Renault Espace vs. Škoda Kodiaq: Complete comparison 2026

The Renault Espace, a legendary model that has undergone a fascinating evolution from a pioneering family MPV to a modern and elegant SUV, represents the French vision of maximum travel comfort. Standing against it is the popular Škoda Kodiaq, which has earned a solid position on the European market thanks to its robustness, well-thought-out practicality, and exceptionally generous interior space for the whole family. Let's take a detailed look at how these two popular family cruisers fare in a direct comparison and which one will become the ideal choice for your daily journeys.

When looking for a family car on the used car market around four years old, i.e., mainly among models produced between 2021 and 2023, we encounter a very interesting generational and conceptual clash between the Renault Espace and the Škoda Kodiaq. During this period, Škoda offered its first, immensely popular generation of the Kodiaq model with a typical SUV body. Renault, on the other hand, was selling the fifth generation of the Espace, which stood on the boundary between a traditional multi-purpose vehicle (Van/MPV) and a crossover. In terms of overall length, the fifth-generation Espace dominates the road – measuring nearly 4,858 mm, making it about 150 mm longer than its competitor from Mladá Boleslav. In practice, this means a more generous interior space, which you will appreciate when transporting long items or when the third row of seats is occupied. However, it also means having to account for a certain clumsiness when parking in narrow city streets and underground garages, where the Kodiaq, with its length under 4.7 meters, feels significantly more agile.

A crucial parameter for passenger comfort is the wheelbase. Here, the fifth-generation Espace, with a value of 2,884 mm, overwhelmingly beats the first-generation Kodiaq, which has a wheelbase of 2,788 mm. This nearly ten-centimeter difference plays into the hands of the French car and translates into king-sized legroom for passengers in the second row. However, the rules of the game change with newer models. In 2023, Renault introduced the sixth generation of the Espace, which has fully transitioned to a traditional SUV shape. This new Espace "slimmed down" between generations and shortened to 4,722 mm, while its wheelbase dropped to 2,738 mm. Thus, while the newer Renault version offers easier maneuvering in the city, it surprisingly hands the baton back to the Škoda Kodiaq in terms of longitudinal space on board. Furthermore, the Czech representative benefits throughout from its slightly boxier and taller build (up to 1,688 mm), which provides better vertical usability of the luggage compartment and plenty of headroom.

The choice between these two models, in terms of external dimensions, thus depends on which generation and body style you choose. If your absolute priority is maximum interior space, an airy cabin, and you don't mind the more difficult parking of a larger car, the fifth-generation Renault Espace (Van) is the unrivaled favorite. If you prefer more balanced proportions that don't unnecessarily complicate daily city driving, either the Škoda Kodiaq or the newer, more compact sixth-generation Espace with an SUV body will be the safer choice.

Dimensions Table (selected generations typical for 4-year-old used cars)

Family Space: Who Can Carry More?

Luggage capacity is often a deciding factor for families looking for a practical vehicle for daily commutes and weekend adventures. When comparing roughly four-year-old used cars, we encounter an interesting battle between two different body styles. The traditional Škoda Kodiaq (1st generation), representing the classic SUV category, goes head-to-head with the innovative Renault Espace (5th generation), which combines elements of a dynamic crossover and a large family multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

If we judge by the basic volume in the standard five-seat configuration, the Czech representative has the upper hand:

• Škoda Kodiaq: Offers a massive trunk with a basic volume of 835 liters. This space is, without any compromise, sufficient for several large suitcases for a vacation, a stroller, and a large family grocery run.
• Renault Espace: Has a basic volume of 680 liters. However, the Frenchman elegantly makes up for the difference with its typical variability. Thanks to the rear seats, which are independently slidable by 22 centimeters, you can easily increase the trunk space up to a solid 785 liters while still maintaining five full-sized seats.

At maximum load with all rear backrests folded down, the tables turn slightly. The Kodiaq reaches a maximum capacity of 2065 liters, making it an extremely capable hauler. Renault Espace, however, fully benefits from its MPV heritage and offers a total of 2101 liters. Practicality in the Espace is further enhanced by the ability to electronically fold the second and third-row seats completely flat at the touch of buttons on a panel located directly in the trunk.

