The Avantime is so weird, but in a very good way. I've always liked left field cars, but this one is so left field it might still be in the changing rooms.
I had one for 3 years and he’s right a brilliant car for kids. I had mine when the kids were 2 and 4, went all over the country in it, massive boot and loads of room in the back for the kids. Soft suspension so you’d think about corners but it was just good fun. Yes a practical car with, that said i think it’s looking quite dated now and I note that values haven’t really risen since I sold mine 8 years ago. Also any knock to the body may well write it off as the panels are hard to come by. If you can pick one up from 3K then i think it’s a really worthwhile and enjoyable car to knock around in for a year or two. I had the 2.0L which was fine. Iliad blue is the best colour by far and the owners club is very good.
Well firstly I bought mine as Honest John gave it a 1 star review. I was coming out of a lease deal on a Merc E class and I wanted something that had to be 3k or under, completely different and interesting to own. If I was looking for one now I’d be checking all the panels are good because as far as I know you can’t get any new and used are very rare. You’d want to check that all the windows work and the sunroof, as you’d want the Grand Air mode to work. My aircon never worked and like a clown I forgot to test it. It’s a common fault as I think leaves etc block some vents and it burns out the ecu which is buried deep in the dash. I’d go for a manual and it’s a heavy old thing. I miss it though and would consider another if I could find a really good one. Rear roof trim sags and the interior isn’t hard wearing. All will be over 20 years old now. The owners club is very helpful. The doors are brilliant. So rare that no one knows what it is.
@@ndsd04 Awesome, thanks for the info! It really is a shame that not many good examples exist now, let alone exist in general. I've always thought the doors were such an amazing idea! But I can see why they never took off again, the sheer weight of em is enough to stop most companies. I wish I could go out and look for good ones on the market but they were never sold here! As far as I'm aware only three have been imported to my country. But if three have done it why not a fourth? Thanks a ton for your input on this, I wish you luck!
The difference between the Avantime and a crossover is the Avantime is unique; it will NEVER get mistaken from another car. Crossovers are generic, samey and derivative. Look at how big a smile Ben has and how much fun his two Pickles are having. I don't agree with everything Clarkson said back in the old Top Gear days, but he is absolutely right; the Avantime is just cool. It's got to get a channel nickname; we've had the Dad-B9, the Dad-erati... maybe the Dadda-Time?? 😂
Glad to see you're enjoying it… Have you been to any of the owners meetings yet?… I haven't been to one for a while but now I've finished cleaning up a few bodywork issues I'm hoping to go and join into some soon. Renault Lotus sport used to welcome "All" Renault owners clubs to the race weekends, but now only the RS cars are invited. I've had the pleasure of punching my V6 down the hangar straight at Silverstone in full open air mode and thinking I was on my way to winning the British Grand Prix
(Unfortunately?) we don't get Renault in Canada but ever since seeing it on Top Gear I loved it. Maybe because it's as quirky as I am. I do remember my stepfather buying a Renault Fuego back in the 80's and I loved it but it ended up on blocks in the back yard which gave my dog and I a place to play when it rained.😊
OMG you read my mind! I was saying Bluey out loud and then you said it! It’s our little one’s all time favourite! It’ll bring smiles and attention wherever it goes! Hopefully Alex and the gang will have some good recommendations of where to get it done 😊
Just been to the Matra museum in the middle of France, and the AvanTime still looked good even surrounded by their F1 cars, and a few Lamborghini and Ferraris. They also had the V10 800hp F1 powered Espace that lived a life, a few decades ago.
I still remember when I registered my interest on their website in late 2001, they sent me updates to my hotmail account every now and then until it was launched... Pity I was only 20yo at the time and completely broke, but I might still have the emails!😂
I love these so much. Shame they never made it to Australia. The closest we probably ever got to this down here is the Citroen DS5. I'm still looking for a low mileage one at a fair price!
Okay, it was a long time ago; but I had a V6 Avantime automatic. I bought it because I needed a tow-car for an R-Type Bentley racing special. Took it to a show with more than 400 classic and custom cars and my Avantime stole the show....It wasn't even an entry! I ended up selling it for twice what I'd paid for it and bought my 2nd Lexus. I'm now on my 9th Lexus and loving them: but I'd still buy another Avantime if a good 3 litre V6 Automatic came along.
I adore the Avantime I was selling cars around 2002/2003 and had an ottoman blue Megane and my one weekend in 4 off I used to take the Avantime I loved it. I think it was the 1:9 diesel very torquey for its size. Interested to see further content on this. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Looks like so much fun! I removed sticky plastics on one of my cars by using t-cut and polish to leave good looking plastic (is there such a thing?) remaining. Why not give it a try?
