Calling it a coupe is somewhat misleading according to our normal definition of "coupe". The Avantime is based on the floorpan of Espace, having 4 individual seats, an MPV-style high center of gravity, a 1740 kg kerb weight and powered by a sedan V6. Don’t expect it to sprint to 60 mph in anything less than 8 and a half seconds and corner as if a normal car (let alone a coupe). The Avantime is still very Espace in nature, although it receives tauter suspension tuning and a six-speed manual gearbox.  

So why is it called coupe ? You won’t get the answer until looking it in detail. In my opinion, it is very stylish, even more beautiful than many coupes (e.g. Opel Astra coupe). While the front end might not be everyone’s taste, it is undeniably very distinctive and concept-car like. Grilles above the headlamps are deliberately added for visual effect - without them, the bonnet would have looked too high and less sporty. The most beautiful to look is from the sides - one big door each side (therefore coupe), big frameless windows, no B-pillar, two-tone colour with the aluminium pillars and roof rails exposed in original color, strong shoulder line, 17-inch wheels (another coupe feature), beautifully-shaped front quarter window .... The rear end looks even more unique, with a short and tilt tail (it actually has a hatchback open to the roof), wrap-around rear window and artistic rear lights. In short, the Avantime looks very advanced, very space-age. Only the French can do this. 

Though le Cost Killer is now in Japan heading Nissan, Renault won’t let the style of Avantime overriding the cost-cutting policy. In fact, although the car feels so unique, it is actually a low cost project needing just 60,000 to 80,000 sales in whole life span of 6 years to be considered as successful. Money is saved in various clever ways. First of all, the whole steel floorpan is shares with the next Espace, the new Laguna and Vel Satis. In the Matra production line, aluminium roof rails are attached to the floorpan, accompany with many composite body panels and some steel panels. The most expensive panel would have been the roof, but Renault gave the car a full-length glass roof instead, not only saving cost but also enhance the feel of freedom.  

The engine is the 3-litre V6 co-developed and produced with PSA. Like Peugeot 607, it has got 2-stage intake variable valve timing so that good for 210 hp and 210 lbft. That’s not very powerful for a 1740 kg vehicle. Originally Renault wanted to give it the 250 hp version from the mid-engined Clio Sport V6, but you know, the Avantime is front-wheel drive so that it is not easy to handle the extra power without torque steer. Anyway, the Clio’s 6-speed gearbox is employed to make better use of the less powerful V6.  

The real pleasure of Avantime is not to drive it, but is to travel in it. The whole cabin is artistically styled - if you don’t looking at the side-mounted multi-function controls, you won’t guess that the dashboard structure is identical to Espace. The digital readout is in the center of dashboard, so is satellite navigation. The cabin is fully leather clad in two-tone color scheme. Four comfortable and beautiful leather seats have integrated seat belt mounting because the car is B-pillarless. It’s a very special place to be in. Above you is a glasshouse roof, both sides are big windows without blocking by pillars, and you sit high to enjoy all the 360° scenery. Open the huge glass roof, slide down all windows and the car becomes nearly a Targa ! 

The lack of B-pillar is compensated by the big doors which are designed to be part of the stressed structure when shut. This contributes to chassis rigidity and crash protection. The doors are extra large for rear passengers’ ease of access. Double hinges ensure you need not to swing it too wide to get in the front row.  

On the road 

Despite of imperfect fit and finish, the cabin has the sense of occasion unfound elsewhere, especially the 2-piece doors. There is abundance of room up front. At the rear, head and elbow room is also vast of, but leg room is just adequate for a regular height passenger. The biggest flaw is the lack of foot room under the front seats because the rear floor is higher than the front. Anyway, compare it with any coupes, it is still comfortably the most spacious. 

Surprisingly, the Avantime drives nothing like a MPV. Though center of gravity is high, its suspensions are sporty thus body control is fairly good. 235 tyres generates a lot of grip without introducing too much harshness to ride quality. On motorway at speed, the Avantime rides smoothly and quietly enough to match with some executive sedans. Only rough B-roads will upset the complaint ride. The good balance between handling and ride must thanks to the 60% stiffer chassis (compare with the current Espace) and new hydroformed front subframe on which the suspensions mounted. Besides, 2702 mm wheelbase is also nimble. 

The 305mm front Brembo discs provide sufficient stopping power to the 1740kg vehicle. Steering is quick and accurate, although communication is always not the strength of Renault. The 6-speed gearbox, as found in Clio V6 and Laguna diesel, is slick and playful. The big V6 is always linear and torquey enough at above 3,000rpm. All these sum up to an entertaining driving experience that no one would have predicted.  

To broaden its appeal, Renault also offers a cheaper version powered by a 2.0-litre 16V light-pressure twin-scroll turbo, with 165hp and plenty of low-end torque. Next year will come the 5-speed Tiptronic as already used in Laguna. However, I have no doubt that the V6 with 6-speed manual is the best combination.  

Renault and Matra have again rewritten the automotive history. As its name suggested, Avantime is advancer than the time being. It shows us how the future may be.