Note on seven-seat versions: Both vehicles were available on the used car market with a third row of seats. For these variants, it is necessary to account for a slight reduction in usable space. In this case, the basic volume behind the second row of seats drops to approximately 765 liters for the Kodiaq and 614 liters for the Espace. Similarly, it is wise to watch out for hybrid and electrified powertrains, where a small portion of the space under the trunk floor is taken up by the battery.

Overall, it can be summarized that the Škoda Kodiaq offers a better and more easily usable basic volume for everyday life. However, if you appreciate maximum flexibility, independently sliding seats, and occasionally need to turn the car into a van for long or bulky cargo, the French Espace will suit you better.

Towing Capacity: Which Car Can Pull More?

A car's ability to tow heavy trailers is a key parameter for families with caravans, boat owners, or drivers who regularly transport bulky cargo. Differences in the maximum weight of a braked trailer can mean the difference between going on holiday with a large, fully equipped twin-axle caravan or having to settle for a smaller model. When choosing a used car around four years old, we encounter interesting differences in both models.

Škoda Kodiaq: Ready for Heavy Work

In the first-generation Škoda Kodiaq, which currently dominates the used car market, we find an exceptionally wide range of towing capacity depending on the chosen drivetrain.

• Basic and very popular engines, such as the petrol 1.5 TSI, can standardly handle trailers weighing 1800 to 2000 kg.
• Top variants with 4x4 drive, especially the more powerful diesel 2.0 TDI and the sporty RS versions, offer an impressive maximum capacity of up to 2300 kg.

Renault Espace: A Balanced Standard with One Exception

The fifth-generation Renault Espace approaches towing capacity a bit more conservatively, yet with great confidence.

• Almost all traditional internal combustion engines available in this generation (whether the powerful petrol TCe 225 or the economical Blue dCi 160 and 190 diesels) have a fixed and generous value of 2000 kg.
• However, the latest sixth generation with hybrid drive (E-Tech Full Hybrid) brings a major twist. Due to the electrification used and the specific design of the gearbox, the maximum weight of a braked trailer is drastically reduced to just 1500 to 1600 kg.

Practical Implications and Verdict

In real life, these values represent significant differences. The 2000 kg capacity of the fifth-generation Renault Espace is perfectly sufficient for a typical weekend purchase of building materials as well as for towing the vast majority of medium-sized family caravans. However, the Škoda Kodiaq with its 2300 kg offers an ultimate reserve – those extra 300 kilograms mean valuable space for several extra heavy suitcases, loading additional equipment directly into the caravan, or the possibility of attaching a motorhome from the highest class. Conversely, the limited capacity of the hybrid Espace will serve more for transporting smaller trailers or bike racks.

If frequent towing of the heaviest trailers is a priority for you, the diesel Škoda Kodiaq is an absolutely unrivaled choice. However, the Renault Espace with classic engines represents a highly solid compromise that will reliably handle everything an average or even slightly more demanding user requires.

Engine Comparison: Elegance vs. Universal Choice

When choosing a roughly four-year-old family car, you will encounter two different approaches to engine options with the Renault Espace and Škoda Kodiaq models. Both manufacturers designed their vehicles for different audiences, which affects operating economy, performance, and the overall driving experience. After its facelift (around 2020), the fifth-generation Espace focused on a narrower but more exclusive range of power units that emphasize long-distance comfort and quiet operation. In contrast, the first-generation Škoda Kodiaq excels on the used car market with an exceptionally diverse range. The selection starts with the economical 1.5 TSI base for calmer families with lower mileage, continues through the highly sought-after and durable 2.0 TDI diesels, and ends with the sporty RS versions. While the Kodiaq scores with versatility and a choice between front-wheel or all-wheel drive (4x4), the Espace relies exclusively on front-wheel drive supplemented by the 4Control all-wheel steering system.

Renault Espace Engines (5th Generation)

In the used market for 2019–2022 models, 2.0-liter Blue dCi diesels clearly dominate the Espace. These engines are designed for covering long highway distances with very reasonable fuel consumption. The sweet spot is the 118 kW (160 hp) version. For more demanding drivers, a more powerful variant was available, initially offering 147 kW (200 hp) and slightly reducing power to 140 kW (190 hp) after the adjustment of strict emission standards in 2020. Both of these versions have massive torque. An unexpected highlight of the Espace was the 1.8 TCe (165 kW) petrol engine, which the car shared with the lightweight Alpine A110 sports model. It provided the giant MPV with highly above-average dynamics, but it completely disappeared from the range in 2020 due to tightening emissions. All mentioned power units are paired exclusively with the EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission from the factory.

