The company is relying on a marketing strategy which aims to raise the Espace's profile as an alternative to executive sector vehicles. This looks set to be achieved through a high spec range of vehicles with prices at the top end of the market.

Renault hopes the result will be an MPV which not only leads its own class in terms of standards and steals sales from the upmarket estates and 4x4s, but also retains strong residual values in an MPV market fast becoming saturated by new arrivals. Pricing and spec details for the UK models are being kept under wraps until next month (April), but prices look set to start at around £19,000, in comparison to the current Espace's entry level price of £16,775, rising to around £27,000.