RENAULT showed its new Espace concept (pictured) for the first time at Geneva, promising improved safety, versatility and quality when the current car is replaced in 2003.

The show car was fitted with the 3.0-litre common rail diesel engine, expanding the range of engines available with the MPV.

Alongside the Avantime and Vel Satis, the new Espace is part of Renault's three-pronged attack on the E-sector in Europe, which has traditionally been populated by large four-door saloons. However, in recent years the sector has been in decline, losing sales to estate variants and large MPVs.

The new Espace includes three-point seatbelts for all the rear seats, a flat floor and separate ventilation outlets for each row of seats.

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