Cool Noir Nocturne Renault Avantime BY MATRA
Renault Avantime 2001-2003. A Future Classic Car with investment potential.
There is no question that the vehicle you drive is an extension of your personality — an unspoken but clear message to the rest of the world.
The message you send by driving a Purple vehicle: Creative, individualistic, original.
This is a weird car, but a sexy one and a bit of a wild card, investment-wise. The Avantime, designed by Renault’s design genius Patrick Le Quement, was killed within two years of its birth after just 8,500 were built. Marketed as a cross between a coupe and an MPV it was so hideously ugly that there were dozens of reports of small children suffering nightmares for weeks after seeing one.
However, if you can overlook the styling it is actually a very good car indeed, being safe, reliable, luxurious, and spacious – and is one of the few cars that all three Top Gear presenters like. Jeremy thinks the Renault Avantime is "the coolest car money can buy".
There is nothing special to watch out for; if it’s got a full service history, hasn’t been crashed, and isn’t rusty then it’s probably a good one.
Investment potential: 1/5 or 5/5 – who knows?
Car: my 2002 Avantime 2.0 T 16V
Colour: Noir Nocturne
The 2.0 16V turbocharged engine puts the emphasis on flexibility and driving pleasure. Developing 165bhp (120kW) and constant torque of 250Nm between 2,000 and 4,250rpm, it offers all the driving pleasure of a normally aspirated 2.5- litre engine while cutting fuel consumption by between 15% and 20% in a complete cycle. The Avantime 2.0 T 16V uses only 9.2l/100km in a combined cycle.
Roadtest Auto Express dated 26/6/02. It is their First drive of the Renault Avantime 2.0T
REAL 'TIME SAVER!
Ever get the feeling your'e being watched? You will in the Renault Avantime, because no other car on sale has quite the visual impact of the the French firm's bizarre coupe-cabriolet-MPV. Even in base 2.0-litre form, the wacky newcomer draws attention, and that's the whole point of this car. But do its bizzarre looks mean an equally unusual driving experience, or is the 165bhp machine a lot more sensible at heart?
If you like to be thrilled, then the only kick you'll get out of the Avantime is in its styling. Dynamically, it feels similar to the Espace - not surprising when you consider they share a platform - and while it corners with little drama, it doesn't feel rewarding.
But when it comes to cruising, the Avantime gives a much better account of itself. The engine might not have the same smoothness of tractability as the 3.0-litre V6, but it still offers lively performance, with 0-60mph in 9.9 seconds and no turbo lag. The six-speed box has a slick change, and keeps engine noise to a minimum at motorway speeds. Unfortunately, we found the lever was too far to the left.
If you try to find the Avantime's raison d'etre, chances are you'll give up. But as a completely unworldly alternative to more conventional executive choices, it's certainly the artistic option. View it as a spaceship with wheels.
Auto Express First opinion
The entry level Avantime offers as much visual impact as the top spec V6 but for a lot less cash. An odd driving position and average dynamics will put off enthusiasts, but if you've got to have the funkiest looks in town, the radical Renault can't be beaten.
At a glance
Avantime 2.0T Dynamique, priced £24,050
Part leather, climate control and CD changer are standard fit
We live in a strange world. There are estate cars with the load-lugging ability of vans, vans that drive like cars and, to top it all off, multi-purpose vehicles that can do the job of both.
Roadtest Auto Express dated 1/3/02. It is their First drive of the Renault Avantime V6
We live in a strange world. There are estate cars with the load-lugging ability of vans, vans that drive like cars and, to top it all off, multi-purpose vehicles that can do the job of both.
Now Renault has taken this cross-breeding a step further, giving birth to what it calls an entirely new genre of car: the MPV coupe. The Avantime is due to make its UK debut early next year but, impatient as ever, we crossed the Channel prior to the official launch to put this amazing coupe-cum-people carrier through its paces in France.
From head-on it actually looks quite tough. But it's from the side that the Avantime justifies its coupe tag. It isn't until you take in the strange curves and distorted figure-of-eight lamp clusters at the rear, however, that you really appreciate what a huge leap in the dark Renault's millennium motor represents.