It was a lifestyle car, could have started a class of its own if only it was understood by consumers back in the day. I love it. Been in one and it feels like a living room on wheels.
Renault lent me one for a month it was great BUT after two days I pressed the global open button, there was a loud clonk and the drivers side window fell down never to raise again, I took it back and they replaced it with a Velsatis v6 which was ok but also a sales flop, being a glutton for punishment I bought an XM
The French are so good at making vehicles that are bonkers although the power tr ain't is used in alot of cars the styling is really out there and l do like the design of the Avantime definitely an acquired taste they look so different and that is what l like
I had a 3litre Dynamique one for 11 years when my sons were very small - you could feed them through the window into their child seats! Brilliant cars. Would be fun to do an EV conversion on one!
Open a mood is also fantastic for taking the family through a Safari Park (I recommend Woburn as it's only 8 miles from me)… So funny seeing my six-year-old nephew face-to-face with a camel poking its head through the open space
I was in Berlin when this car was launched, and they had a convoy of them driving around the city. I fell in love instantly. I thought they were the coolest cars I had ever seen!😎
Hi Ben and girls. Hope your all doing good. That video I absolutely loved. As far as the wrap possibly, maybe something Bluey. You could call it "The Bluey II".😂. Hopefully the electrics problems aren't very big ones and that they can be sorted. Stay safe and take care.
I like it! It's a Matra Renault Avantime, it's important to mention Matra, because it could easily have been assembled by another car brand, not by Renault
No matter what, the Avantime is an interesting car. And that's more rare today than it was 20 years ago. Ahead of its time back then, but IMO, a reimagined 'Avantime' EV would be an interesting car of this time. It takes 'balls' to buy an Avantime today. Has Renault got the 'balls' to make a new 'Avantime'?
When we were in the family car market we seriously wanted the Avantime but could never find one without a solid days drive to look at. We also wanted a Multipla, make of that what you will.
Back in 2004 a local company (TMCS then in Fareham) bought a fleet of about 10 cars, all were about the last to be registered in the UK. I drove them along with others and the biggest memory was the massive space outside but lack inside along with the fancy door hinges. The engine left me underwhelmed; a 2litre turbo engine shouldhave some whoosh factor but it was completely missing.
It looks cool and funky. Always did. I'll never understand why it failed. All French cars were "different"". This is not exactly a space ship from the planet Fugly. It turns what was, and continues to be a same same box, into something sweet with massive views and access to fresh air. As for the rear end, well look at the early Meganes. Mind you, that rear head room is a bit meh!!
Everytime I watch one of your videos I come away thinking I want one of those and this is no exception. 😂 They are such a strange car but I have to agree with Top Gear very cool.
I know that look on your wife's face when she says about how ugly your car is everytime she sees it, the only difference is my wife is not talking about the car, she's talking about me😂
I don’t remember that particular episode of Peppa Pig because my Pig experience is hugely overshadowed by our “fun” day out at Peppa Pig world a decade or so ago. Imagine, if you will, the Peppa Pig theme played on a loop. All. Day. Long. And then, to add insult to injury, a seagul shitting on your head. [shudder] Anyway, Avantime is still cool as.
I would genuinely have this over your last Aston Martin. I think this is much more of a fun vehicle for the kid than the Aston. And I can afford the Aston but I would rather have the Renault it just looks a bit more of an occasion. And for that ,that makes it uber cool 😎 infact sub zero
Went straight to Autotrader after watching this - none available! Not one! So funny how this clearly reflects what designers in the 90’s thought cars in the future would look like 😂 and they got a lot of it right I think - just in a very ugly way. I love it!!
Say what you want about Renault and French car makers but at least their always up for a good old wacky design which they know will divide opinions. It’s ballsy in the best way and I love the fact that they’ve historically tried to always “do something different”. Always feel like car manufacturers keep forgetting about passenger “fun” in cars these days, I wished more car manufacturers and designers rethink “fun” and “practical for both drivers and passengers alike !
It is an odd looking thing but I can see the appeal for practically. Have you ever looked at a vw touran? We used to have one, it was ugly, dull and nothing special at all......but it was huge for the size of it. Boot was massive, had loads of room inside, hidden storage everywhere, 7 seats, all folded flat in the back. You could have slept in the back of you needed to. I suffer with lower back issues, that car got me to Scotland from Manchester without having to stop once, the sports seats were superb 👌 Not bad for a car on a vw golf platform. But we upgraded to a nicer bmw x3
Safari vehicle for children.
