A diehard James Bond...
A diehard James Bond fan has reportedly shelled out Ò£200,000 for a DBS... that doesnò€™t work! The car in question cost Ò£37,500 more than the list price, but itò€™s not just a random wreck. Itò€™s the model written off by an Aston engineer during filming of the latest Bond epic ò€“ Quantum of Solace ò€“ which opens on 31 October.
The main styling changes...
The main styling changes centre on the nose, with a pair of redesigned headlights accentuating the lines of the bonnet. These run into a fresh, slimmer bumper with a revamped and simplified grille section.
On the inside, new interior trims refresh the Espace"s cabin, as does the optional Bluetooth Nav-Com system - complete with a seven-inch screen - which can be built into the dash. Under the bonnet, the French family mover is now available with a new 175bhp 2.0-litre dCi powerplant which returns 38.2mpg. This is joined by an updated version of the flagship 3.0-litre dCi V6 oil-burner that develops 180bhp and 400Nm of torque. The derv unit will be available from the spring, and can be mated to a new six-speed, flick-shift automatic transmission.
Prices range from ÷£19,700 for the Authentique 2.0-litre 16v, to ÷£35,400 for the all-singing Initiale 3.5 V6 auto. The first UK cars are expected in April.
The 2006 Espace comes as Renault designers are having their efforts scrutinised by new product planning chief Patrick Pelata. He"s criticised previous offerings from the French manufacturer for being styled to appeal to executives at the company and fellow designers, rather than customers.
"We don"t want cars the boss will like or which win contests. We want ones people will buy," he stormed.