Renault Avantime

March 2002

Now Renault has taken this cross-breeding a step further, giving birth to what it calls an entirely new genre of car: the MPV coupe. The Avantime is due to make its UK debut early next year but, impatient as ever, we crossed the Channel prior to the official launch to put this amazing coupe-cum-people carrier through its paces in France.

From head-on it actually looks quite tough. But it's from the side that the Avantime justifies its coupe tag. It isn't until you take in the strange curves and distorted figure-of-eight lamp clusters at the rear, however, that you really appreciate what a huge leap in the dark Renault's millennium motor represents.

One of the Avantime's unique features is its panoramic roof. Press a button and a tinted glass panel slides back to reveal a huge opening. Hold down another switch and the roof and all four windows come down simultaneously, so it rivals a Targa-top sports car.

In terms of layout, the interior is far more conventional. The full-width digital dash is copied from the Espace, and below it is a huge storage bin, the top of which houses the optional satellite navigation. Unfortunately, the system's controls are positioned well out of the driver's reach and view. Interior build quality isn't much better, but we're assured that the uncooperative seat back release and loose glovebox lid will be ironed out before the car's launch. Despite using the Espace platform, the Avantime is effectively a four-seater out of the Grand Tourer mould. The split-folding rear chairs are extremely comfortable, and head and shoulder space is in plentiful supply, but there's precious little room for feet. Rear access is tricky, and the large boot is compromised by a high sill that makes loading awkward - another legacy of the car's unconventional shape.

Renault UK expects to have an entry-level 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol version with a five-speed automatic gear-box ready at launch, but for now the Avantime features the Laguna's 3.0-litre V6 and six-speed manual transmission. The variable valve-timed unit produces 210bhp at 6,000rpm and 285Nm of torque at 3,750rpm, propelling the coupe from 0-60mph in under 8.5 secounds and on to a 138mph top speed.

Performance is rather leisurely below 3,000rpm, but the engine picks up well as the revs grow, providing plenty of punch for overtaking. The six-speed box is also a pleasure to use, with a slick action and a long throw, although the fixed armrest can get in the way of fast changes. Combined with a good driving position, direct steering and ABS with emergency brake assist, this makes the Renault surprisingly fun to drive. A chassis that is 60 per cent stiffer than the Espace's and a much lower stance gives it poise and grip that you'd never expect from such a tall, heavy machine.

Refinement is equal to most executive saloons, with little in the way of road or engine noise infiltrating the cabin. The suspension also strikes a good compromise between comfort and stability, giving a smooth ride that only loses its composure over sharp bumps.

Our flagship Privilege model features electric lumbar support, heated seats, a CD player, climate control, six airbags, traction control and ESP all as standard. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but expect to pay around

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