Renault Avantime DRIVE Featured Model: 3.0 V6 Privilège

Car test R0142 June 2001 FIRST Renault Avantime DRIVE Featured model: 3.0 V6 Privilège AT A GLANCE considering size, price and rivals Controls/displays µµµµ¡ Handling/steering µµµ¡¡ Comfort µµ¡¡¡ Space/practicality µµ¡¡¡ THE AVANTIME RANGE size and type upper-medium, 3-door MPV-style coupé (premium priced) trim levels Dynamique (2.0), Privilège (3.0 V6) engines petrol: V6/3.0 litre/210bhp, 4/2.0t/165; diesel: possibly 2.2 dCi later drive front-wheel drive, 6-speed manual (five-speed stepped automatic with torque converter optional) notable features (Privilège) ABS and brake assist, traction control, curtain T USED TO BE CITROEN THAT WAS manual gearbox. Its a flexible, electric airbags, rain sensor, auto-dip mirror, famous for daring, non-conformist motor-smooth power unit that gives lively parking sensors, cruise/speed limiter I controls, panoramic sunroof with electric designs, but it seems that Renault is performance despite the Avantimes bulk now taking on that mantle. Vel Satis and (expect 0-60mph in about 8½ sec). Its a shade, auto climate control, heated front the new Espace are yet to come, but first lovely long-legged cruiser, too. The car seats. Options: leather trim, satnav will you welcome Avantime the long really cries out for automatic transmission wheelbase coupé that thinks its an MPV. (available next summer), but fortunately VITAL STATISTICS (cm) The quirky new monospace has just two the six-speed (Laguna/Clio V6) box has a length x width (inc mirrors) 464x208 doors (admittedly theyre huge and light, easy shift. front- legroom 87-105 cleverly double-hinged to take up less With Espace-based underpinnings, its - headroom (with sunroof) 94-100 opening space), and only the drivers seat not really surprising that the Avantime rear - typical legroom 91 both tilts and slides to let rear passengers handles rather like its MPV sibling. The ride - typical kneeroom 70 step into the light, bright and impressively feels a bit jostly on broken surfaces, but - headroom 93 finished cabin. This isnt too difficult, otherwise, road faults are well-cushioned - hiproom 132 except that the floor is quite high. and the light, accurate steering, though load space (all seats in use) Despite their big and sumptuous lacking in feedback, gives a nimble feel that (litres/cu ft) 540/19.1 appearance, the back seats are too encourages brisk driving. load length (seats up/folded) 82/163 low-set to provide comfortable thigh Beyond the tailgate, luggage space load width 114 support, theres limited leg-stretching varies from large to extra large (according load sill height (inside/outside) 30/80 space and no room for feet under the front to how the rear shelf is positioned) or, of rear shelf in floor position (additional seats. And this in a car thats longer and course, outsize with the 60/40 divided space below) wider than an Espace! Passengers have a back seats folded forwards. panoramic view, though there are no LIKES ... centre pillars and pressing the open air VERDICT button simultaneously lowers all the side composite, rust-free body panels The Avantime is a triumph of style windows and the big sunroof for an al excellent Carminat satnav (optional) over practicality. Looked at fresco feel. ability to switch mph/kph on speedo pragmatically it is, in the nicest The driver has the best seat in the house. plenty of storage bins and drawers possible way, a waste of space. Its heated and part-electrically adjustable, comfortable front passengers toeboard Whats more, it isnt especially but it really needs cushion tilt adjustment, flat rear floor and no sills as well. Although the rear pillars are huge, comfortable in the back, neither is and GRIPES vision is aided by good door mirrors that the newcomer quite the technical short on innovative technology canbeelectricallyfoldedausefulfeature tour de force it could have been. gearchanging elbow contacts armrest because the Avantime is a big girl to take Renault has produced some cracking interior mirrors distant view cut off down narrow lanes. The large digital concepts in its time, notably of late only driver can work heater/air con speedometer is unmissable, too. the Espace and Scenic, but the jury is doors dont close with a solid thunk Initially the Avantime is available only still out on Avantime.Could it be third temporary (steel) spare wheel with Renaults lusty 3.0 V6 engine and a time unlucky? Time will tell. © The Automobile Association Limited 2001.

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