The Renault Avantime Story
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- Ah, the Renault Avantime. A car that when it was released in 2001 looked like it’d just come through a time portal from 2050. And movie companies agreed, with the car being featured in many near future dystopian films like “Children of Men” and “Ready Player One”. The name “Avantime” is a portmanteau, that is a smashing together of the French word “avant” meaning “before” or “ahead” and the English word “time”. So like its name, was the Avantime just ahead of its time? Or was it a nice idea, but an automotive dead end?
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Errata (from Patrick Le Quément no less!): "Thierry Metroz was the designer and not a design manager at the time of the design development of Avantime. There is something you missed out, the inspiration for Avantime came from the VelSatis concept car, a coupé which was presented at the Paris Motor salon in 1998 which first featured that characteristic wrap around backlight."
Patrick Le Quément is one of the best car designers ever.
Last 10 years Renault designs are mediocre and boring...
1990 Renault Clio seems to fit perfectly in his style
@@Avrelivs_Gold He's got a book out that's really interesting (I just skimmed it): "Design Between The Lines"
I owned an Avantime for 14 years and loved it from the moment I set eyes on it in, in fact I would say that I am still in love with the design and actually feel a little jealous of owners when I see one on the road (which sadly is vert rare). They still look astonishing and have amazing presence. The only issue I had was what the hell do you replace it with and it took a Tesla Model S to convince me to let go of the Avantime. I often consider buying one again, but just can't justify a second car just for teh sake of it. Probably the most underrated car of all time.
@@markmartin448 You build your own car to replace it.
Tesla Model S is actually quite similar, with that screen in the middle and the frameless doors and panoramic sunroof.
were is the espace video?. i swear i watched it on this channel
"Note to customers. The F4Rt engine runs very quietly. Never idle this engine in a confined space as this can be both silent and deadly."
Why they just say Carbon monoxide poisoning
@@1985toyotacamry that joke flew right over your head didnt it
Wilson Tuning and he didn’t even hear it fly over him
David Hynd F4Rt Engine.
Owners should take care to thoroughly dry their engines after steam cleaning......nobody likes a wet F4RT !
One of the most 'classy' mpv things ever made..
If people had more sense than sheep they'd realise they be happier in luxury people carriers than SUVs.
Quite so... But if one was to draw a Venn diagram of those who value "classy" and those who value "MPV" I bet there would be almost no overlap.
All your statement needs is "and shit" at the end, and it's perfect.
Probably the only ever 3 door MPV too 🤣🤣
@@ShonnDaylee 🤣
One of the most interesting cars of the 21st century.
With 80% left of the 21st century, I don’t think that’s an appropriate call.
@@sdfsdf23232dsfsdf unlikely there will be many more unique cars
Its a minivan
French manufacturers made a lot of strange and interesting cars over the years (C6, Avantime, DS, GS...). Now they make the Kadjar 🙁
The Kadjar isn't a bad car, just a boring and non-innovative one...
This list of interessting french cars is almost infinite! Twingo mk1, Espace, 2CV, 404-504, 607, traction avant, Méhari (the old one), SM, XM, Xantia Activa, AX, Renault 16 and much more!
The only interessting cars made today by the french are (in my opinion) the Peugeot 508 and the Renault Twizy.
@@thatswiss1385 French and italian cars have been exciting. English cars used to look great and luxurious but fall apart if you looked at them the wrong way. Then came the Montego and the tr7. LOL
Especially citroen always did things different, they made lots of excentric cars.
Nowdays all cars are the same sadly enough. I guess that is what people want now.
ford agriculture boring and non-innovative was my point on the Kadjar; surely is well equipped and designed
@@rimmersbryggeri italian cars where notorious for their electrics and shitty steel. Some Alfa's went rusty before they where a year old.
If you dared to drive something british you had to bring a complete set of spare parts along in the boot with a toolbox. They broke down a lot but luckilly where also pretty easy to get going again at the side of the road. My grandpa always drove triumphs and rovers and jags etc. He really had a love/hate relationship with them.
