Renault Avantime - one of the worst selling cars of all time!
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- Опубліковано 23 бер 2024
- Renault Avantime
1999, whilst a lot of businesses are worrying about the impact of the much-hyped and quickly forgotten millennium bug, Renault has a much bigger going concern: the Renault Avantime which was launched at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show after being shown as a concept earlier in the year at a press launch.
The car came to market in the autumn of September 2001 and came to the UK in early 2002. If you’re wondering why it took so long after the 99 motor show, it’s due to a bit of time spent making that pillar less roof meet safety standards.
Although the car had a special target audience, which we’ll talk about later on, the car was largely the result of an outstanding obligation. Renault had decided to move the production of the Espace away from Matra’s team and factory - not through bad blood - simply because the car was to be made from sheet steel instead of ferrous and composite mix which had been Matra’s specialism.
The idea behind the car was two fold, keep that obligation to Matra but also, create a car which was unforgettable: in fact, the design project manager said he wanted a car which would continually astonish somebody as they walked around the car.
The front engine, front wheel drive Avantime did ambitiously achieve firsts in many areas: the heaviest, longest doors for any car on the market, an astonishing amount of luggage space at 530 litres in the boot and a further 27 litres dotted in spaces around the cabin front and rear which could be increased to 900 litres if utilising the split back seats, an elbow width of 1466mm - 57.7 inches for driver and 1433mm 56.4 inches in the rear - a record in its class.
Renault were incredibly proud of the quality and durability the car was sold with a 12 year anti-corrosion guarantee. Renault also considered life beyond the sales floor with an introduction of anti-intrusion protection and security immobiliser which was developed in accordance with THATCHAM - an added bonus to help reduce the cost of insurance quotes for owners. If you’re wondering how it worked by the way, they did things like protection against door piercing, a strengthened steering column to protect against errant screwdrivers and automatic door and boot locking activated when the car began moving.
If we look at a press release issued to press and Renault dealerships at the time, we can see the company predicted UK sales of 1,500 and together with predicted sales of the Espace and Vel Satis, expected to take a 5.5% share of the exec market. If you’re wondering, they only managed to sell 5,037 in total across all markets in 2002.
The guide price for the cars was £24,000 for the 2 litre turbo dynamic manual and £27,000 for the 3 litre V6 privilege manual.
In terms of your engines, there was the the aforementioned 2 and 3 litre for the UK market but for the overseas LHD market, there was also the 2.2.
Although guide prices only mention manual, the 6 speed manual wasn’t the only transmission option and a 5 speed automatic was also available.
Tech spec for the car is given as an overall on the sales guidance for the time, but they are as follows:
A top speed of 137 miles per hour and MPG of 17.7 for urban driving, 31.7 for extra urban and 25 for combined.
Sadly, for a few reasons including the Avantime being a massive financial drain, Matra decided their time in automotive production was done and dusted and Renault reviewing the poor sales, decided to call time on the Avantime and bring to a close one of the worst selling cars in modern times. - Авто та транспорт
I was working in France when this came out. In conversation with a (French) colleague who was pondering his next company car, I asked (tongue in cheek) if he had thought of an Avantime. He gave me an old-fashioned look and said “Some French cars are just too Frenchie, even for the French”.
The numberplate is excellent.
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Cool.I like it .Quite apt really .
Especially on a french car 😂
Please explain. English is not my natiive language
@CyberIL77 it says fro3 ggg like frog and froggy is a slang term for the french
Love the Avantime, proper French “just because” attitude. Every other car these days is a grey crossover. Fair play to Renault for having the balls to put it into production
Maximum French quirk, like the French don't really do anymore. Great video, Steph. You should find a Vel Satis next.
I've got a few vel satis, show car back on the road next month.
I always fancied a Vel Satis or an Avantime, but I did have three Renault Espaces! The phase 2 was a fantastic car… 2-litre petrol, did 40mpg average on a 2week all-Europe trip with wife and 4 children, -all the luggage was out of sight behind and between the seats… I imagine the Avantime being very similar but with less space. I look forward to your Vel Satis drive.
After only four days this video has has more views than Renault actually sold of these cars!
Very rare car the val satis
Love the uniqueness of this car! In a world where you struggle to tell one SUV from another, this design really stands out. Well done Renault for having the balls to make this car a reality!
I used to work on these in a body shop now and again. They were brilliantly put together and the customers who owned them already knew they were future classics.
