Renault Espace Euro NCAP crash test

5 stars. Overall excellent performance in crash protection and well equipped with comprehensive and robust crash avoidance technology

The passenger compartment of the Espace remained stable in the frontal offset test.  Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger.  Renault showed that a similar level of protection would be provided on the driver's side to occupants of different sizes and to those sat in different positions.  However, on the passenger side, structures in the dashboard presented a risk of injury and the car was penalised.  In the full-width rigid wall test, all critical body areas were well protected for the driver and protection of the rear seat occupant was good or adequate.  In the side impact barrier test, dummy readings showed good protection of all critical body areas.  However, the rear driver's side door opened during the test, presenting a risk of ejection for those in the vehicle and the score was penalised.  In the more severe side pole impact, dummy readings of rib compression indicated a marginal level of protection for the chest but protection of other parts of the body was good.  Tests on the front seats and head restraints indicated good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.  A geometric assessment of the rear seats indicated marginal whiplash protection.  The Espace's autonomous emergency braking system operates from 30km/h upwards so did not qualify for an assessment of its whiplash protection.

Both child dummies were sat in rearward-facing restraints and the Espace scored maximum points for its protection of the 1½ and 3 year infants in the dynamic tests.  In the side impact, both dummies were properly contained within the protective shells of their restraints, minimising the likelihood of head contact with parts of the vehicle interior.  The front passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward-facing restraint to be used in that seating position.  Clear information is provided to the driver regarding the status of the airbag and the system was rewarded.  All of the restraint types for which the Espace is designed could be properly installed and accommodated in the vehicle.

The bumper provided predominantly good protection to pedestrians' legs and scored maximum points for its protection of the pelvis area.  The bonnet surface showed adequate protection to the head of a struck pedestrian in most areas with some good performance towards the centre and poor results only on the stiff windscreen pillars.

Electronic stability control is standard equipment, along with a seatbelt reminder system for the front and rear seats.  The optional 'Over-Speed Protection System' uses a forward-looking camera to recognise speed signs.  The information is presented to the driver who can decide whether or not to allow the car to be limited to that maximum speed.  The system met Euro NCAP's requirements for such intelligent speed assistance and was given maximum points.  An autonomous emergency braking system is also an option that is expected to be fitted to most cars sold.  The system operates between 30 and 140km/h and gave marginal performance in Euro NCAP's tests.  A lane departure warning system is also available as an option and met Euro NCAP's requirements.