Nowdays there aren't any really bad cars anymore like back in the day. Most work just fine for years.
Aaaaaand within a few seconds, you caused my mature early 50's mind to regress to the eight year old boy. Thanks a lot... Oh, who am I kidding. The eight year old me is never far away.
My screen name ought to prove that!
@Highly Polished Turd
Did you draw Inspiration for your username from my brown 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?!
If so, I demand royalties!!
@@residentelect probably
I have owned one now for 4 years, and there can’t be a time,
especially when the roof and windows are all open that the car doesn’t get admiring glances, it’s photo taken or I get asked questions. such great fun and a wonderfully elegant car in its own unique French way
In an odd way, the Aventine reminds me of the Peugeot 1007. Both being French 2 door, four seater, high-seated cars that looked to add something new to a relatively dull market.
I know the two cars aren’t particularly comparable, but they both remind me that to this day the French love to try new things - and I really appreciate that!
The 1007's door where awful. Insanely heavy. Ruined the handling
@@victorpelini5995 Okay, I won't take one to the Nürburgring then 👍
Weirdly enough, I bought my Avantime from a lady who also had a 1007.
@@victorpelini5995
Oh good grief, I remember testing a 1007 for a non urgent patient transport vehicle for the Ambulance Service back in 2009.
It was a horrendous vehicle to drive, and that bloody door had a mind of its own?! Thank goodness we ended up going with the Ford Transit Connect!!!
Doomed French cars of the 00s : Avantime, 1007 and C3 Pluriel. One for each brand.
They should have exported it to the US. They would have sold a few thousand a year at the very least. This is just another interesting car we never got to see here in the US. I love the Top Gear episode where they modified one. Thanks.
Back when it came out I was just a kid and I begged my dad to rent one for a couple of weeks. He did eventually find it and I've loved it, I still remember a couple of roadtrips we had in it. I promised myself I'd get one when I grow up and I'm sure I'm gonna do it one day.
I remember the first time I saw an Avantime in the Brewers' Fayre car park when I was about 7 or 8 years old. I had never seen this car before and its styling dazzled my young mind. As I'd never seen it before, I didn't know what it was, so I looked around at the back to see what it was, and there it was - the badge on the back said 'Avantime'.
The Renault Avantime always reminds me of my favorite car ever made, the Subaru SVX. Both have a futuristic design, both didn't sell well because they weren't designed for everyone and both have a small but passionate following even today. I'd love a Subaru SVX story.
me too but there are none to be found.., where do the SVXs go to die?
@@millinutz The scrapyard sadly.
svx - the 80's supercar built in the 90's
I've still seen a handful maybe 3 or 4 in NC over the years. One as recently as a year ago. They must run good because it's obvious there weren't many made.
Love my Subaru Impreza RS, hoping for a STi one day eventually. I've probably owned 4 or 5 Subarus now ❤️
One of the most beautiful cars ever made! It feels so much like conceps car. Definitely need it in my car collection.
Having owned a 2008 Espace for a while, I must admit I have a soft spot for these. My dad was also considering a diesel Avantime in the early 2000s. The idea of the Avantime was completely nuts, a two door coupe Minivan, a car like this was destined to fail from the get go. However I still think that the concept behind it makes a lot of sense, a very comfortable four seater with a lot of space and an airy and relaxing interior design. One of the most pure long distance cruisers ever made. And the Avantime does not make a single pretense to be anything other than a relaxing cocoon, a mistake modern Crossovers make and get derided for. It knows it isn't sporty or dynamic or even "active", and thats why I think the Avantime is so much more beloved than other crossover vehicles made since.
But still, I have driven its bigger heavier 4-door half brother and I can support the claim that these, combined with the manual transmission and V6 engine, are far more fun to drive quickly than they have any right to.
