February sees the release of the 2006 Renault Espace with five different trim levels and two new powertrains with prices starting from £19,700 for the entry level model to £35,580 for the range topping V6 powered Initiale.

The new Espace offers subtle exterior differences with a reshaped front end and particular attention is paid to the lighting design, both front and rear. The inside sees a number of features added depending on trim level and budget, ranging from a Bluetooth Nav-Com system working with a 3D display to a centrally mounted CD/MP3 player.

As you would expect the Espace comes with a wide-ranging specification list with Renault giving you a hand in every area of driving. Wipers are rain sensitive, lights are, erm... light sensitive. Tyre pressure is constantly monitored and stopping shouldn't be a problem with ABS and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). Handling is also taken care of with ESP and understeer control, not that we'll be throwing this baby around our favourite B-roads. More importantly is a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

The engine range is just as comprehensive with a choice of two petrol and five diesel units. This year also sees the fitment of a 2-litre dCi unit with 175bhp, first introduced in the Renault Laguna; it will propel the Renault Espace from 0-62mph in 10 seconds. Not bad for a large bus. It's also a bit of a fuel sipper with a claimed Combined Cycle figure of 38.2mpg. Tree huggers will be happy with 200g/km for the CO₂ emissions. We have also been promised the 3-litre dCi V6 180 engine by the spring which will have the 6-speed 'flick shift' transmission bolted to it.

The basic line-up is as follows:

Petrol Engines
- 2-litre dCi 120
- 2-litre dCi 150

Diesel Engines
- 1.9 dCi 120
- 2.2 dCi 150 + auto option
- 2.0 dCi 175 Euro IV FAP
- 3.0 dCi 180 Auto Euro IV (available later in 2006)
- 3.5 V6 24V 245 Auto

Trim and specification levels are as follows:

Authentique:
ABS with EBA
ESP
Double seat belt tensioners
Seat belt reminders
Carbon grey upholstery

Expression:
In addition to the Authentique specification, Expression adds:
Rear parking sensors
Pre-telephone equipment

Dynamique:
In addition to the Expression specification, Dynamique adds:
Chrome effect bumper strip
2.0 dCi 175 Euro IV FAP Engine

Privilige:
In addition to the Dynamique specification, Privilige adds:
Bi-Xenon double optic headlamps
Wash and Proximity sensors

Initiale:
In addition to the Privilige specification, Initiale adds:
Front parking sensors
Vogue full leather upholstery
Metallic paint
3D Blue tooth Nav-Com system
Dash mounted 6CD MP3 with full colour screen

Prices are as follows:

Renault Espace Authentique 2.0 16V 140	£19,700
Renault Espace Authentique 1.9 dCi 120	£20,700
Renault Espace Expression 2.0 16V 140	£21,850
Renault Espace Expression 1.9 dCi 120	£22,850
Renault Espace Expression 2.2 dCi 150	£24,350
Renault Espace Dynamique 2.0 Turbo 170	£23,800
Renault Espace Dynamique 2.0 Turbo 170 Auto	£25,300
Renault Espace Dynamique 1.9 dCi 120	£23,800
Renault Espace Dynamique 2.2 dCi 150	£25,300
Renault Espace Dynamique 2.2 dCi 150 Auto	£26,800
Renault Espace Dynamique 2.0 dCi 175 Euro IV FAP	£26,650
Renault Espace Privilége 2.0 Turbo 170	£25,150
Renault Espace Privilége 2.0 Turbo 170 Auto	£26,650
Renault Espace Privilége 2.2 dCi 150	£26,650
Renault Espace Privilége 2.2 dCi 150 Auto	£28,150
Renault Espace Privilége 2.0 dCi 175 Euro IV FAP	£28,000
Renault Espace Expression 2.0 Turbo 170	£24,050
Renault Espace Expression 2.2 dCi 150	£25,550
Renault Espace Dynamique 2.0 Turbo 170	£25,000
Renault Espace Dynamique 2.0 Turbo 170 Auto	£26,500
Renault Espace Dynamique 2.2 dCi 150	£26,500
Renault Espace Dynamique 2.2 dCi 150 Auto	£28,000
Renault Espace Dynamique 2.0 dCi 175 Euro IV FAP	£27,850
Renault Espace Privilége 2.0 Turbo 170	£26,350
Renault Espace Privilége 2.0 Turbo 170 Auto	£27,850
Renault Espace Privilége 2.2 dCi 150	£27,850
Renault Espace Privilége 2.2 dCi 150 Auto	£29,350
Renault Espace Privilége 2.0 dCi 175 Euro IV FAP	£29,200
Renault Espace Privilége 3.0 V6 dCi 180 Auto Euro IV (arriving in the Spring)	£31,630
Renault Espace Initiale 2.2 dCi 150	£31,800
Renault Espace Initiale 2.0 dCi 175 Euro IV FAP	£33,150
Renault Espace Initiale 3.0 V6 dCi 180 Auto Euro IV (arriving in the Spring)	£35,580
Renault Espace Initiale 3.5 V6 24V 245 Auto	£35,400

Renault seems to have all bases covered with the 2006 Espace. Fresh, but subtle exterior styling, impressive technology and a strong focus on safety will ensure the Renault Espace holds its own in this segment. We should get behind the wheel later this year, so keep an eye on the Renault Road Tests page.

Paul Wilkinson - 22 Feb 2006