THE push upmarket by the fourth generation Renault Espace has received a resounding thumbs-up from customers.

Initial orders are running 36 per cent ahead of target after 12 weeks of sales.

Since it went on sale on February 7, New Espace has racked up more than 1,700 orders in the UK, the highest percentage of which have been for the higher spec Privilege trim level (37 per cent) and the powerful yet comparatively frugal diesel engines which account for 77 per cent of powertrain choices.

In addition, one in three New Espaces ordered have been the longer wheelbase Grand models.

Although the biggest slice of sales has been at the top end of the Renault Espace range, the company is reminding motorists that its unique blend of style, flexibility, running costs and equipment choice is available at many different levels, with entry-level prices starting at under £20,000.

Starting at £19,130 on-the-road for the 140bhp 2.0 16V Authentique, standard equipment includes: automatic parking brake, Renault Card for access and ignition, seven seats each with three-point seat belts integrated into the five rear seats, ABS with brake assist and ESP with traction control with CSV understeer control.