THE shape of things to come on the Renault stand included the creation of a long-forgotten market segment, the Grand Touring Coupe. Its striking new Avantime, which was shown at the Frank Motor Show in the shape it will take to the road, offers just two doors, but enough space for four adults to travel in comfort.

Powered by a 3.0-litre 24-valve VD engine giving 210bhp through a six-speed manual gearbox, the car can reach 140mph, while offering room for four adults and 540-litres of luggage space. There will be six airbags, driver, front seat passenger and front lateral airbags, as well as two curtain airbags running the length of the car. To increase room, the central pillars have been removed, allowing easier access to the back of the car. Renault expects to charge customers £25,000 to £30,000 when the car goes on sale in the UK in October next year.

In February, an off-road version of the Scenic, the RX4, will go on sale costing about £18,500, which will include a 2.0-litre petrol option and the arrival of Renault's first common-rail unit, a 1.9-litre engine producing 105bhp through permanent four-wheel-drive. A 2.2-litre common-rail engine offering 135bhp has also been developed for other vehicles in the Renault range. Major changes include raised suspension and spare wheel attached to the rear door, which will be side-hinged.

The V6 3.0 V6 Clio came a step closer to its on-sale date, with 400 orders already waiting for the UK alone, more than the annual 300 production run for Britain, while double sliding doors were introduced on the Kangoo van.