Being the owner of a manual V6 Avantime... I couldn't agree more. It certainly is a relaxing car to drive, all windows down, sunroof open, on warm summer nights or sunny spring days. In those conditions you simply want to enjoy the scenery, enjoy the light, enjoy the fresh air. But hell yeah! Hit the throttle and enjoy the power and sound of the V6! It's definitely not a car to go unnoticed, though. Mine is not a boring colour either. As Clarkson put it, it's a kind of mushy pea green. I simply adore it.
@@B054065 Never had that much contact with the Avantime myself, being an American. But this thing looks way too small for a minivan. Don't get me wrong though, I like the styling and the features. But as a minivan, you'd find more room in minivans by Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Kia, or Hyundai.
@@DTD110865 the only minivan feature in this car is in the looks. Although a large car on the continent, it is not even a 5 seater, but a 4 seater. It was only made to be cool and it delivered in spades. Obviously, a cool car will never sell by the millions so then it was short-lived.
A major mistake Renault made was the choice of only two doors. This meant that a very important part of the market was neglected: that of the chauffeur-driven executive cars. In short, M. le Président de la République would never have an Avantime for his official car.
Oh man, we've had a 2007 Gran Espace for what, 8 years? That was the most I've ever loved a car. We traveled across half the continent in it! Its amazing 3.0 turbodiesel was glorious on the Autobahn! And the comfort... I wouldn't trade it for any German limousine. The only thing that eventually killed it was its fuel economy. 18 liters of pricy Diesel fuel per 100 kilometers in the city. It was so painful, that we switched to a 2016 Nissan Leaf EV after that! That one couldn't ever dream of matching the Espace on the road, but Leaf is a miracle in the city - much better in every way.
An extraordinary vehicle that still looks futuristic.
A classic car in the making. I would love to own one.
Absolutely love the Avantime!
That was really interesting! I didn't know about the Matra connection at all.
Personally, what put me off the Avantime was its silly rear, I found those rear light clusters too fussy and I've always disliked that upright rear window. But by golly, the Avantime has aged well. It makes me sad there are so few out there.
Yeah, the rear seems a waste of space and impractical.
they started the designing at the front but by the time they reached the back, they had run out of good ideas.
@@BigCar2 The boot is pretty big, you can get a full set of Avantime wheels with tyres in it! You do have to be a bit careful with big stuff though just to make sure it's far enough forward though.
@@imnotamechanic3491 Thanks. In the videos I saw it didn't look that big.
@@imnotamechanic3491 don't even have to fold up the pram...
Having avoided French cars for years, I now find myself a happy owner of a Renault Zoe. If they brought back the Avantime as an EV, I would get straight on the waiting list with a level of enthusiasm that could only be described as embarrassing.
Ah l'amour !
I have a Citroen Berlingo diesel from mid 2017. If I bought an electric it would be a Zoe. Most certainly less practical.....
You’ve persuaded me to buy one. The perfect complement to my other Renault- the A110. That would be a great subject.
I hear getting parts for these is a huuuuge issue these days so you better find a pristine one.
Can't blame you though, I would love to have one myself. It seems perfect -- comfortable ride, spacious interior, powerful engine, and unusual looks.
Good luck finding one in good nick!
@@Cube189 Why would that be an issue as it shares most parts with other Renaults?
@@jondasek i'm assuming the unique parts , like body panels or interior fittings and maayyyybbbeeee chassis parts.
One of the all time greats! Thank you for this
Now we just need the Scenic Story :)
I've always loved the Avantime, it's just so unique in so many ways. Probably the most Citroen like Renault ever made 👍.
The GLASS ROOF.... Well THAT REALLY took off. And this car is the first I've seen with it. So you missed that THAT caught on. Even smaller hyundais have it now.
This video also made me understand why the Simca Matra was different from everything else Simca had produced. Matras designers where pigheaded (if that is the right word) which resulted in great cars.
I used to work for Renault when this came out, loved it and still do it was an awesome car.