One of the Avantime's unique features is its panoramic roof. Press a button and a tinted glass panel slides back to reveal a huge opening. Hold down another switch and the roof and all four windows come down simultaneously, so it rivals a Targa-top sports car.
In terms of layout, the interior is far more conventional. The full-width digital dash is copied from the Espace, and below it is a huge storage bin, the top of which houses the optional satellite navigation. Unfortunately, the system's controls are positioned well out of the driver's reach and view. Interior build quality isn't much better, but we're assured that the uncooperative seat back release and loose glovebox lid will be ironed out before the car's launch. Despite using the Espace platform, the Avantime is effectively a four-seater out of the Grand Tourer mould. The split-folding rear chairs are extremely comfortable, and head and shoulder space is in plentiful supply, but there's precious little room for feet. Rear access is tricky, and the large boot is compromised by a high sill that makes loading awkward - another legacy of the car's unconventional shape.
Renault UK expects to have an entry-level 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol version with a five-speed automatic gear-box ready at launch, but for now the Avantime features the Laguna's 3.0-litre V6 and six-speed manual transmission. The variable valve-timed unit produces 210bhp at 6,000rpm and 285Nm of torque at 3,750rpm, propelling the coupe from 0-60mph in under 8.5 secounds and on to a 138mph top speed.
Performance is rather leisurely below 3,000rpm, but the engine picks up well as the revs grow, providing plenty of punch for overtaking. The six-speed box is also a pleasure to use, with a slick action and a long throw, although the fixed armrest can get in the way of fast changes. Combined with a good driving position, direct steering and ABS with emergency brake assist, this makes the Renault surprisingly fun to drive. A chassis that is 60 per cent stiffer than the Espace's and a much lower stance gives it poise and grip that you'd never expect from such a tall, heavy machine.
Refinement is equal to most executive saloons, with little in the way of road or engine noise infiltrating the cabin. The suspension also strikes a good compromise between comfort and stability, giving a smooth ride that only loses its composure over sharp bumps.
Our flagship Privilege model features electric lumbar support, heated seats, a CD player, climate control, six airbags, traction control and ESP all as standard.
Cool Noir Nocturne Renault Avantime BY MATRA
Renault Avantime 2001-2003. A Future Classic Car with investment potential.
There is no question that the vehicle you drive is an extension of your personality — an unspoken but clear message to the rest of the world.
The message you send by driving a Purple vehicle: Creative, individualistic, original.
This is a weird car, but a sexy one and a bit of a wild card, investment-wise. The Avantime, designed by Renault’s design genius Patrick Le Quement, was killed within two years of its birth after just 8,500 were built. Marketed as a cross between a coupe and an MPV it was so hideously ugly that there were dozens of reports of small children suffering nightmares for weeks after seeing one.
However, if you can overlook the styling it is actually a very good car indeed, being safe, reliable, luxurious, and spacious – and is one of the few cars that all three Top Gear presenters like. Jeremy thinks the Renault Avantime is "the coolest car money can buy".
There is nothing special to watch out for; if it’s got a full service history, hasn’t been crashed, and isn’t rusty then it’s probably a good one.
Investment potential: 1/5 or 5/5 – who knows?
Car: my 2002 Avantime 2.0 T 16V
Colour: Noir Nocturne
The 2.0 16V turbocharged engine puts the emphasis on flexibility and driving pleasure. Developing 165bhp (120kW) and constant torque of 250Nm between 2,000 and 4,250rpm, it offers all the driving pleasure of a normally aspirated 2.5- litre engine while cutting fuel consumption by between 15% and 20% in a complete cycle. The Avantime 2.0 T 16V uses only 9.2l/100km in a combined cycle.
Roadtest Auto Express dated 26/6/02. It is their First drive of the Renault Avantime 2.0T
REAL 'TIME SAVER!
Ever get the feeling your'e being watched? You will in the Renault Avantime, because no other car on sale has quite the visual impact of the the French firm's bizarre coupe-cabriolet-MPV. Even in base 2.0-litre form, the wacky newcomer draws attention, and that's the whole point of this car. But do its bizzarre looks mean an equally unusual driving experience, or is the 165bhp machine a lot more sensible at heart?