Note: The powerful 1.8 TCe petrol version and the stronger Blue dCi 200 diesel version were gradually replaced or discontinued in 2020 and can therefore only be found in older units.

Škoda Kodiaq Engines (1st Generation)

For four-year-old used cars, the Škoda Kodiaq offers a spectrum of power units covering the period just before and after the car's facelift. The base is the popular 1.5 TSI ACT (110 kW) four-cylinder, which can deactivate two cylinders during steady driving to save fuel. For frequent trips with a full trunk, a caravan, or for regularly conquering mountain passes, the 2.0 TDI diesel (most commonly available with 110 kW or the more powerful 147 kW) is an unbeatable choice. A gem in the used car range are the RS versions. Here, a significant generational change occurred – until 2020, the Kodiaq RS was powered by the phenomenal twin-turbocharged 2.0 Bi-TDI diesel engine (176 kW, 500 Nm), which had to be discontinued due to emission limits. Since 2021, it has been replaced under the hood of the top-tier Kodiaq by the equally potent 2.0 TSI petrol engine taken from the Octavia RS with 180 kW.

Note: The 2.0 Bi-TDI RS (176 kW) diesel engine is only found in models up to the turn of 2019/2020; newer RS variants already rely purely on the powerful 2.0 TSI petrol engine.

Choosing the right engine is absolutely crucial for long-term satisfaction with a used car, which is why our recommendations are based on real-world fuel consumption, reliability, and the experiences of owners and mechanics. Although both cars primarily target families, their approach to space and technology differs slightly – while the Škoda Kodiaq offers a massive luggage compartment with a volume of up to 910 liters and a towing capacity for trailers weighing up to 2,300 kg, the fifth-generation Renault Espace took the path of a luxury "lounge" crossover with a slightly smaller trunk, but excellent maneuverability thanks to the 4Control rear-wheel steering. Given the high weight and the fact that we are mainly looking for highway cruisers and workhorses among roughly four-year-old used cars, proven diesel engines make by far the most sense in both cases.

For the Renault Espace, we recommend: 2.0 Blue dCi (118 kW / 140 kW)

After the facelift of the fifth generation, which appears on the used car market roughly between 2020 and 2022, Renault replaced the previous twin-turbo 1.6-liter with a much more robust Blue dCi 2.0-liter diesel with 160 or 190 hp (118 and 140 kW). This engine is the best choice for the crossover weighing over 1.6 tons, as it offers a perfectly linear and calm pull and a generous torque of up to 400 Nm (in the more powerful version). Compared to the older generation of engines, it stands out for its exemplary mechanical durability, very decent soundproofing, and complements the standard EDC dual-clutch transmission well. Real-world fuel consumption stays around a reasonable 6.5 to 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers. However, as with any modern diesel, there is one main pitfall: a car with this engine literally suffers if it only drives short distances and sits in city traffic jams. In such cases, the oil degrades faster, and the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and EGR valve become excessively clogged. Another specific detail to focus on during a test drive of a used car is the condition of the front axle – the weight of the 2.0-liter engine takes a toll on the ball joints and silent blocks on the front control arms. We can therefore wholeheartedly recommend this engine to everyone buying an Espace for family trips across the country or long holidays.

For the Škoda Kodiaq, we recommend: 2.0 TDI SCR (110 kW / 150 hp)

For the first generation of the Škoda Kodiaq, especially for facelifted cars from 2021 to 2023, the 2.0 TDI with 110 kW (150 hp) represents the absolute "golden middle way." Although a more powerful 147 kW (200 hp) version is also available, practice and service experience show that older units of the more powerful engine sometimes exhibit higher oil consumption, which subsequently has a negative effect on rapid DPF clogging. The lower 110 kW specification does not suffer from these pitfalls nearly as much, and 360 Nm of torque is perfectly sufficient for safe and relaxed travel with a fully loaded vehicle. With this engine, it is no problem to drive in combined mode even below the 6.5-liter diesel mark. You will very often come across used cars paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic and all-wheel drive. In such cases, pay maximum attention to the service book – both the DSG and the 4x4 clutch need an oil change every 60,000 km to function reliably even after years. The only other blemish on this very durable engine (type EA288 Evo) is occasional coolant leaks around the water pump. It is an ideal power unit for rational buyers, smooth drivers, and those who will use the Kodiaq for towing heavy trailers, as this engine can tow a trailer weighing up to 2 tons.