What I love about this car is that while other non-German's thought they could take on the E-Class/A6 segment with the dull-as-dishwater Omega/607/Saab 95/Xedos, Renault instead learned with the Safrane that they were never going to convert 5-Series drivers - so they went and did their own thing completely. Love it or hate it, you have to applaud their originality and courage. I believe I have only ever seen ONE Avantime here in Ireland, but the Megane which it inspired was one of the most distinctive and recognizable cars of the Noughties decade. Thank you again for more great work!!!!
I had E38 and E39 and Safrane, Safrane was (much) better than E39 and E38 (V12) - but fuel economy in 2.9l was like E38 5.4 and much more expensive in repairs than E38. Safrane is still better than E60, Vel Satis Initiale too but E65 760 (or W221 with ABC suspension) beat them all.
Can't wait to see the VelSatis story. My favorite renault ever made.
They made a "normal" version with alloy interior trim and a fancier version with wood and a dayglo clock. Those crazy French lol
Sat in a brand new one as a kid at a car show at the time I couldn't believe the classiness of the interior, whever it was well screwed together or not I still remember it being a cut above anything I'd come across. Kudos to Renault for being bold/brave on this one even though it was a flop, will never age in its quirkiness
win - you mention the word I was searching for but it wouldn’t come into my head
You are correct. It was bold! and I’m glad they were brave enough to make it.
Excellent review. I don't care if it didn't sell - it looked fantastic and was interesting
Watching this reminded me of the episode where Clarkson, May and Hammond modified one to try and beat a 1:28 time set by an Evo X.
Obviously, the 'Ambitious but Rubbish' mantra held on strong and they only managed a time of 1:35.5.
I've had mine for 19 years, a fully spec 3L V6. It continues to drive beautifully and with 91,000 on the clock still looks like it left the Paris motor show last week. No one believes it's as old as it is, and I have yet to find anything Worthy to replace it with.
Robert Few - that’s a really interesting question!. If you’ve had an Avantime, what possible more modern automotive equivalent is there?
I don’t think there is one, I think it’s unique and therefore technically irreplaceable.
I’m trying to think of something that might have some of the same unusual and interesting qualities, but my mind is a blank.
I think you’re just going to have to keep it another 19 years.
Think it's fair to say we're closing in on The Twingo Story ;)
We're circling it, yes!
@@BigCar2 Brilliant! Can't wait!
I saw the green + white version parked in Subotica, Serbia, just a few days ago, and I was really surprised to see it in person and amazed at how well it aged! I was a kid that was into cars and distinctively remember the Vel Satis and Avantime in the local car magazines, with the Avantime looking to me like a spaceship. I loved it.
I was really happy to see a similar look in the then upcoming new generation of Megane, much more futuristic, styled, breaking from the blaaaand and honestly quite ugly first Megane versions. I see it in the Modus too, such a goodlooking car.
Just wanted to say thanks for doing these videos. I find them really interesting and informative. Covering the history of car manufacturers, there design, and the successes and sometimes failures. Keep them coming, hope you and your family are well and staying safe during these dark days. Much love from the Midlands 👍
Edit: I still have nightmares of the Espace, it was a company car to transport our team to various offices across the country 😬
Glad you like them!
I always click 'like' as the video starts - safe bet!
Instalike
So do I :D
me too!
Not capable of thinking, hey? Bloody sheeple
@@AnthonyTolhurst-dw1nc billions of brain cells and that's the comment you go for?
Thank you for the great video! I have an Avantime, I've learned a lot about it the past 14 minutes :)
Always liked these. It's a pity it didn't get the success it deserved.
Thanks for another great, and well researched video.
My favourite car of all time. Well a head of its time but lack credit due to badge snobs. Brilliant programme. Many thanks
Seeing the Avantime prototype at the International Motor Show in Bucharest ‘99 was breathtaking. I was 13 years old. What followed, it’s history
Wonderfully strange car! Can see why it wasn't a hit, but glad it existed.
I remember seeing Matra Bagheeras in the UK in my youth. I had almost forgotten the name until just now.
I once spent a week in Paris in the 90s driving a rental Espace around. Great cars always liked them.
