Renault Avantime
| Company type | Grand tourer automobile |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | Renault, Matra |
| Defunct | 2003 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Grand touring vehicle |
The Renault Avantime is a grand touring vehicle produced by the French automaker Renault and manufactured by Matra between 2001 and 2003. Conceived by designer Patrick Le Quément, this model blended characteristics of an MPV, estate, and a 2+2 coupé, incorporating convertible-like features within a distinctive one-box silhouette that notably omitted traditional B-pillars.
The term "Avantime" merges the French word "Avant," meaning "ahead," with the English word "time."
Conception and design
Created internally by Renault’s partner Matra, the Avantime was the brainchild of Philippe Guédon, who recognized a trend of brand loyalty among children of Renault Espace owners transitioning to new vehicles. Under the styling direction of Patrick Le Quément, the Avantime sought to combine the spaciousness typical of estate cars with the sleek, pillarless design of a coupé. Thierry Métroz, who managed the design project, highlighted the intent to consistently surprise onlookers, while Renault’s design vice-president Anthony Grade stressed the importance of harmonizing exterior and interior elements, drawing inspiration from the Espace’s central instrument panel for innovative interior design. The cabin was characterized by an architectural feel paired with luxury.
The Avantime’s one-box configuration eliminated B-pillars through an aluminum framework complemented by aluminum greenhouse panels and a large sunroof made from reinforced heat-reflective glass. It included four leather seats sourced from Bridge of Weir, each equipped with integrated seatbelts.
Rear passenger access was made possible via two elongated doors featuring a "double kinematic" double parallel hinge mechanism that reduced door swing. The front side windows automatically lowered when the front seats folded forward. Additionally, power-operated sunshades were fitted to the windows, and rear seats were elevated relative to the front for a "theater seating" effect. The luggage area was outfitted with retractable straps for securing cargo, while all variants showcased a unique two-tone appearance due to exposed aluminum greenhouse framing. The panoramic roof and windows could be opened simultaneously using a single control on the headliner, creating an 'open air' experience reminiscent of classic hardtop coupés.
Structurally, the Avantime utilized the space frame architecture derived from the first-generation Renault Espace, featuring a load-bearing galvanized steel frame with non-structural composite body panels. It was powered by PSA’s 3.0L V6 engine producing 207 hp (152 kW), mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
A facelift project identified as D67 was planned for release between 2004 and 2005 aimed at lowering the rear boot lip but ultimately never entered production.
Launch and reception
The Avantime first appeared as a concept at a press event held in February 1999 at the Louvre, followed by its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show one month later, where it earned the nickname "Coupéspace." Production commenced two years afterward after engineering adjustments were made to its pillarless roof design to meet safety regulations. Despite its groundbreaking styling, sales figures were disappointing. The launch coincided with that of another upscale Renault model, the Renault Vel Satis, which further affected Avantime’s commercial success. Renault considered marketing the Avantime under the Infiniti brand in the United States; however, compliance costs with federal safety standards rendered this option impractical.
Following Matra’s withdrawal from car manufacturing in 2003—partly due to financial losses linked to Avantime sales—Renault chose to cease production rather than shift manufacturing elsewhere. In total, 8,557 units were built between 2001 and 2003, placing it among historically poor-selling automobiles. In 2002, Automobile Magazine observed that although designer Le Quément’s concept was forward-thinking, it failed to resonate with American consumers who favored practicality over luxurious grand tourers.
Sales
| Year | Europe[lower-roman 1] |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 779 |
| 2002 | 5,037 |
| 2003 | 2,226 |
| 2004 | 48 |
| Cumulative Total: | 8,090 |
References
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