Every experienced driver knows that there is often a vast gap between the official fuel consumption figures provided by manufacturers and the reality of daily use. While standardized tests promise miraculous efficiency for large family SUVs and MPVs, physics simply cannot be cheated. To get a truly objective picture of how much fuel these roughly four-year-old family cruisers (focusing on the ideal used car model years 2021 to 2022 for both models) actually consume, we looked into the extensive database of the user portal Spritmonitor.de, where thousands of regular drivers record their daily refueling. The results bring several interesting surprises and clearly show the different approaches of Škoda and Renault.

Looking at the real-world data, several key trends are clearly visible. Diesel engines are undoubtedly the most logical and economical choice for these massive and heavy vehicles. The Czech Kodiaq with the 2.0 TDI (110 kW) engine is exceptionally efficient, and in the real world, it can typically be driven at around 6.4 liters. The Renault Espace, which is longer overall and offers a bulkier build and a more luxurious interior, pays a price for its dimensions in the form of a slightly higher appetite – its excellent Blue dCi diesel base requires about half a liter more. A surprising finding is the real-world efficiency of the petrol units. Downsizing in the form of the smaller 1.5 TSI in the Škoda saves a full liter of fuel compared to the more powerful two-liter, but consumption still stays above 7.5 liters, proving that a small turbo engine simply has to work harder with a heavy vehicle. At the very bottom of the table is logically the top-of-the-line 1.8 TCe 225 unit in the Espace. An interesting historical fact about this model is that this powerful four-cylinder shares its technical basis with the lightweight Alpine A110 sports car – while the dynamics are superb here, in a giant family car, it easily and frequently approaches the nine-liter per hundred kilometers mark.

For the typical user, this means a relatively straightforward decision. If you are a driver who often covers hundreds of kilometers on motorways with a fully loaded car or regularly tows a trailer, the two-liter diesels (whether the popular TDI from Škoda or the refined Blue dCi from Renault) will be an absolute necessity for you, immediately rewarding you with great range and savings on operating costs. Conversely, for families who use their car primarily for shorter suburban commutes or school runs, petrol versions make more sense. Especially in the case of diesel engines, frequent short trips and constant stop-and-go in city traffic cause the technology to suffer from incomplete regeneration cycles, posing a real risk of diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging, which could very quickly wipe out any fuel savings.

In conclusion, fuel consumption will play a crucial role in the final choice between these two cars, particularly for petrol engines, where the Škoda Kodiaq proves to be a significantly more budget-friendly choice for families. In the most popular diesel territory, the Kodiaq is overall more economical thanks to its slightly lower kerb weight and marginally lower frontal resistance, but the differences compared to the majestic Renault Espace are not so vast as to outweigh the other benefits of both models, whether it be practicality, unique interior space, or overall driving comfort.

Looking at the market for approximately four-year-old used cars (2021 and 2022 models), we encounter an interesting generational and conceptual clash. While the Škoda Kodiaq is a highly sought-after first generation after its facelift, Renault was offering the fifth generation of the Espace model following its modernization. The fifth-generation Espace was a specific crossover between a family MPV and an SUV, unlike the current sixth generation, which has already become a purebred SUV.

This difference in concepts and brand perception fundamentally affects the residual value of both cars and creates completely different opportunities in the used car market.

Škoda Kodiaq (2021–2022 models)

The Kodiaq holds its value on the used car market with admirable tenacity. Thanks to its immense popularity, wide service network, and reputation as an indomitable family workhorse, demand for the Czech SUV remains consistently high. Furthermore, the used car market is literally saturated with them, so buyers can dictate their preferred color and engine.

• Price range: €21,000 – €35,000
• Most common offer: The vast majority of the market belongs to the proven 2.0 TDI diesel versions (110 kW or 147 kW) paired with a DSG automatic transmission, often in the highly desirable Style or Sportline trims.
• Depreciation: Very low. The car maintains a high market price even after years. Top-of-the-line RS versions can even hold a price tag around the €41,000 mark.

