Renault Grand Espace (2003 - 2012) 2.0 dCi Dynamique (150bhp) 5d Auto Owner Review

This was my third, and best, Espace, an automatic 2 litre turbo-diesel, great for town traffic or for motorway cruising with its handy cruise control to avoid unnecessary speeding tickets. The long wheelbase makes it a great load carrier for such as multiple sheets of plasterboard with the rear 5 seats out, also the built-in spoiler that slides apart to become a handy 45kg roof rack carrier. With all seats in, a family of 7 can travel together in comfort as the roof rack will easily hold a pod for the suitcases, or with 5 in and the two rear seats out the boot space is cavernous. The only recurring bugbear is the onboard computer, which periodically gives out false warnings that the garage has to plug theirs into and reset. With over 150k on the clock, the engine and automatic gearbox have remained totally reliable throughout my 12 years of ownership. As they are no longer built, I plan for this one to be with me for years to come.