You gave the most accurate description for this car.
I love both the car and your comment.
Thank you and godspeed.
🙌😊
The Avantime is so weird, but in a very good way. I've always liked left field cars, but this one is so left field it might still be in the changing rooms.
😂😂
@@dadcarspp
I had one for 3 years and he’s right a brilliant car for kids. I had mine when the kids were 2 and 4, went all over the country in it, massive boot and loads of room in the back for the kids. Soft suspension so you’d think about corners but it was just good fun. Yes a practical car with, that said i think it’s looking quite dated now and I note that values haven’t really risen since I sold mine 8 years ago. Also any knock to the body may well write it off as the panels are hard to come by. If you can pick one up from 3K then i think it’s a really worthwhile and enjoyable car to knock around in for a year or two. I had the 2.0L which was fine. Iliad blue is the best colour by far and the owners club is very good.
Do you have any tips for new owners looking to buy one?
Well firstly I bought mine as Honest John gave it a 1 star review. I was coming out of a lease deal on a Merc E class and I wanted something that had to be 3k or under, completely different and interesting to own. If I was looking for one now I’d be checking all the panels are good because as far as I know you can’t get any new and used are very rare. You’d want to check that all the windows work and the sunroof, as you’d want the Grand Air mode to work. My aircon never worked and like a clown I forgot to test it. It’s a common fault as I think leaves etc block some vents and it burns out the ecu which is buried deep in the dash. I’d go for a manual and it’s a heavy old thing. I miss it though and would consider another if I could find a really good one. Rear roof trim sags and the interior isn’t hard wearing. All will be over 20 years old now. The owners club is very helpful. The doors are brilliant. So rare that no one knows what it is.
@@ndsd04 Awesome, thanks for the info! It really is a shame that not many good examples exist now, let alone exist in general. I've always thought the doors were such an amazing idea! But I can see why they never took off again, the sheer weight of em is enough to stop most companies. I wish I could go out and look for good ones on the market but they were never sold here! As far as I'm aware only three have been imported to my country. But if three have done it why not a fourth? Thanks a ton for your input on this, I wish you luck!
The difference between the Avantime and a crossover is the Avantime is unique; it will NEVER get mistaken from another car. Crossovers are generic, samey and derivative.
Look at how big a smile Ben has and how much fun his two Pickles are having. I don't agree with everything Clarkson said back in the old Top Gear days, but he is absolutely right; the Avantime is just cool.
It's got to get a channel nickname; we've had the Dad-B9, the Dad-erati... maybe the Dadda-Time?? 😂
lol 😂 let’s name it after I get it all stickered up!
Im now fairly certain all automotive journalists have a "long torso" 🤣
It’s actually part of the application criteria 🤷♂️
Stupidly brilliant. You have to love the bonkers design. The concept presentation meeting with the designers and management must have been hilarious.
🤭👏
Congrats! Finally, you’ve got the right car!
lol 😂
Glad to see you're enjoying it… Have you been to any of the owners meetings yet?… I haven't been to one for a while but now I've finished cleaning up a few bodywork issues I'm hoping to go and join into some soon. Renault Lotus sport used to welcome "All" Renault owners clubs to the race weekends, but now only the RS cars are invited. I've had the pleasure of punching my V6 down the hangar straight at Silverstone in full open air mode and thinking I was on my way to winning the British Grand Prix
I probably should!! But just crazy busy! I definitely need to find a local expert on these as mine has some gremlins 😬
(Unfortunately?) we don't get Renault in Canada but ever since seeing it on Top Gear I loved it. Maybe because it's as quirky as I am. I do remember my stepfather buying a Renault Fuego back in the 80's and I loved it but it ended up on blocks in the back yard which gave my dog and I a place to play when it rained.😊
OMG you read my mind! I was saying Bluey out loud and then you said it! It’s our little one’s all time favourite! It’ll bring smiles and attention wherever it goes! Hopefully Alex and the gang will have some good recommendations of where to get it done 😊
Thank you 🙌 should be a lot of fun right!? 😜
Just been to the Matra museum in the middle of France, and the AvanTime still looked good even surrounded by their F1 cars, and a few Lamborghini and Ferraris. They also had the V10 800hp F1 powered Espace that lived a life, a few decades ago.
Awesome!
Like a car from Thunderbirds!
