Revving Through Time: Unraveling the Legacy of the Renault 5
The Story of the Renault 5: A French Supermini Icon
A Journey from Innovation to Iconicity — Explore the Enduring Charm and Impact of the French Supermini, the Renault 5.
The Renault 5 is one of the most iconic and successful models in the history of the French carmaker. Launched in 1972, it was the first example of what we would today call a supermini: a small, practical, and affordable hatchback that appealed to a wide range of customers. It was also a versatile and innovative car that spawned various versions, from the economical to the sporty, and from the conventional to the electric. In this article, we will explore the story of the Renault 5, from its origins to its legacy.
The Origins of the Renault 5
The idea of creating a new small car for Renault came from Bernard Hanon, a Frenchman who had been working for Renault in the US. He felt that the company needed a car that could attract younger and more urban customers, who were looking for something more stylish and modern than the existing Renault 4 and 6. He also wanted to compete with the emerging rivals from Italy, Germany, and Japan, who were offering attractive and efficient small cars.
Hanon convinced Renault boss Pierre Dreyfus to approve the project in 1970, and assigned Michel Boué, a young and talented designer, to create the shape of the new car. Boué had previously worked on the Renault 12 and 15, and had a keen sense of aesthetics and proportions. He sketched the outline of the new car, codenamed “122”, on a piece of paper, and then used a scale model to refine the details.
Boué’s design was simple but elegant, with a sloping front end, a large glass area, and a distinctive rear hatch. He also incorporated some innovative features, such as plastic bumpers, hidden door handles, and rectangular headlights. The car had a unibody construction, with a mid-front-engine layout, where the engine was mounted longitudinally behind the front axle and the gearbox ahead of it. This allowed for a spacious interior and a large boot, despite the compact dimensions of the car.
Unfortunately, Boué died of cancer in 1971, at the age of 38, and never saw his creation come to life. The Renault 5 was launched in January 1972, and was an instant hit. It received praise from the critics and the public for its design, practicality, performance, and economy. It was also very affordable, with a starting price of 9,900 francs (about £1,000 at the time).
The Evolution of the Renault 5
The Renault 5 was produced in two generations, from 1972 to 1996, and sold over 8.5 million units worldwide. During its long and successful career, it underwent several changes and improvements, and spawned many variants and derivatives. Here are some of the most notable ones:
The Renault 5 Alpine (1976): This was the first sporty version of the Renault 5, developed in collaboration with Alpine, a French company specialized in racing and sports cars. It had a 1.4-litre engine with 93hp, a five-speed gearbox, a stiffer suspension, and a distinctive blue and white livery. It was also the first mass-produced car to use a turbocharger, which boosted its power to 110hp in the later Alpine Turbo model. The Renault 5 Alpine was very successful in rallying, winning several national and international championships.
The Renault 5 Le Car (1976): This was the name given to the Renault 5 in the US and Canada, where it was imported by American Motors Corporation (AMC). It was marketed as a fun and economical car, with a catchy slogan: “The one to watch, the one to catch”. It was also featured in several movies and TV shows, such as The Muppet Movie, The A-Team, and Magnum P.I. It was discontinued in 1983, due to the increasing competition from Japanese and Korean cars.
The Renault 5 GT Turbo (1985): This was the second sporty version of the Renault 5, and the most powerful one. It had a 1.4-litre engine with 115hp, a turbocharger, an intercooler, and a larger radiator. It also had a more aggressive body kit, with flared wheel arches, a rear spoiler, and a front grille. It was capable of reaching 0–60mph in 7.5 seconds, and a top speed of 125mph. It was a popular car among young drivers and tuners, who often modified it to increase its performance and appearance.
The Renault 5 Electric (1990): This was the first electric version of the Renault 5, and one of the first mass-produced electric cars in the world. It was based on the second-generation Renault 5, and had a 20kW electric motor and a 6.5kWh lead-acid battery. It had a range of about 60 miles, and a top speed of 50mph. It was mainly used by public authorities and utilities, such as the French Post Office, EDF, and RATP. It was also available for private customers, but only through leasing contracts. It was discontinued in 1996, due to the high cost and low demand of electric cars at the time.
The Renault 5 Supercinq (1984): This was the name given to the second-generation Renault 5, which was launched in 1984. It was a major update of the first-generation model, with a new chassis, a new body, and new engines. It was also larger, more comfortable, and more aerodynamic than its predecessor. It retained the basic shape and style of the original, but with smoother lines and more modern features. It was available in various trim levels and versions, such as the Campus, the GTL, the Baccara, and the Gordini. It was produced until 1996, when it was replaced by the Renault Clio.
The Legacy of the Renault 5
The Renault 5 is widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful cars of all time. It was a pioneer in the supermini segment, and set the standards for design, practicality, and innovation. It was also a versatile and adaptable car, that could appeal to different tastes and needs, from the economical to the sporty, and from the conventional to the electric. It was a car that reflected the spirit and culture of its time, and that left a lasting impression on generations of drivers and enthusiasts.
Today, the Renault 5 is still a popular and sought-after car among collectors and fans, who appreciate its charm, character, and performance. It is also a source of inspiration for Renault, who recently announced the revival of the Renault 5 as an electric car, as part of its strategy to become a leader in electrification and mobility. The new Renault 5 Prototype, unveiled in January 2021, is a modern reinterpretation of the classic model, with a retro-futuristic design, a zero-emission powertrain, and a high-tech interior. It is expected to go into production in 2024, and to bring back the magic and the joy of the Renault 5 to a new generation of customers.