If you like to be thrilled, then the only kick you'll get out of the Avantime is in its styling. Dynamically, it feels similar to the Espace - not surprising when you consider they share a platform - and while it corners with little drama, it doesn't feel rewarding.
But when it comes to cruising, the Avantime gives a much better account of itself. The engine might not have the same smoothness of tractability as the 3.0-litre V6, but it still offers lively performance, with 0-60mph in 9.9 seconds and no turbo lag. The six-speed box has a slick change, and keeps engine noise to a minimum at motorway speeds. Unfortunately, we found the lever was too far to the left.
If you try to find the Avantime's raison d'etre, chances are you'll give up. But as a completely unworldly alternative to more conventional executive choices, it's certainly the artistic option. View it as a spaceship with wheels.
Auto Express First opinion
The entry level Avantime offers as much visual impact as the top spec V6 but for a lot less cash. An odd driving position and average dynamics will put off enthusiasts, but if you've got to have the funkiest looks in town, the radical Renault can't be beaten.
At a glance
Avantime 2.0T Dynamique, priced £24,050
Part leather, climate control and CD changer are standard fit
We live in a strange world. There are estate cars with the load-lugging ability of vans, vans that drive like cars and, to top it all off, multi-purpose vehicles that can do the job of both.
Roadtest Auto Express dated 1/3/02. It is their First drive of the Renault Avantime V6
We live in a strange world. There are estate cars with the load-lugging ability of vans, vans that drive like cars and, to top it all off, multi-purpose vehicles that can do the job of both.
Now Renault has taken this cross-breeding a step further, giving birth to what it calls an entirely new genre of car: the MPV coupe. The Avantime is due to make its UK debut early next year but, impatient as ever, we crossed the Channel prior to the official launch to put this amazing coupe-cum-people carrier through its paces in France.
From head-on it actually looks quite tough. But it's from the side that the Avantime justifies its coupe tag. It isn't until you take in the strange curves and distorted figure-of-eight lamp clusters at the rear, however, that you really appreciate what a huge leap in the dark Renault's millennium motor represents.
One of the Avantime's unique features is its panoramic roof. Press a button and a tinted glass panel slides back to reveal a huge opening. Hold down another switch and the roof and all four windows come down simultaneously, so it rivals a Targa-top sports car.
In terms of layout, the interior is far more conventional. The full-width digital dash is copied from the Espace, and below it is a huge storage bin, the top of which houses the optional satellite navigation. Unfortunately, the system's controls are positioned well out of the driver's reach and view. Interior build quality isn't much better, but we're assured that the uncooperative seat back release and loose glovebox lid will be ironed out before the car's launch. Despite using the Espace platform, the Avantime is effectively a four-seater out of the Grand Tourer mould. The split-folding rear chairs are extremely comfortable, and head and shoulder space is in plentiful supply, but there's precious little room for feet. Rear access is tricky, and the large boot is compromised by a high sill that makes loading awkward - another legacy of the car's unconventional shape.
Renault UK expects to have an entry-level 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol version with a five-speed automatic gear-box ready at launch, but for now the Avantime features the Laguna's 3.0-litre V6 and six-speed manual transmission. The variable valve-timed unit produces 210bhp at 6,000rpm and 285Nm of torque at 3,750rpm, propelling the coupe from 0-60mph in under 8.5 secounds and on to a 138mph top speed.
Performance is rather leisurely below 3,000rpm, but the engine picks up well as the revs grow, providing plenty of punch for overtaking. The six-speed box is also a pleasure to use, with a slick action and a long throw, although the fixed armrest can get in the way of fast changes. Combined with a good driving position, direct steering and ABS with emergency brake assist, this makes the Renault surprisingly fun to drive. A chassis that is 60 per cent stiffer than the Espace's and a much lower stance gives it poise and grip that you'd never expect from such a tall, heavy machine.
Refinement is equal to most executive saloons, with little in the way of road or engine noise infiltrating the cabin. The suspension also strikes a good compromise between comfort and stability, giving a smooth ride that only loses its composure over sharp bumps.
Our flagship Privilege model features electric lumbar support, heated seats, a CD player, climate control, six airbags, traction control and ESP all as standard.