Renault Espace V (2021–2022 models)

The fifth-generation Espace paid the price for the Europe-wide decline in interest in MPVs. Although the car offered a very avant-garde design, top-tier technology (including 4Control rear-wheel steering), and uncompromising comfort, its value drops significantly faster than that of its competitor from Mladá Boleslav. For a used car buyer, however, this represents a huge financial advantage.

• Price range: €18,000 – €29,000
• Most common offer: In the listings, you will most often find the top-tier and exceptionally luxurious Initiale Paris trim, typically with a 2.0 Blue dCi diesel or a brisk 1.8 TCe petrol engine.
• Depreciation: High. From a buyer's perspective, however, this means that for the price of an "ordinary" Kodiaq, you can get a fully equipped Espace full of leather, massage seats, and premium decor.

Market Situation Summary
While the selection of Kodiaqs in the listings is enormous and the right piece can be found without problems, you will have to search for a while for a well-maintained fifth-generation Espace from the end of production with a documented history. Škoda scores with certainty, a huge luggage compartment, and ease of future resale. Renault, on the other hand, excels in the price-to-equipment ratio – offering an opulent highway cruiser for substantially less money.

Both vehicles, the Renault Espace and the Škoda Kodiaq, earned a full five-star rating in their crash tests by the independent Euro NCAP organization. When choosing a used car, however, it is absolutely crucial to view this result in the context of the year the testing took place. Euro NCAP's methodology and protocols are constantly evolving and becoming stricter. Therefore, percentage ratings from different years cannot be directly compared. Newer tests include modern frontal impact simulations with a moving barrier, advanced cyclist detection, or junction emergency scenarios that were completely absent from older protocols. For cars approximately four years old, it is necessary to rely on the ratings of their generations at the time, for which the certification validity has already expired due to the continuous development of safety standards.

Renault Espace (fifth generation)

The fifth generation of the Renault Espace, which makes up the used family car market, underwent Euro NCAP testing in 2015. The car took home a full five stars at the time and excelled particularly in child protection (89%) and a wide package of active safety assistants even in the basic equipment (80%). Given the age of this test, the certification according to current standards has naturally expired. If we look at the brand's latest results, the sixth-generation Espace (based on the Austral platform) passed a much stricter methodology in 2022 and successfully defended its five stars (with 85% for adult protection and 82% for assistants), but for those interested in a more affordable roughly four-year-old used car, the robust 2015 result remains a relevant guide.

Škoda Kodiaq (first generation)

The first generation of the Škoda Kodiaq underwent testing in 2017 and it too received the maximum five-star rating. Compared to the Renault, it offered slightly better structural protection for adult passengers, where it achieved an excellent 92%. However, it lost significantly in the safety assistants category (only 54%), primarily due to the absence of some smart features in the standard European equipment at the time. For the Kodiaq as well, the validity of the original five-star certificate officially expired in January 2024. For context, the brand-new second-generation Kodiaq from 2024 safely meets modern standards (with 89% for adults and 78% for assistance systems), but when buying a four-year-old used car, one must account for the specifications of the older version.

Final Safety Assessment

When comparing the relevant generations, the Škoda Kodiaq proved to have structurally slightly better protection for adult occupants in an impact at the time. The Renault Espace, on the other hand, brought a substantially more comprehensive and generous package of active safety features to the family duel, giving it a noticeable advantage in everyday traffic. From the perspective of daily use of assistance systems, a used Espace offers a more modern experience, even though both cars represent a highly safe choice for family transport.

In addition to standard equipment, each model offers several unique features that give everyday use a different dimension and can be decisive for the customer in the final selection. While the French representative bets on an avant-garde concept and agility, the Czech competitor scores with unrivaled everyday practicality and smart equipment for families.