❤ at least rare eh?
James may reviewed this car recently he said the doors might be the heaviest doors ever fitted to a production vehicle. He was really struggling while trying to open them on a hill. Apparently they’re over 100lbs
I had a Mark 1 Espace when the Aventime launched.
I saw one at Renault Manchester and was love struck. Stunning car❤
Bet you wish you still had the espace eh! Cool bus👌
Always liked these - completely potty but great to see something so different. Love the reg plate on this one too!
I can't hate on the Avantime. Love it for simply being bonkers. The world is now a lesser place having lost that French bonkersness.
I love the variety of cars you cover here - from a pre-war car to an early 2000s one in the space of a week.
Maybe the quirkierst Citroën that Renault ever built. There is one still running in my neighbourhood (Lake Constance/Germany). Also in metallic blue. I see her occasionally… Thanks for the video, Steph!
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It's another great example of why i love the 90s so much. Car manufacturers were trying all sorts of bonkers things and Renault were no exception with the Raccoon, Sports Spyder and Avantime. I always saw it as an MPV coupe. I remember sitting in one whenit launched and, like you, being amazed at how much dashboard sat between the driver and windscreen. I love it but then i enjoy things that look a bit bonkers. I used to have a Hyundai Atoz
As the owner of a 2005 Renault Grand Scénic, I'm fascinated by these. I can see the common design language, a bit like my car is a toned-down version of this one (mine's the same colour too). Renault definitely knew how to make a comfortable and easy-to-drive car - I've done a 350-mile round trip in mine, and when I got home it felt like I'd not even done anything.
I have a Citroen Grand Picasso from 2013. Much of the design is there too! I've done similar trips, will be doing another shortly, with the same experience.
I also have a 2005 Grand Scènic in silver and I have to agree with you that long journeys are a breeze. My son and I went to Goodwood Revival and back in one day last year and it was a great journey. Love this era of Renault.
omg...such a shame more were not made. SuV's are not the answer
Yep do like these slightly odd French cars, have your cars big brother- mk4 Espace, just something about them!
I recall seeing these in British car magazines. Always liked them for their quirky looks. I liked the Renault Vel Satis as well.
Also...I was quite fond of that duckface-looking Fiat Multipla. That car's wacky looks and three-abreast front seats endeared it to me.
Alas...not available here...
Mad as a bottle of crisps!
A disastrous business decision, but a bona fide classic.
A day for weird and wonderful cars; Hubnut in the open top Smart and you in the bonkers Avantime. Crazy car - I would love one
Always loved these because of their sheer madness! I was delighted to see two at the NEC yesterday, one in the show and one on the car park
I've wanted one of these for years, a V6 manual in the same blue. Quality video as usual steph 👌
it reminds me of similar, practical Volvos
Havent commented here since ages , but this one is on my all time favorites !! 🤩🤩Thanks for this treat Steph.
Don’t let Hubnut hear you dissing his favourite car, he will set miss Hubnut on you
another great one Steph, I loved all the spy shots before it came to market. At the time I had an Espace, thank you for reviewing
Fantastic video, Steph. A very interesting car, but one that just looks strange to me. The surprise to me was the fuel consumption. It uses more fuel than my 89 Mercury Grand Marquis with a 5.8 litre V8. On the motorway that did a solid 40 mpg.
Different can be good if it actually works or improves on what went before. Unfortunately, this car is simply different for the sake of being different.
Always good to watch your videos and wide variety of cars that you get to show is impressive..
When this car was new, the buyers for cars in the price range were primarily company car drivers. These drivers spent most of the time driving on motorways with only one or two people in the car. These buyers preferred the badge of a BMW or a Mercedes unfortunately for Renault.
Don't bother with weather forecasts. If Steph is doing a review, it's going to rain.
😀
I remember when the Megane ll came out with the same rear end 'bustle' styling. The TV ads 'I see you baby, shake your little ass'. Don't think that was a success either.
I thought of that Megane as well - this looks like a scaled up version of it.
That rear end , same as the Megane , never really caught on, but I like it, It has aged really well and shows what a good styling idea it was. Looks very funky, this and the Vel Satis were oddly the worst in history, must have lost over 100M on those cars.
A strange car indeed thanks for the review pro's and cons
Steph is so lovely, thanks for all your videos
Great vid Steph! So true, you either love it or hate, and I love it! Brave/bold design, definitely not boring
Matra was based in Romorantin and its closure had a devastating effect on the town. However, the Matra museum is still there and well worth a diversion if you are in that part of France.
