–43.5 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 5 |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | 2 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until January 2012
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Dynamique TomTom dCi 150 5dr | £25,315 | 43.5 mpg | 10.6 s |
| Dynamique TomTom dCi 150 5dr | £26,915 | 43.5 mpg | 10.6 s |
| Dynamique TomTom dCi 175 Auto FAP 5dr | £27,820 | 39.2 mpg | 11.1 s |
| Dynamique TomTom dCi 175 Auto FAP 5dr | £29,420 | 39.2 mpg | 11.1 s |
On sale until November 2010
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Dynamique dCi 130 5dr | £26,500 | 39.2 mpg | 13.5 s |
| Dynamique dCi 150 5dr | £28,600 | 38.2 mpg | 10.6 s |
| Dynamique dCi 150 5dr | £27,400 | 39.2 mpg | 10.6 s |
| Dynamique dCi 150 Auto FAP 5dr | £28,900 | 34.4 mpg | 12.4 s |
| Dynamique dCi 150 Auto FAP 5dr | £30,100 | 34.4 mpg | 12.4 s |
| Dynamique dCi 175 Auto FAP 5dr | £30,000 | 34.4 mpg | 11.1 s |
| Dynamique dCi 175 Auto FAP 5dr | £31,200 | 34.4 mpg | 11.1 s |
| Dynamique dCi 175 FAP 5dr | £29,700 | 37.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
| Dynamique dCi 175 FAP 5dr | £28,500 | 38.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
| Initiale dCi 150 5dr | £33,600 | 38.2 mpg | 10.6 s |
| Initiale dCi 175 Auto FAP 5dr | £36,200 | 34.4 mpg | 11.1 s |
| Initiale dCi 175 FAP 5dr | £34,700 | 37.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
| Team dCi 130 5dr | £24,600 | 39.2 mpg | 13.5 s |
| Team dCi 150 5dr | £25,550 | 39.2 mpg | 10.6 s |
| Team dCi 150 5dr | £26,750 | 38.2 mpg | 10.6 s |
On sale until May 2010
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Team 2.0 16v | £21,450 | 30.1 mpg | 12.5 s |
On sale until January 2010
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Dynamique S dCi 150 | £29,563 | 38.2 mpg | 10.6 s |
| Dynamique S dCi 150 | £28,337 | 39.2 mpg | 10.6 s |
| Dynamique S dCi 150 Auto FAP | £29,870 | - | - |
| Dynamique S dCi 150 Auto FAP | £31,096 | - | - |
| Dynamique S dCi 175 Auto FAP | £30,973 | - | - |
| Dynamique S dCi 175 Auto FAP | £32,199 | - | - |
| Dynamique S dCi 175 FAP | £29,441 | 38.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
| Dynamique S dCi 175 FAP | £30,667 | 37.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
On sale until October 2009
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Dynamique S 2.0 Turbo | £26,420 | 29.7 mpg | 9.7 s |
| Dynamique S 2.0 Turbo | £27,620 | 29.7 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Dynamique S 2.0 Turbo Auto | £27,620 | - | - |
| Dynamique S 2.0 Turbo Auto | £26,420 | - | - |
| Initiale V6 dCi Auto | £35,640 | - | - |
On sale until December 2008
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Dynamique 2.0 Turbo | £23,774 | 29.7 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Dynamique 2.0 Turbo | £22,599 | 29.7 mpg | 9.7 s |
| Dynamique 2.0 Turbo Auto | £22,599 | - | - |
| Dynamique 2.0 Turbo Auto | £23,774 | - | - |
| Dynamique S V6 dCi Auto | £30,008 | - | - |
| Initiale 3.5 V6 Automatic | £33,360 | - | - |
| Initiale dCi 150 Auto FAP | £31,354 | - | - |
| Team 2.0 Turbo | £22,007 | 29.7 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Team dCi 150 Auto FAP | £24,792 | - | - |
| Team dCi 150 Auto FAP | £23,617 | - | - |
On sale until October 2006
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Authentique 2.0 16v | £19,825 | 30.1 mpg | 12.5 s |
| Authentique dCi 130 | £21,050 | 39.2 mpg | 13.5 s |
| Dynamique dCi 140 Auto FAP | £26,995 | - | - |
| Dynamique dCi 140 Auto FAP | £28,175 | - | - |
| Expression 2.0 16v | £21,975 | 30.1 mpg | 12.5 s |
| Expression 2.0T 16v | £24,195 | 29.4 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Expression dCi 130 | £23,200 | 39.2 mpg | 13.5 s |
| Expression dCi 150 | £25,725 | 38.2 mpg | 11.5 s |
| Expression dCi 150 | £24,525 | 39.2 mpg | 10.6 s |
| Privilege 2.0T 16v | £26,495 | 29.4 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Privilege 2.0T 16v | £25,295 | 29.4 mpg | 9.7 s |
| Privilege 2.0T 16v Auto | £25,295 | - | - |
| Privilege 2.0T 16v Auto | £26,495 | - | - |
| Privilege dCi 140 Auto FAP | £29,525 | - | - |
| Privilege dCi 140 Auto FAP | £28,345 | - | - |
| Privilege dCi 150 | £28,025 | 38.2 mpg | 11.5 s |
| Privilege dCi 150 | £26,825 | 39.2 mpg | 10.6 s |
| Privilege dCi 175 FAP | £29,325 | 37.2 mpg | 10.0 s |
| Privilege dCi 175 FAP | £28,125 | 38.2 mpg | 10.0 s |
| Privilege V6 dCi 180 Auto | £31,775 | - | - |
Model History
February 2002
Radical 2002 Espace with new Renault corporate look established on Avantime and Vel Satis, launched late 2002. Three year UK warranty. 120bhp 1.8 DCi; 150bhp 2.2 DCi and 180bhp 3.0 V6 DCi engines. 245bhp 3.5 V6 has bags of performance even with 7 people and their bags aboard. Prices from £19,700 to £35,580. Optional cruise control and speed limiter. Passenger airbag can be deactivated by keyswitch.
