Renault Espace, Final thoughts

Overall, I was impressed with the Espace. First of all, it It gets pretty amazing mileage: After all of the weekends exploits, including driving to and from Orpierre with heavy loads, we used up about a half tank of diesel. It handles *much* better than you would expect a vehicle of its size, without the body roll and lurching of its 'merican counterparts. This could have something to do with the miracles of modern technology favored by europeans such as independent rear suspension. Visibility is generally excellent, which really helps when you are trying to park the damn thing. Another thing that helps is the backup radar. The flexible seating system is frankly awesome: Every seat in the car can be moved forward and aft independently, and many can be removed entirely. All passenger seats have ISOFIX connections too. The Nav system works exceptionally well, and the UI is not as braindead as most. Power did not seem at all bad, and I was able to pass without flogging the motor too badly. Finally, ride comfort (bumpiness, road noise, etc) were excellent. My only real complaints are that the interior fit and finish are spartan, and that it is an ugly, ugly, ugly car. But on balance, I was very pleasantly surprised.