As a design concept for a motor show, the Avantime was a quirky and very interesting car but in my opinion, that is where they should have left it, as a concept. I remember seeing it on Top Gear and thinking that it will never sell in big numbers as it was just too much of a niche car.
what a quirky thing! growing up in France in the 2000s, I always had fun spotting a Vel Satis on the road, but I don't remember ever seeing an Avantime. I didn't know they were *that* rare. thanks for taking the opportunity to talk about it!
Being a Yank, I have never even heard of this car before since we don’t get any French cars. That is so weird looking that I’d love to have one. Thanks Steph.❤
extremely informative, thank you very much, great watch
The numberplate is excellent! I love the variety of cars you cover here!
Best colour for an Avantime and love those wheels. Well worth watching the Michael Caine film Children of Men. It features this, plus Citroën CX, Fiat Doblo, Renault Modus etc etc all thinly disguised throughout.
I love bonkers cars.....
( From the owner of a Nissan cube Z12 :)😊
Lovely vid again. I think this, the Vel Satis and the Citroen C6 were the last interesting cars.
I adore those cars. I don't think my missus would let me have one. She does say that I fancy anything with wheels.
For my money safe between the two cars I would go for the Renault Scenic Megane is a wheelchair used it works perfectly and also takes a hand control very easily much love from Cape Town
I honestly want the Avantime, I really do. Wanted it then, want it now. The car still looks futuristic now.
so buy it
This car completely passed me by at the time. Only knew of its existence due to harry Dwyer's (legend) channel where he gave his some love to become the support vehicle to tow his rib goodwin around the uk whilst he circumnavigates the uk in it. Good review this.
There is one for sale here in Ireland. I’m tempted for a tour around France🇫🇷👍👍☘️ I’m not so sure about the reg. plate!
You should deffo try it on for size!
@@idriveaclassicyea, maybe for a tour around France and pass it on again when I get home.😊
Another great video and interesting subject.
I need to have a go in one of these. Great vid!
I had one of these back in the day, great car, those rear passenger doors do open, there is a latch on the inside of the B pillar and as they open the rear quarter panel opens with it, really quirky
Another great review. Sadly the speedo issue is quite common (and on Scenics too). I would imagine it's very expensive to replace, if you can even find a new speedo!
The Scenic II (like mine) uses a vacuum fluorescent display, which fail due to cracked solder joints and can usually be repaired. The Avantime appears to use LCD panels which can degrade internally and are unrepairable. It might be possible to get replacements manufactured though - I know this has been done for vintage calculators.
In the US Pontiac was bragging about having created the ugliest vehicle ever, with the Aztec, while in France, Renault said "hold my wine".
Norway watching too. 😊
Always had a interest for this bonkers car. Im an Alfisti (have a 69 Gt Junior in my garage), but i also like french cars.
The Avantime was made by Matra. Big car did a video on it about 3 years ago, that sum up yhe car very well, i think.
Hi i was going to get one when they first came out, but I just thought it was over priced great video, from marty in Belfast northern Ireland God bless
Another great vid Steph, yes the Avantime is unique, and very French!
Would have loved one of these a modern personal luxury car,unfortunately way out of my budget at the time.
Great review Steph. I suspect that the button of unknown purpose you mentioned wasn't for the ejector seat, but the autogyro (LOL)..! Although I like the (facelifted) Renault Scenic (1999-2002) I would never have considered an Aventime - way too quirky, impractical, unreliable and expensive to run and maintain. The Vel Satis was perhaps somewhat better - but also expenseive to run, and unreliable, albeit more practical.
It's one of those cars that needed to be built. It could never be a commercial success, but the automotive world would have been poorer without it.
Great choice of car for a vid, enjoyed that Steph. That reg plate!!!!
I once bought a new 1985 Renault Encore. A popular car reviewer of the time called the Renault Encore and Alliance "desperation merchandise even when new". He was absolutely correct. I wish I read that review and certain others before I made my unfortunate decision to buy it.
Work for Renault for nigh on 12 years as a mechanic and I can only say the Aventine was god awful to work on , everything took three times as long and cost five times as much ,l feel sorry for the muppets who bought one 🤨
The natural home for an Avantime is cruising down the autoroute to the south of France.
Great memories of the Avantime....there was a tramp on some waste ground near here that used to live in one.He was as proud as punch👍
Who nicked the rear wiper?
