2001 Renault Espace Initiale from UK and Ireland - Comments

When the car was delivered the brake light switch was out of adjustment so that the brake pedal had to be depressed almost half way before the brake lights operated.

The Espace is a great car to drive, my car is finished in dark pearlescent blue with alloys and gas discharge head-lamps, for an MPV this car looks mean.

Dislikes;

The rear seats tend to rattle when unoccupied.

The fuzzy logic Automatic Gearbox can be a bit indecisive and to kick down you really do have to floor it.

Fuel consumption is very poor, motorway journeys with the car set at 70 MPH on cruise control return around 25 MPG and around town average 18 MPG.

Likes;

This car performs like a hot hatch, the 3.0 litre 24v engine has the ability to beat most people away from lights with handling and brakes to match.

The three sunroof set up gives the car a light and airy interior and the sophisticated electronic climate control ensures that you don't get hot around the collar.

The interior is very tasteful and the front seats are very comfortable although electric adjustment would be nice.

Good sound system with remote control on the steering column and a hand held remote control for passenger use.

Glad you like the car. I've just purchased my third Espace in 14 years (owned the first one 10 years). Surprised you complain about the fuel consumption though... what would you expect from a 3.0 litre engine with an automatic box? If economy was a factor you should have considered the TD.

Think you are being a bit critical about fuel consumption aswell, if you are getting 25 on a run and 18 round town with a 3.0 engine in such a big car with auto box its doing really well and a lot better than the new renaults I have a new megane 20vvt petrol and it only does 29 on a run and 20 urban, average about 26mpg and doesn't have the power to pull you out of bed so consider yourself lucky its the worst car I have ever owned.

How on earth can one complain about fuel consumption and complement performance at the same time. big, heavy,autogearbox vehicle with good performance= thirsty.