Renault’s trump card is safety and this shows even on the five-year-old Espace. The four-star Euro NCAP rating is as good as most other people-carriers and most models get ABS and driver, passenger and side airbags. Security is taken care of by an alarm and immobiliser.

One of the few MPVs that can carry seven passengers and a decent amount of luggage (it’s even better in the Grand Espace). All seven-seaters have folding and removeable seats. For added practicality, RXE and Initiale have floor rails, allowing the seats to be configured to your liking.