February 2006
Range included new 2.0 dCi 175 Euro IV FAP engine, the most powerful 2.0 diesel engine available on the market in February 2006. New six-speed automatic transmission for the new 3.0 dCi V6 180 Auto Euro IV diesel engine with 400Nm of torque.
Five trim levels, Authentique, Expression, Dynamique, Privilége and the range-topping Initiale. Optional bi-Xenon cornering lights providing up to 90% additional lighting when cornering. Customer deliveries from April 3rd 2006.
November 2010
Renault Espace for 2011, with subtle styling revisions, greater levels of equipment and lower pricing, from £24,495 and savings of up to £3,005 available.
The Renault Espace now comes with LED technology, while its new headlights harmonise with the striking new Pearl Blue body colour and gloss black exterior trim details. On the inside, it also now benefits from the Carminat TomTom® Live real-time satellite navigation system.
In keeping with the times, the CO2emissions of the core-range dCi 150 engine have been slashed by 18g/km from 188 to 170g/km, thanks notably to work on combating friction and carefully-selected gear ratios.
A new range structure makes Espace's positioning as a practical, high-end MPV even easier for customers to understand. The Dynamique TomTom delivers a high standard of safety and comfort-enhancing features which match the expectations of families and business users seeking seven identically comfortable seats and a modular interior layout.
Its extensive list of features includes sport-style upholstery featuring extra side support and exclusive Teflon® protection, the fully-integrated Carminat TomTom® Live navigation, as well as a new gloss black interior trim.
In addition to the high levels of core equipment, one of Espace’s key strengths, its almost limitless modularity, remains intact, thanks to 10 aluminium tracks in the floor which enable the interior and boot space to be adapted in line with the number of passengers and luggage being carried.
On the outside, the headlights now incorporate LED daytime running lights and the range of seven body colours includes a new, striking Pearl Blue. Renault Espace's premium positioning is further underpinned by its new 17-inch Eptius and Novadis alloy wheels.
Befitting a premium model designed to carry its occupants in unrivalled style, a wide range of options are available to customise its interior and exterior look to serve even the most discerning tastes.
Other notable options includes an opening tailgate window for £320, bi-xenon directional headlights at £650, and the perfect accompaniment for children, a DVD system with two 16.9” screens integrated into the rear of the front headrests for £1,500. Lastly, thanks to a vast surface area of 2.46 square metres, the electric panoramic glass sunroof at £1,300, provides an exceptionally bright cabin and impressive view out for all passengers.
An optional, lavish Initiale Lux Pack is also available for £3,500 on the top-of-the-range Grand Espace dCi 175 Auto FAP. Among its many items are multi-functional TunePoint for portable music players, Carminat TomTom Western Europe mapping, metallic paint, front parking sensors and full leather upholstery. Rounding off its array of features and, in keeping with the opulent ambience, four rear seats with armrests are fitted in place of five, for even greater levels of space.
Renault Espace's powertrain range has also been modified following the introduction of Euro 5 legislation. The two-litre dCi diesel is available in a choice of two power outputs: dCi 150 and dCi 175, the latter mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The combined cycle CO 2 emissions of the core dCi 150 engine has been reduced by 18g/km from 188g/km to 170g/km, thanks principally to work on combating friction and revised gear ratios. Versions with automatic transmission boast welcome emissions savings, too, and now claim just 189g/km of CO2.