Renault Espace: French Charm and Technological Dominance

• Chassis and Steering: The most unique feature of this model is the 4Control active rear-wheel steering system. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front ones, which significantly reduces the turning circle and makes maneuvering in tight garages easier. At higher speeds, they turn in the same direction, ensuring excellent stability during lane changes.
• Electronics and Driving Modes: The Multi-Sense system comprehensively changes the character of the car. With the press of a single button, you can adjust not only the engine response and the stiffness of the adaptive dampers but also the digital instrument display, the color of the ambient lighting in the cabin, and the intensity of the front seat massage function.
• Comfort and Versatility: The One-Touch function allows for lightning-fast and elegant folding of the rear seats. This can be done simply via the vertical infotainment touchscreen (R-Link 2 / Easy Link) or using the control panel directly in the luggage compartment. The seats fold flat on their own like falling dominoes.
• Luxury Variants: If you are looking for a touch of luxury, the Espace in the top-tier Initiale Paris version offers premium Nappa leather upholstery, double acoustic glass for maximum cabin soundproofing, and a specific exterior design that sets the car apart from standard production.

Škoda Kodiaq: The King of Practicality and Simply Clever Solutions

• Smart Details for Every Day: The Kodiaq is famous for its Simply Clever features that help in everyday life. Among the most interesting are the mechanically retractable plastic door edge protectors, which prevent paint damage in tight parking spaces, an umbrella elegantly hidden in the front door trim, or an ice scraper hidden under the fuel filler cap.
• Space and Family Comfort: In addition to the huge luggage compartment, the car has practical accessories for rear passengers. A great feature is the Sleep Package, which includes special headrests with foldable side wings (preventing the head from falling to the sides) and a quilted blanket. There is also a sliding second row of seats with adjustable backrest tilt.
• Chassis and Assistance: For comfort lovers, there is the DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) adaptive chassis, which filters out road bumps excellently. Furthermore, all-wheel-drive versions offer a special Off-road mode, which adjusts the tuning of assistance systems and throttle response for safer driving off paved roads.
• Sporty and Lifestyle Variants: The model range offers wide possibilities for differentiation. The Sportline variant adds dynamic bumpers, black-painted accessories, and sports seats with integrated headrests. At the very top stands the full-fledged Kodiaq RS, which gives the family SUV a more aggressive look, a specific sound profile, and a significantly sportier chassis and steering setup.

The fifth-generation Renault Espace is an excellent choice for those looking for an unconventional family car with an emphasis on maximum travel comfort and a luxurious atmosphere. With its top-notch soundproofing and great agility, it will appeal to drivers for whom comfort on long highway routes is more important than rugged off-road capabilities or sporty driving.

Škoda Kodiaq represents an exceptionally rational choice that scores primarily with its unrivaled interior spaciousness, robustness, and everyday practicality. It is an ideal and versatile SUV for active families who appreciate powerful diesel engines suitable for towing trailers, a reliable 4x4, and minimal loss of value.

Based on long-term user experience, service reports, and our comprehensive vehicle inspection, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that buyers of roughly four-year-old used cars of both these models should watch out for.

The fifth generation of the Renault Espace has moved towards luxury crossovers, but its more complex and innovative technology sometimes takes its toll on used cars.

• Infotainment and electronics: The R-Link 2 multimedia system (before the arrival of the modernized Easy Link in 2020) is known for slower responses, occasional freezing, and Bluetooth connection dropouts. A software update often helps, but older units may require restarts. Complaints about faulty keyless entry and temperamental electric tailgate operation are also common.
• Engines: With 2.0 Blue dCi diesel engines, problems with diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging and sensor failures in the complex emission system can occur during frequent short city trips. The 1.8 TCe petrol unit is more reliable but is extremely sensitive to regular oil changes – if service is neglected, there is a risk of premature timing chain wear.
• Transmission: EDC dual-clutch automatic transmissions can jerk unpleasantly when crawling in traffic. The increased load caused by the heavy vehicle leads to faster clutch wear, and in cars with higher mileage, there is also a risk of mechatronics failure.
• Chassis: The 4Control all-wheel steering system is surprisingly robust mechanically; however, the high weight of the vehicle itself causes faster wear of the ball joints, control arms, and stabilizer links on the front axle.

The first-generation Škoda Kodiaq is considered a sturdy and very reliable family SUV; however, even it has several typical weak points that are beginning to manifest as the warranty period nears its end.

