Renault Avantime
The Renault Avantime was withdrawn from the market in 2004 without a direct successor. Renault had planned to build 80,000 Avantimes, but the model was discontinued due to slow sales after just 10 percent of this number was sold.
Renault Avantime Overview
The Renault Avantime is one of the most distinctive vehicles ever produced by the French automaker Renault. Introduced in the early 2000s, the Avantime was an ambitious project that sought to blend different car genres into one, namely the attributes of a coupe, MPV (multi-purpose vehicle), and a luxury grand tourer.
The Avantime was a one-box design, often described as a “coupe MPV”, with a large glass area and a unique pillarless design when both front and rear windows were down. Designed by Patrick Le Quément, Renault’s chief designer at the time, and developed in conjunction with Matra, the Avantime’s design was bold and stood out in the automotive crowd. The car went into production in 2001 and was produced until 2003. It was manufactured by Matra, a French company that had a history of producing unique vehicles and had collaborated with Renault on previous projects.
The Avantime was equipped with either a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, a 3.0-liter V6, or a 2.2-liter diesel engine. It had features like a panoramic glass sunroof and a unique “double kinematic” hinge system that allowed the large doors to open in tight spaces.
Renault Avantime Sales Figures
Today, the Renault Avantime has achieved cult status among car enthusiasts. Its bold design, limited production numbers, and unique concept make it a sought-after vehicle in classic car circles. While not a commercial hit, the Avantime is a testament to Renault’s willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of automotive design.
Renault Avantime Europe Sales Data & Charts
Europe Annual Sales
| Year | Sales Units |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 722 |
| 2002 | 5,037 |
| 2003 | 2,226 |
| 2004 | 48 |