Drove a V6 for awhile was a lovely car ♥️
Its a shame people today think that a cramped hatchback with a bit of extra ground clearance is what you need to be practical. I've been driving a W124 coupe for the last couple of years and its the most easy to live with car I've ever had, bring back long doors!
If I didn't despise everything about Renault I'd have probably snapped one of these up when they were dirt cheap a few years back.
Others like me using his videos to fall asleep? This is ASMR to me. Thanks!
I really like that you prononce the names correctly in French ! Thanks !
I try
Lovely looking car, had no idea it didn’t really catch on. Saw it at the Birmingham NEC motor show back in it’s day. Well presented and informative as always!
2003, we were in a Renault dealer in France to buy a Clio. Took a long look over an Avantime, so overwhelmed, astonished, intrigued !
It's a cool car but there was no market for a 3-door MPV. It would be crazy even today. Nice of them to think outside the box, though. We need more of that.
This car is simply stunning
Congrats, Cheers from France !
One of 2 French cars I just WANT, along with the C6.
C6, Avantime, velSatis, Clio V6
I have been having an Avantime and a Vel Satis, so only the C6 is missing...
Oh yes I want add the Safrane Baccara, R5 Turbo and the Citroen XM
Hell, I just want another GS, preferably a break/estate.
I wouldn't complain if I got gifted a Bugatti tbh
2:57 "...same year as the Chrysler minivan that also sold well..." 😂😂 an understatement! It was the must have vehicle of the 80s for parents
Even 10 years ago I struggled to find a used one, loved the design. I was prepared to buy a used one instead of a new car because I loved and still love the design.
7:17 The moment you realise Rupert Giles from Buffy had a secret career.
Glad I'm not the only who noticed that.
Glad I'm not the only who noticed that.
I thought that too.
Probably one of the coolest MPV ever
Another classic ahead of its time. Still looks so modern even after all these years. Would love to see a video of the Audi A2 at some point!
A car which continues to astonish me. It's a real thrill to see one on the road :)
I worked in France for a while, not long after the Avantime was canned. One of my French colleagues explained its low sales as “sometimes French cars are too French even for the French”.
Everybody asks for innovation and differentiation and then nobody buys into it. Fantastic style and design solutions. Also R.I.P G. Fosco (his sketch at 3:25)
Great video!
Fantastic!! And by the way, it s the first time i see a native english speaking as a french and correctly prononce the "R". Bravo! Superbe reportage.
Take care
Lovely! Thank you! Going to watch the rest. Very indept. Greets from Holland.
I was waiting for this. Hit the like button as soon as it started playing. I love the model which was ahead of it’s time.
Renault Avantime - one of my all time favourites. I'm not a big Renault fan, but they've had some bold designs and cars over time. I still have the original Twingo in my garage with just 58k km on the clock.
I'm jealous!
I haven’t watched this yet, but, I thought the Aventime was astonishing. The panel gaps were slightly awful, but I loved this car. It was brilliant. I also loved all the Citroens.
I was scolling through my facebook feed and as fan of the Avantime, I folow some pages. On one I saw a familiar headline... "The Renault Avantime Story", white font on black background! Yay! The logo on the corner! So, here I am. I loved the video, and it is honest to say that my admiration for your work is increasing with each video. Just one thing. Matra was already making extensive use of composite materials on Renault Espace panels, and it's sports cars before that.
That makes sense. Thanks for the info!
Gorgeous car. Timeless design.
Thanks for the video. I never knew about the Matra connection.
thank you so much for this video. I remember clearly how obsessed I used to be with this car when I was 12 ... and the entire advertisement campaign that came with it on french TV. truly an outter space concept and beautiful car.
I always love your videos! and this Avantime is quite an amazing mpv! thank you for your hard work!
Thank you very much!
I'd love an Avantine!
You'll need deep pockets to keep it on the road.
Great video glad to see a more obscure car getting it's own story!
