The problem with being the best is that you're up there for everybody else to shoot at. Therefore it helps to constantly reinvent yourself in order to keep ahead of the chasing pack. Renault knows a thing or two about this process, having produced a number of generations of Espace since its introduction way back in 1984. With each new Espace, Renault has pushed further and further upmarket, redefining the model as the MPV to have if you'll accept no substitutes. The latest car is no exception and in 3.0-litre dCi diesel guise, adds what might well be the second most impressive engine ever to grace an MPV.

There aren't too many V6 diesel engines about, and having driven this one, we have to wonder why. Torque is what this engine's all about, sheer muscle right from the get go. The peak torque figure of 258lb ft isn't far shy of what a Porsche 911 Carrera manages and the big Renault feels effortlessly strong when accelerating through the mid range. A maximum power rating of 180bhp combines to propel the 3.0dCi Espace to 60mph in a gnat's over 10 seconds and on to a 130mph maximum. If you've got an especially disciplined right foot, you'll average a return of nearly 30mpg from it as well. On a long motorway run, expect to see a range in excess of 750 miles due in no small part to the car's monster 83-litre fuel tank.

High speed cruising shows the engine at its best, quiet and able to utilise that supple, elastic power delivery, the standard six-speed flick-shift Proactive automatic gearbox slurring up and down unobtrusively. At idle or at full throttle there is a slight diesel clatter but it's certainly not intrusive and only serves to remind you that there's something a little special up front. The price of such progress starts at £29,860 for the Dynamique S trim level in long wheelbase Grand Espace form but if you want more luxury, there's a Grand Espace Initiale version on offer priced at £33,460.

"There aren't too many V6 diesel engines about, and having driven this one, we have to wonder why"

The headlights are an integral part of what Renault describe as a softer styling theme for the latest Espace and a slimmer bumper and a simpler grille design lose some of the rather fin-de-siecle styling of this model's predecessor. The lights feature Bi-Xenon lamps for better illumination and they also pivot, taking into account steering input and vehicle speed. This helps illuminate roadside obstacles such as pedestrians just beyond the apex of a dark corner or roadside debris that could cause an accident. Chrome-trimmed foglamps are also included with these 3.0-litre dCi models and the rear lights have been revised while the interior benefits from a revised range of upholstery choices and trim colours.

It's not all window dressing though. Important safety upgrades have been introduced including rain and light sensors, "See Me Home" lighting, front and rear parking assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system and Emergency Brake Assist to beef up the response of the anti lock brakes. The Electronic Stability Program has also been improved with the addition of understeer control. Otherwise there's the eight airbags and three-point seatbelts with load limiters that will have Renault executives eating their berets if this car doesn't sail through the Euro NCAP five-star qualification.

This generation Espace is an evolutionary advance over its predecessor rather than anything manifestly revolutionary. What is surprising is that Renault have, if anything, toned down their recent excess of novelty and have restored some normality to the Espace. Whereas the MKIII model was built around a radical spaceframe chassis with composite parts, the MKIV Espace instead opts for a more conventional steel monocoque platform shared with the Laguna and Vel Satis. Only the wings and tailgate are now made of plastic composites, the doors and bonnet being fabricated in aluminium with a steel roof.

In driving the car upmarket, Renault hope to poach sales from not only the better MPV rivals out there but also buyers of executive cars who have become a little jaded at the choice available. With its superior driving characteristics, the Espace leaves behind the image of obligatory MPV lurching and wallowing, instead offering a drive that's reasonably tight. Only blasting it down a bouncy B-road will find the limits of the Espace's suspension travel.

Buyers opting for the latest Espace make a conscious decision. They appreciate that there's no such thing in life as a free lunch and if you want the best you need to pay for it. The 3.0-litre dCi models revel in this meritocracy. They offer a unique blend of poise and parsimony that, for the first time, makes an upmarket MPV a viable alternative to a 'proper' executive car.

TOP 2 ESPACE DEALS

The results below show the top ESPACE deals on buyacar

	Renault Grand Espace 3.0 dCi Initiale 5dr [6] Auto People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £554	Saving £7,278	Price £26,248
	Renault Grand Espace 3.0 dCi Dynamique S 5dr Auto People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £486	Saving £6,424	Price £23,579

typical 11.51% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000