I still remember when I registered my interest on their website in late 2001, they sent me updates to my hotmail account every now and then until it was launched... Pity I was only 20yo at the time and completely broke, but I might still have the emails!😂
I see why it is head of its time and actually a decent car for a family car
I love these so much. Shame they never made it to Australia. The closest we probably ever got to this down here is the Citroen DS5. I'm still looking for a low mileage one at a fair price!
I hope this car makes your channel blow up. Cheers!
😊 thank you
Okay, it was a long time ago; but I had a V6 Avantime automatic. I bought it because I needed a tow-car for an R-Type Bentley racing special. Took it to a show with more than 400 classic and custom cars and my Avantime stole the show....It wasn't even an entry! I ended up selling it for twice what I'd paid for it and bought my 2nd Lexus. I'm now on my 9th Lexus and loving them: but I'd still buy another Avantime if a good 3 litre V6 Automatic came along.
Yeah I’d love to try a V6 but for the money this was a great purchase :)
That Cameo on James's channel 🤣
😂🙌
I adore the Avantime I was selling cars around 2002/2003 and had an ottoman blue Megane and my one weekend in 4 off I used to take the Avantime I loved it. I think it was the 1:9 diesel very torquey for its size. Interested to see further content on this. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Looks like so much fun! I removed sticky plastics on one of my cars by using t-cut and polish to leave good looking plastic (is there such a thing?) remaining. Why not give it a try?
It was a lifestyle car, could have started a class of its own if only it was understood by consumers back in the day. I love it. Been in one and it feels like a living room on wheels.
Wow, that's a really cool way to review cars! Keep up the great work, and I wish you all the best!
Renault lent me one for a month it was great BUT after two days I pressed the global open button, there was a loud clonk and the drivers side window fell down never to raise again, I took it back and they replaced it with a Velsatis v6 which was ok but also a sales flop, being a glutton for punishment I bought an XM
😅… I hope this doesn’t happen to mine!
The French are so good at making vehicles that are bonkers although the power tr ain't is used in alot of cars the styling is really out there and l do like the design of the Avantime definitely an acquired taste they look so different and that is what l like
I *LOVE* the Avantime.
🙌😎
I think these and multiplas were incredible
I love the multipla for a very different reason to this car..
I had a 3litre Dynamique one for 11 years when my sons were very small - you could feed them through the window into their child seats! Brilliant cars. Would be fun to do an EV conversion on one!
Brilliant car. I would love one.
Great fun!
a few left in France are for sale ....around 10,000 euros
Finally someone gets it. Light pours in for kids to peep over the massive doors, while the driver gets to cruise in V6 or turbo
Open a mood is also fantastic for taking the family through a Safari Park (I recommend Woburn as it's only 8 miles from me)… So funny seeing my six-year-old nephew face-to-face with a camel poking its head through the open space
I was in Berlin when this car was launched, and they had a convoy of them driving around the city. I fell in love instantly. I thought they were the coolest cars I had ever seen!😎
😊👏
This is such an awesome/interesting car 🙌🏼 Have fun with it
An absolutely beautifully weird car😃😃
😜
Hi Ben and girls. Hope your all doing good.
That video I absolutely loved.
As far as the wrap possibly, maybe something Bluey. You could call it "The Bluey II".😂.
Hopefully the electrics problems aren't very big ones and that they can be sorted.
Stay safe and take care.
Thanks Frank yeah Bluey would be a great fit with the colour too 😅
@@dadcars Your welcome Ben.
Great video and great car Ben! Seriously interested in the videos this car will provide the channel!
🤙😅
2024 and Renault (unlike most manufacturers) are still providing analogue buttons for many features such as climate control. 👌
🙌😊
Since it has a 2 lt turbo engine, it should be easy to squeeze more power out of it!
I like it!
It's a Matra Renault Avantime, it's important to mention Matra, because it could easily have been assembled by another car brand, not by Renault
I did mention Matra! 😅
Brilliant. Love the Avantime, subscribed 👍🏻
Welcome!
No matter what, the Avantime is an interesting car. And that's more rare today than it was 20 years ago. Ahead of its time back then, but IMO, a reimagined 'Avantime' EV would be an interesting car of this time. It takes 'balls' to buy an Avantime today. Has Renault got the 'balls' to make a new 'Avantime'?
When we were in the family car market we seriously wanted the Avantime but could never find one without a solid days drive to look at. We also wanted a Multipla, make of that what you will.
So good to see the car again, even though I like it just because of a very specific Top Gear episode (which we all know I'm sure).