Brilliant video, made with obvious love and appreciation for a car that deserved both. Five stars * * * * *
So much research and background info has gone into this!! Your videos are always *breathlessly impressive* - it is always fascinating to learn about the cool, unusual cars you cover on this channel, and you have a very clear, engaging voice which really keeps my attention. Your videos are so dependably entertaining and I always learn something cool when I watch one of these, you deserve every one of your subscribers and Patrons :D
Well researched, well presented, this is a seriously good car channel!
Thank you Jean-Pierre!
I remember the first time I saw this car & it was a stunning design!
One of the most beautiful cars ever.
I saw one of these in the US. Its unmistakable rear design caught my eye at a red light.
The L7X V6 was the best one to have. 3.0 V6 24v with VVT. Also used in the Laguna II, Clio V6, and Citroen C5 and Pug 406 coupe.
yes, and they were all good cars.
Those were the times companies like Renault were not afraid of trying out new concepts. From the same time, the Renault Vel Satis. Such a shame so few were sold and we almost never see one on the streets.
I loved this car design
I remember like it was yesterday...I was 10 years old when I first saw this car...it was my dream car. And imagine my excitement when I get inside on car show. I still remember smell of new car that my parents couldn't buy...
Thank you for such a good production and story! Just as requested! Keep up the good work and thank you for continuing your uploads through the current world situation.
Glad you like them!
THANK YOU I've been waiting for this automotive unicorn!
I have always wanted a Avantime simply because it's so unique and striking. The same goes for the Citroen C6.
My aunt had one as a lease car for a while, unfortunately she had to turn it in for a boring audi around the time production stopped. I only drove in it a few times , but it was a great experience.
The Avantime is possibly my favourite car ever. It is wonderfully innovative and emotive. And *DIFFERENT*
It's the same reason why I'm thoroughly enjoying my Citroën C4 Cactus.
'Reported to the CEO' - explains the radical approach of the Scenic with the bussle rear. That still looks good now.
Great report, my dad had a Renault 16, then a Rancho and was looking at the Espace. He would have loved the Avantime.
Another great video, thank you!
Still have mine love it
I also have one and wud never-ever sell her!! 😁
It'd be a massive success nowadays.
I love that car because its weird and unique as the multipla
DrJ Nn - except the Avantime was much better looking
Both about the same build quality and reliability to be fair. Although I own both 😂
Do you remember the days when I'd turn up to watch your vids 3 hours after you posted and I was in the first 1000.
Strange times ;)
It's nice to have people watching them. But I'm glad you're one of my early supporters. Thanks!
7:18 from Nescafe Gold Blend to Renault designer.
I noticed that too - he looks like Anthony Head.
Big Car, pro made video (I wish it could be even longer).
Thank you!
I really have to give you credit for your videos, they are quite frankly brilliant :-)
I used to work at a Renault dealer in Tonbridge (I quit after about 2 months) back in 2004/5. Renault UK had a service ‘rule’ which was that if you were an Avantime customer, heaven and earth would be moved for you to keep you happy. I think we had maybe only 1 or 2 Avantime customers, and thankfully they were smooth sailing, because the Meganes, Clios and Lagunas of that time were an absolute pile of crap.
Renault always looked well after us - when some idiot took my wing mirror off, the sales guys ductaped it back in place for me and ordered a new one from the matra factory the same day. When I left it at the dealership for a service, they would park it across 2 bays right at the entrance so that everyone coming in would have to pass it.
I'm originally from New Zealand where we don't see that many Renault (or any other French cars for that matter)
On a trip to Grenoble in France in 2005, I saw my first Avantime - a blue 3.0 V6 - parked in the CBD near Place Victor Hugo
I was absolutely transfixed and stood there for probably 20 minutes just looking at this 'thing' in front of me
Just an amazing vehicle - would love to own one (with a manual trans. of course)
This is your best yet!
The first vehicle I remember my dad having that put you up higher was his Toyota HiAce of 1979 or 80
I doubt it was the first. But before the Renault.
Another great vid good sir 😃
In my opinion, the Avantime is a beautiful car!