• Engines: In the very popular 2.0 TDI diesel engine, relatively frequent leaks and premature water pump failures occur, which can lead to dangerous coolant loss and engine overheating. In older 1.5 TSI petrol engines, "kangarooing" (jerking of a cold engine in first gear) occurred in the first years of production, which the manufacturer addressed with a software update.
• Transmission: DSG dual-clutch transmissions require strict and timely oil changes every 60,000 km. If the owner extends this interval, there is a risk of expensive mechatronics repairs. In TDI engines paired with an automatic, a worn dual-mass flywheel often makes itself known by knocking at idle.
• Chassis: During a physical car inspection, it is necessary to thoroughly check the optional DCC adaptive dampers, which can leak and lose effectiveness in cars with higher mileage. A common, though rather cosmetic, problem is the squeaking of silent blocks on both the front and rear axles, especially in the winter months.
• Infotainment and electronics: One of the most frequent service interventions is eCall system failures (SOS error message on the instrument cluster), which requires either a software reflash or replacement of the module or backup battery. Occasionally, screens on Amundsen or Columbus systems also freeze.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. Here are some specific points to focus on for these two models to avoid unpleasant and costly surprises. Even if you test everything thoroughly during a test drive, a professional Used Car Audit will give you maximum peace of mind.

When choosing a Renault Espace:

• Test the 4Control rear-wheel steering system: This active steering is a huge advantage for the Espace's maneuverability, but it may require attention after several years. Listen for thuds coming from the rear axle when driving over bumps. Also, inspect the rear tires thoroughly – irregular or asymmetrical wear indicates poor alignment or play in the system's control components.
• Focus on the behavior of the EDC dual-clutch transmission: The automatic transmission must shift smoothly and quickly. Try a smooth start, slow crawling (simulating a traffic jam), and shifting from D to R. If the car jerks or hesitates when starting, or if metallic sounds are heard from within, it indicates excessively worn clutches or the need for a software update.
• Check infotainment responsiveness and electronics: The R-Link 2 multimedia system (or the newer Easy Link) can freeze or restart spontaneously on earlier models. Click through the menus, try pairing a phone, and test the navigation. Don't forget to check the electronic folding of the rear seats via the panel in the trunk, as the motors can sometimes fail.
• Check the condition of the front axle: The Espace is a heavy car, which takes a toll on the lifespan of the front axle. Try driving slowly over a speed bump or a series of potholes. Loud squeaking or knocking usually means worn front arm bushings or stabilizer links.
• Watch out for the driving history of dCi engines (Diesel Particulate Filter): If you are choosing a diesel engine, take the car for a thorough drive outside the city and try sharp acceleration. If the car has only been driven on short city routes, it may have a clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) or problems with the EGR valve. The car should pull smoothly and must not go into limp mode.

When choosing a Škoda Kodiaq:

• Evaluate the smoothness of the DSG transmission and service history: The seven-speed DSG requires a regular oil change every 60,000 km for most Kodiaq engines. If the shifting jerks unpleasantly during the test drive, the transmission hesitates when starting uphill, or thuds are heard during downshifts, the clutches may be near failure due to neglected service.
• Look for coolant leaks on the 2.0 TDI: A weakness of the popular 2.0-liter diesel engines is a leaking water pump. After the engine has warmed up, stop, open the hood, and check the coolant level. If it is below the mark or you see pinkish crystals of dried mixture on the engine block, the water pump or thermostat will require immediate replacement.
• Check the condition of the DCC adaptive dampers: If the selected car has the optional adaptive chassis, switch between Comfort and Sport modes while driving – the difference in stiffness should be clearly noticeable. These dampers tend to leak oil as they approach 100,000 km. Any grease on their body is a clear signal of an upcoming and very expensive replacement.
• Pay attention to eCall and infotainment errors: On models from 2019 onwards, the communication module for SOS calls very often fails, which is indicated by a warning message and a yellow triangle on the instrument cluster. Amundsen and Columbus multimedia systems also tend to "lose" sound or restart spontaneously, which is usually resolved by a software update.
• Listen to the panoramic roof and interior: Although the Kodiaq is a robust SUV, door handles and interior plastics can squeak on uneven surfaces. If the car has a panoramic roof, listen carefully for any cracking sounds coming from it. Also, look for signs of moisture on the headliner – leaks due to clogged drainage channels will be reliably detected by a physical car inspection.

Sources: ADAC, auto.cz, svetmotoru.cz, autozive.cz, elektromobil.cz, e-auto.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.