Test drive by Renault Espace since 2006 Minivan
Cryptographer
Even in reckless Russia, security is gradually gaining significance when choosing a car. And in this sense, it is difficult to find fault with Renault Espace IV: in 2003, he received a very flattering rating from EURONCAP specialists. But, as masters of martial arts say, the best battle is the one that did not take place. Is the mini-van ready for critical situations on the road? Repetition of the mother of the teaching. To recall this school expression, clogged with a teaching poison in a distant corner of memory, the old acquaintance Renault Espace helped. Two months ago, we had the opportunity to evaluate all the pros and cons of the model. Then the first was much more than the second.
The spacious transformable salon easily turned into a roomy cargo platform or a strict mobile office, it was worth only a little to conjure over the seats. The ergonomic interior, although it caused easy bewilderment during the first consideration (most control buttons are not where they are used to seeing them), but in fact it turned out to be very friendly. The car only swayed on the lying policemen, and he easily absorbed small road obstacles with a suspension, without worrying passenger rest. A turbocharged 2.0 -liter engine allowed the multifunctional to leave traffic lights in the forefront, despite impressive dimensions and mass. The overall picture spoiled the 5-speed machine, which each time, if desired, accelerated sharply into painful thoughts. However, this did not affect the final assessment. And then five points for his consumer qualities, he received well deservedly. But it was the measured operation mode characteristic of mini-wenes. And how will Espace behave, driven into the strict regulatory framework of the landfill dough? After all, no one is safe from surprises on the road.
And such a surprise happened on the approaches to the test site. The dashboard suddenly came to life and issued a text message about the need to replace the oil. Is it too early for a almost new mileage of less than 10 thousand kilometers? However, even greater strangeness against the background of this behavior of the motor was a mysterious alphanumeric code that accompanied the plea of \u200b\u200bthe inflamed computer brain. What is five hundred N none of those present knew. Having looked, having felt and consulted on the phone with the specialists of the technical center, we decided to write off it on a light systemic failure. The ignition turned off an incomprehensible message, and after a while the mysterious incident was forgotten. With seeming external clumsiness (weighty suitcase feeds with a sharp chubstick), Renault Espace has remarkable dynamic characteristics. The 170 -horsepower engine is zealously undertaken: a hundred on an electronic speedometer appears after 11.4 s. You expect such a result, rather, from a light hatchback of C-class than from 2-ton mini-wen. The level of noise during acceleration remains within the human understanding: the production meeting will not have to be interrupted due to the revolution of the motor.
The controllability of the car makes a favorable impression. Thanks to the exact steering, the Frenchman willingly follows a given trajectory, only with a small hitch performing a driver's message. This was especially clearly manifested during both rearrangements, which the massive and overall MPV took place at unexpectedly high speeds. Despite the fact that the number of rulings of the steering wheel from the stop to the stop is not at all small three with a quarter: to work with a steering wheel, for example, when passing a snake, it takes a little more active than it wants. In sharp turns, the car demonstrates a small excess rotability, which is leveled by the discharge of gas. Due to the high center of gravity and imposing suspension, Espace is not able to cope with the emerging rolls, which it is very bold on. In a loaded state, the wolfness intensifies, and the car itself becomes a little less maneuverable and slides with the front wheels out with great enthusiasm, but even in this case remaining controlled. Renault brakes were extremely heat -loving. The cold car slowed down not so confidently, but as the effectiveness of the mechanisms, the effectiveness of the mechanisms increased, and it clung to the asphalt more likely. The difference between the first and tenth race was three meters. Is it a lot or not enough? Depending on the situation, it slows down Espace evenly, without screening and derivals to the side.
Meanwhile, it was evening. The test came to an end, the latest data was driven into a laptop. The screen of the on -board computer unexpectedly again illuminated by the inscription of Change Oil, the couple of which, by tradition, was compiled by a familiar code for five hundred N. Why did not even think in my head that the first figure is very similar to one Latin letter until now I would not put my mind. The mysterious cryptogram turned out to be the English word SOON (quickly), and the meaning of the messages that alarmed the public was reduced only to the warning about the ambulance of oil ... As our repetition with addiction showed, the car is quite ready for road surprises. Of many emergency situations, Renault Espace is able to go out without a fight. The driver has only to remember some of the features of the brakes and buildings of the body, but the rest of the mini-ven can be completely relying.
The first of the mini-wen
In 2003, Euroncap recognized the fourth generation Renault Espace the safest model in his class. According to the results of Crash tests, the car has earned 35.11 points out of 37 possible, becoming the first mini-van in history to have such a high rating. This result was achieved thanks to the carrying body of the ESPACE made of high -strength steel and the integrated security system (SRP3). It consists of adaptive frontal airbags, lateral eirbags to protect the chest on the front and rear seats, inflatable curtains to protect the head and adaptive belts with double pretense.
Body + Noticeable appearance, spacious interior, roomy trunk
- creak of internal panels when driving
Driving comfort
+ Comfortable seats, ergonomic interior, good sound insulation
- poor visibility, weak feeling of dimensions
Power unit
+ Good dynamic indicators
- Inhibiting KP with sharp accelerations
Cherry properties
+ Decent controllability, informative steering wheel
- large longitudinal swing and lateral rolls
Safety
+ Good equipment in the basic configuration
- Unfinished brakes are not fully effective
Environmental friendliness
+ fuel consumption at an acceptable level
Technical characteristics of Renault Espace 2.0t 16V A/T
Expert
Kirill Kozyrev, 35 years old, test pilot, driving experience of 15 years. Drives to: Mercedes-Benz G300 TD
A worthy car for those people who need a spacious and dynamic car. Who highly appreciates comfort and safety (confirmed by Euro NCAP tests) and for this is ready to reconcile with a high price and extravagant appearance.
Our opinion
It is unlikely that Espace will be operated even in plastering modes. But to know the maximum capabilities of the car will never hurt. It is gratifying that mini-wen is ready for almost any non-standard situation.
Dmitry Tytyuchenko
Photo: Sergey Krestov
Source: Magazine 5 wheel [December 2007]