Back in 2004 a local company (TMCS then in Fareham) bought a fleet of about 10 cars, all were about the last to be registered in the UK. I drove them along with others and the biggest memory was the massive space outside but lack inside along with the fancy door hinges. The engine left me underwhelmed; a 2litre turbo engine shouldhave some whoosh factor but it was completely missing.
It looks cool and funky. Always did. I'll never understand why it failed. All French cars were "different"". This is not exactly a space ship from the planet Fugly. It turns what was, and continues to be a same same box, into something sweet with massive views and access to fresh air. As for the rear end, well look at the early Meganes. Mind you, that rear head room is a bit meh!!
Everytime I watch one of your videos I come away thinking I want one of those and this is no exception. 😂
They are such a strange car but I have to agree with Top Gear very cool.
Amazing 😂 🙌
top gear memories 👍👍 when they put f1 wing and race tires
I know that look on your wife's face when she says about how ugly your car is everytime she sees it, the only difference is my wife is not talking about the car, she's talking about me😂
Thanks!
Oh wow thanks Frank! That’s likely more than I’ll make from ad review on this video 🥹🙌
@@dadcars Your very welcome Ben.
I think I it's cool your doing UA-cam full time now, congrats.
🙏🥰
I don’t remember that particular episode of Peppa Pig because my Pig experience is hugely overshadowed by our “fun” day out at Peppa Pig world a decade or so ago.
Imagine, if you will, the Peppa Pig theme played on a loop. All. Day. Long. And then, to add insult to injury, a seagul shitting on your head.
[shudder]
Anyway, Avantime is still cool as.
That sounds like a lucky day! 😅
Great choice.
What a brilliant car!
Love it “the ultimate I-spy car” 😄
😅 I know right!
I really like the Avantime!
I like these Ben. You can't really design more space for a fam. My kids would prefer this to the GT go figure.
My youngest absolutely loves being able to see EVERYTHING!
I would genuinely have this over your last Aston Martin. I think this is much more of a fun vehicle for the kid than the Aston. And I can afford the Aston but I would rather have the Renault it just looks a bit more of an occasion. And for that ,that makes it uber cool 😎 infact sub zero
On the off chance you ever win an Aston Martin in a competition I’ll be happy to do the trade 😂
@@dadcars sounds like a plan 😄👍
I believe it was based on the Espace .
Love this!
Went straight to Autotrader after watching this - none available! Not one!
So funny how this clearly reflects what designers in the 90’s thought cars in the future would look like 😂 and they got a lot of it right I think - just in a very ugly way. I love it!!
Bluey wrap! 🩵
Never need an excuse to hum that theme tune 🤣
Brilliant car.
Get your kids to do drawings on paper and get them put on a wrap
That’s what we did for the marquee! 🙌😊
Anyone else get an entire series of Peppa pig as a mid roll ad?
lol are you serious?! 😂
.... It's brilliant.
Say what you want about Renault and French car makers but at least their always up for a good old wacky design which they know will divide opinions. It’s ballsy in the best way and I love the fact that they’ve historically tried to always “do something different”.
Always feel like car manufacturers keep forgetting about passenger “fun” in cars these days, I wished more car manufacturers and designers rethink “fun” and “practical for both drivers and passengers alike !
@7:45 Yeah, and the Renault Avantime was made by Matra, possibly lead to its demise.
Who’s the stud of a man at 0:42??
😊
🤙😎
It’s a weird crossover coupe.
It is an odd looking thing but I can see the appeal for practically.
Have you ever looked at a vw touran? We used to have one, it was ugly, dull and nothing special at all......but it was huge for the size of it. Boot was massive, had loads of room inside, hidden storage everywhere, 7 seats, all folded flat in the back. You could have slept in the back of you needed to.
I suffer with lower back issues, that car got me to Scotland from Manchester without having to stop once, the sports seats were superb 👌
Not bad for a car on a vw golf platform.
But we upgraded to a nicer bmw x3
A Van Time. It's a Van for spending time in!
A Land Rover Discovery 4 would be a great alternative. 7 seats too…
How’s that working out for you? 🤭
Very brave using that sunroof. I don’t think I’d trust old Renault electrics!
Homer Simpson car design! The every man car
Well it did bankrupt the maker 😂
Really liked them till I drove one, can only describe it as a boat to drive
What were you expecting 🤷♂️😂
I was expecting a Ford Galaxy type drive but its nothing like as good to drive as a Galaxy @dadcars
Agree with your wife. The car is ugly.
No it's not. Your just boring. You probably drive around in some boring, dull as dishwasher, badly built unreliable VW.