At the national motorshow 1986 in Birmingham Renault had just released the Espace, the first 'people carrier'. We were all over it. So Renault know what they are doing.
Love that car. Only ever seen one. Great vlog
A very striking design that excited journalists who saw the prototype, but it missed every mark with the bulk and driving feel of an MPV but internal space of a coupe.
I've always loved the Avantime, but due to the needs of a family, I ended up with a Vel Satis. Now that I've seen how cramped the space is in the back and how poorly the fit and finish seems to be, I guess I made the right decision.The Vel Satis is very spacious, has an analogue dashboard that still works, is just as quiet and comfortable, but unfortunately doesn't look nearly as cool. My first Vel Satis suffered from electronic difficulties. But the model after the facelift runs very reliably
The doors open very wide, there is a double latch on them to prevent car park dings etc.
Plenty of disabled folk on here and social media posts I’ve made commenting they aren’t wide enough for them to get in the back. I am not here to discount their experience.
That day looks a lot nicer than a modern EV with a 32" TV in the middle of it.
I remember seeing these when they were new. I’ve always wanted one, but it’s increasingly unlikely I’ll get one with them being so rare now 😂
I hate renaults ...but i actually like these
It's a minivan with TWO DOORS? And the doors have the same complicated hinge mechanism as the Mercedes CL from that era. Awesome!
Great video Steph, but I think it's hideous !
I’ll be honest, I’ve ONLY heard of this car because of Gran Turismo 4 for PlayStation 2….Lol! I’m in the U.S here, don’t judge me….Lol! Never seen one in real life, so this video will do it justice for me!
Love these so much!
I’m surprised it was so poor selling as it feels like a car that I used to see in the wild on a fairly regular basis. Perhaps I only saw it a handful of times but it made an impression with its… interesting styling.
Was the Avantime the new Espace?
love this car. I had a Vel Satis and that was great. Id still have one of these.
I want to love it for it's quirks, but sadly, I have functioning eyes.
The Renaults of the early 2000's (mk1 Twingo not included) were godawful to look at.
Well glad my eyes don’t function then! French cars of the time were and are strikingly different, I’d choose one over a Ford or Vauxhall any day- or a VW come to that! And did.
I had one as a courtesy car for a few days back in the day. Absolutely loved the car.
Back in time, that car had unique design just like Mini Cooper and similiar cars, and thats I like it, its great looking car actually...
My family had a 2002 Espace so the interior looks very familiar. It's sort of an interesting concept, why not give your kids more space in the back? And I guess no rear doors means no child locks. I imagine it's not great fun getting people in and out though.
Had enough of Renault for one lifetime. Great design and practical BUT I had a Grand Scenic for a couple of years. Nothing but trouble. Knackered display, electric handbrake packed up, clutch/flywheel issues and then refused to go into 5th gear. The Avantime seems to be the Scenic's prototype....
Nothing but admiration of Renault at a time when the car designer had the freedom to create something unique and not simply tick all the necessary boxes for a sales hit. From memory they were quite pricey and seen very much as a "niche" car. The rest of the Renault range catered for the masses and to be fair, the Espace is seen by many as the first MPV so being new and different can sometimes pay dividends.
I had a chance of buying one for € 8,000 in 2017. I'm still kicking myself that I didn't pull the trigger.
I love the doors!
The Vel Satis and the Avantime overlapped somewhat…. A kind of double whammy really.
I quite like the styling… it’s distinctive, which seems to be a rare trait these days.
a french beauty steph
Avant garde style for sure. Frog3!!!! Thanks.
That and the Vel Satis were very interesting cars at the time.
Who else ever did a three door pillarless MPV with a gorgeous butt? Doesn't matter that it makes no sense, because it's unique.
Wonderfully bonkers. Only the French eh? The number plate is perfect though.
Love the Avantime
Another vehicle that I never knew about, or forgot all about. Thank you.
Je suis français et à sortir , elle était chère et sa ligne trop en avance … aujourd’hui c’est un collector !!!! On est loin du « Worst véhicule »
Personnellement mon pire véhicule est une Jaguar XJS de 1989 qui n’a jamais roulé plus de 200 kilomètres sans tomber en panne !!!
Bon week-end
I loved these
I think that button is rear electric window locking to stop the kids from lowering the windows.
So cool
Love it.....😮
I'm loving that coat and hat combo ✨️