Faults:

The lock button on the infamous keycard has broken off - you can hear it rattling around inside. I must get it repaired, as you need to hold a switch down for 5 seconds inside the car to lock it.

I suspect the dephaser pulley, which controls the variable valve timing, may be stuck as the car doesn't have much punch off the line, particularly bogging down on the 1st-2nd upshift.

General damage all around the interior. MPVs lead hard lives, but the materials Renault use for the headliner and pillar coverings seem to rip easily, while other plastic parts (picnic tables, seat base trim) are missing entirely or are hanging down listlessly due to failed elastic.

Dashboard - the biggest expanse of hard plastic created by man yet - rattles like crazy when accelerating in 1st and 2nd.

Air conditioning compressor did not operate - traced to a corroded wire in the loom under the battery.

General Comments:

For an MPV this is a good looker. I love the "TGV train" face. Although it's 13 years old it still looks fresh. This form over function causes two problems.

Firstly, the legroom in the 2nd and 3rd rows is not particularly good, and headroom is fairly poor right at the back. The Mazda, admittedly a little longer and boxier, could take 7 full-size adults with a little boot space. The Espace, I would say, cannot, although it is bigger than a Zafira back there. Part of the problem are the 'modular' rear seats - sure, you can put them in any slot, but because they have an integrated seatbelt, they are bulky and have no foot room under them.

Secondly, servicing and repair of the engine and ancillaries is hampered by access. Changing the air filter took me over an hour, because you have to do most of it by feel. You can't see most of it because it is buried well under the scuttle.

The driving position is excellent, and the seating and suspension make for an extremely comfortable ride.

The steering is very light, which does not inspire confidence when cornering.

I like the digital dashboard, multiple cubbyholes and gloveboxes, and heating/ventilation controls in the front door panels.

The gear change is a delight, and the engine, despite only having 140bhp and being petrol, is torquey enough to allow 6th gear out of town. So you just lope along, in comfort and tranquility.

This car has a poor reputation for reliability and I did purchase it with some trepidation, as my previous Mazda MPV was incredibly reliable for 2 years and 20k miles, oil consumption and appetite for exhaust components notwithstanding.

I hope I have taken some bullets from the chamber of automotive Russian Roulette by choosing a non-turbo, petrol powered, manual car of fairly low specification. Despite weighing the same as the Mazda, having better aerodynamics and 20 more bhp, it feels slower. It is also less economical. Progress?

Faults:

This is the New Renault Espace IV 2.2 DCI Manual PRIVILEGE model, not to be confused with the older Model III.

Car delivered with front wheel alignment off center.

N.S. Front Head Light Washer leaked from new. Dealer has changed one way valve twice to no avail. Problem not rectified. No response from dealer or Renault. 6 Months later fault still apparent. This leak is apparent only when the car is parked on a slight road camber.

At low speed (40 MPH) Wind Screen Cracked when hit by grit.

Interior cramped for an People Carrier.

The radio reception is very poor. This is due the fact that this model has no external aerial. Compared to previous Renault models, the radio reception is very poor.

General Comments:

This is the third Renault I have purchased.

I am disappointed with the quality of the car and the Renault Support.

For a car costing £28,840 you expect better quality.