|
Model |
Engine |
CO 2 January 0001g/km |
MPG combined |
BIK |
OTR Price |
|
Espace Dynamique TomTom |
2.0 dCi 150 FAP |
170 |
43.5 |
25% |
£24,495 |
|
|
2.0 dCi 175 FAP Automatic |
189 |
39.2 |
28% |
£26,995 |
|
Grand Espace Dynamique TomTom |
2.0 dCi 150 FAP |
170 |
43.5 |
25% |
£25,995 |
|
|
2.0 dCi 175 FAP Automatic |
189 |
39.2 |
28% |
£28,495 |
December 2010
Simplified, easier to understand range for all Renault models from 4th January 2010
|
Model Range |
Now |
January 2011 |
|
Twingo |
Expression, Dynamique, GT |
Expression, Dynamique |
|
Clio 3-door |
Extreme, S, Dynamique TomTom, GT, |
Expression, Dynamique TomTom, GT Line TomTom |
|
Clio 5-door |
Expression, Dynamique TomTom, Privilège TomTom, Initiale TomTom |
Expression, Dynamique TomTom, GT Line TomTom |
|
Clio Sport Tourer |
Expression, Dynamique TomTom |
Expression, Dynamique TomTom, GT Line TomTom |
|
Wind Roadster |
Dynamique, Dynamique S |
Dynamique, GT Line |
|
Modus and Grand Modus |
Expression, Dynamique |
Expression, Dynamique |
|
Kangoo |
Extreme, Expression, Dynamique TomTom |
Expression, Dynamique TomTom |
|
Mégane Hatch |
Generation, Expression, Dynamique TomTom, Privilège TomTom, GT |
Expression, Dynamique TomTom, GT Line TomTom |
|
Mégane Coupé |
Expression, Dynamique TomTom, Privilège TomTom, GT |
Expression, Dynamique TomTom, GT Line TomTom |
|
Mégane Sport Tourer |
Extreme, Expression, Dynamique TomTom, Privilège TomTom, GT |
Expression, Dynamique TomTom, GT Line TomTom |
|
Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet |
Dynamique TomTom, GT |
Dynamique TomTom, GT Line TomTom |
|
Scénic and Grand Scénic |
Extreme, Expression, Dynamique TomTom, Privilège TomTom |
Expression, Dynamique TomTom |
|
Laguna Coupé |
Dynamique TomTom, GT, Monaco GP |
Dynamique TomTom, GT Line TomTom |
|
Laguna Hatch and Sport Tourer 2010* |
Expression, Dynamique TomTom, Dynamique S TomTom, Initiale TomTom
|
2011 range: Expression, Dynamique TomTom, GT Line TomTom |
|
Espace and Grand Espace |
Team, Dynamique, Initiale |
2011 range: Dynamique TomTom |
What to watch out for
Have been problems with electric parking brake and clutch system on 4 cylinder diesels.
On 1.9 and 2.2 dCi models EGR valve should open to allow carbon dioxide, which acts as a cooling gas) into the combustion chambers when the engine is under load (>30% boost). This allows the combustion chamber temperature to drop and thus the temperature of the exhaust gases. If it sticks in the closed position the exhaust gas temperature will rise causing a) the turbo bearings to fail and b) engine oil into the induction system. This will cause the engine to go on running until it has consumed all its oil and then it will go bang.
Problems with EGR valves in Renault dCi engines are often the cause of rough running when the valve is stuck in the open position as well. In several cases turbos have blown but the EGR valve has not been replaced. Inevitably the new turbo unit will not last long.
Auto transmission problems also common. Often because ATF cooler is situated in the radiator and if it fractures engine coolant gets into the transmission.
To change the digital display from mph to kmh and back again do the following (from Dutch handbook): Have the Renault card ready in your left hand but don’t insert it yet. Press and hold the computer function button on the end of the wiper stalk. Insert the card and start the engine. The speedo will flash for about 3 seconds. When it stops flashing, release the computer button and the speedo and the cruise control will switch to Km, though all other functions remain in miles. Simply repeat to change back to miles.
Loss of power and cutting out may eventually be traced to the brake light switch sending the wrong messages to the ECU. This may go hand in hand with a turbo problem, but loss of power and cutting out continues even after the turbo has been replaced if the brake light switch is not replaced and re-set.
On 2.2 dCi rocker cover assembly (which incorporates part of inlet manifold) is prone to warping, whereupon inlet and exhaust gases can get mixed, manifold can get cracked, turbo loses efficiency. The first sign of this is loss of power and an orange warning light. The manifold is plastic, and appears to be two pieces bonded together to form a cavity. This seems to split slightly at the bonded joint.
Digital dashboard failures seem to be quite common after 6 years or so and cost £800 to replace.
28-01-2014:Failure of steering lock apparently common and an MoT failure. There has been no official VOSA recall over this.
01-08-2016:Report of dash of 100k mile 2005 Espace flashing up "injection fault" and cutting the engine. This was rectified by coasting to a halt, pushing the stop button, restarting immediately and then driving on. The car will then performed with no problems for months on local runs. However, with a longer run in prospect, local garage replaced the injectors and car travelled to Scotland and back twice from Dorset and ran brilliantly but subsequently on a run up the the Midlands the fault has reoccurred. Suspect possibly bad contact inside one of the multipin connectors.
17-08-2018:Report of 'howling' drivetrian noise from 2010 Renault Grand Espace at 91,000 miles. Turned out to be a driveshaft bearing. Replaced and noise went when coasting but still perceptible in 5th and 6th gear.
