RENAULT HAS killed off its radical-looking Avantime.
Since it was launched a year ago, sales have averaged just 15 a day across Europe and it needed four times as many to maintain production.
Renault chairman, Louis Schweitzer, described the decision as "a regret, a sadness". He added, "It calls nothing into question about Renault's design strategy. The design was a positive factor, just as it is a positive factor for the Megane".
This week at the Geneva motor show, Renault unveiled the new version of its ground-breaking Scenic.
Less dramatically styled than the Avantime, the new look rear end of the latest models has raised concerns about its departure from the 'norm'.
The fact that Avantime had no diesel engine or automatic options was also a hindrance to sales, particularly on the continent where derv is much cheaper than petrol.