Renault, the inventor of the mechanical gearbox, the initiator of the diesel engine and the turbo engine on mass-produced cars. The French manufacturer has often distinguished itself by its risky proposition innovative models that differ from competitors. Of course, we remember Renault 4 was released in 1961with Renault 16 of 1965. But above all and very recently, Espace (1984), Twingo (1992) and Scénic (1996). But like others, Renault also took risks that didn’t pay off, models that today are considered commercial failures that never knew how to find their audience. Here Losange’s greatest disappointment.

Renault Avantime

After the success of Espace and Scénic, which allowed Renault to become the benchmark among minivans, the builder feels his wings grow and wants to continue to revolutionize this category. The answer came in 2002 Avantime: minivan coupe ! Built on the Espace 3 platform, it features two doors, windows without a central pillar, a panoramic roof and an arched rear window. but, too heavy, underpowered and stuck between two diametrically opposed categoriesAvantime did not have the expected success (8552 copies).

Renault Vel Satis

From a large sedan 25, Renault never returned to premium models. Safrane was indeed there, but we hoped that he would overshadow the Germans more, in vain. To offer a model that is the polar opposite of what is available on the market, Renault does the same as it did with the Avantime: by offering a typical minivan model, but this time luxurious and refined: the Vel Satis. In a segment where traditional sedans remain very conservative, Renault’s new road car offering does not fare well. Ugly, disproportionateshe also has to deal with serious electronic problems and catastrophic reliability of its V6 diesel units supplied by Isuzu. A stillborn car…

Renault Wind

In a completely different context, In the mid-2000s, Renault wanted to offer a “walkable” mini roadster at a lower price. In style Mitsubishi Colt CZC, Opel Tigra or Smart Roadster Example. The Losange starts with the Twingo platform, and the final model is deformed, to say the least. Rude design, only 2 seats and no diesel : Wind would be a real commercial failure, remaining in the Renault catalog for less than three years.

Renault Kangoo Be Bop!

In 2008, Renault unveiled the Kangoo Compact, a version shortened by 34 centimeters of its star SUV. It is intended for professionals who are looking for a more practical model for traveling and parking in the city. An option that is difficult to convince craftsmen and workers who are looking for volume and therefore a larger model. In order to preserve the Kangoo Compact, we decided to offer it in a passenger version: this is how Be Bop was born!. Two Scénic seats are installed in the back, which limits the number of seats to 4 and increases the weight of the car. Underpowered (definitely!) and more expensive than the more livable “regular” Kangoo, the Be Bop! will be another great failure in honor of Losange.

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