Renault Espace/Grand Espace

The last word in MPVs, the Renault Espace is simply vast, but manages to be stylish and unconventional at the same time. Available in regulation and Behemoth ‘Grand’ guises, either is the ultimate solution for those with a distrust of birth control.

• Comfort

  It pretty much goes without saying that the Espace is one of the more comfortable cars on the market. Regularly rolled out in its native France to perform executive limo duties, it wafts about the place with a serenity you normally only get from a big bag of pills.

  

• Performance

  Although the choices are seemingly endless the most suitable power plants for the Espace are diesels. The 2.2-litre dCi is plenty quick enough, although there is an even larger V6 diesel.

  

• Cool

  It's exceedingly difficult for us to admit it, but this is a cool MPV. The Espace looks great, more than does the job of being big, and yet it still drives well. Suddenly fatherhood looks less troublesome.

  

• Quality

  Renault treats the Espace like some sort of flagship and build quality is excellent. The interior plastics are all expensive-looking yet hard-wearing and it's easy to imagine a large family failing to destroy it, however hard they may try.

  

• Handling

  As unlikely as this is going to sound, the Espace actually drives pretty well. Renault has worked hard to ensure it is as a car-like to drive as possible, and the lack of body roll and levels of grip are impressive as a result.

  

• Practicality

   A proper seven-seater this one, with masses of space for all passengers in the ‘Grand' version. The one catch, something that no-one seems to have got round just yet, is that with the third row in action there's not much boot space.

  

• Running costs

   Plump for a diesel and you'll do OK. A car as lardy as this is never going to be properly frugal though, and its premium status means it costs a bit more to buy than some of the more utilitarian seven seat MPVs around.